Reflection of a Military Mom

Because yesterday was Veteran's Day, I spent a great deal of time reflecting on all the Veteran's who have been in my life.  Some I appreciated, loved and others I tolerated...not because they were Veteran's, but just because.

Serving our great nation has been instilled in my family since the Civil War.  So many have served through out the years but have never effected me or taught me more than my son, he was and is the Veteran who changed my life in more ways than any other.

Being the child of a veteran, the sister of a veteran, the aunt of a veteran, the spouse of a veteran exposes you to many wonderful, difficult and heart stopping experiences. However, being the Mother of a soldier is different than any of these.  You are giving your child into a service that could result in the ultimate sacrifice.

There are so many times over the past 19 years I have been blessed to be the Mother of a Soldier.  My son wanted to be a soldier from the time he was in grade school.  It was what his heart wanted and he worked to achieve that goal. Never have I been ashamed, angry or resentful of the life he chose.  

As I sit and think about all the wonderful life experiences Bo received and earned while serving active duty and later as a Wounded Warrior, I am reminded of all the blessings that have come my way because of him.

He showed me love, respect and honor everyday he served.  He taught me tolerance, stamina, understanding and compassion for others that are different than me.  He gifted me friends who are now my family to last a lifetime and more.

He never failed to remember that as his Mother there were and are parts of war that a "Mom" has no business seeing or hearing.  He protected me from the aspects of military life he felt would be harmful to me.

There are programs for Mothers who's child has been killed in the line of duty, there are programs for spouses and children, but there are no programs for Mothers of Soldiers who died or were killed after discharge.  We make our own way, we lean on other soldiers, Veteran's groups and activities that draw us into that circle our child was in.  Why?  because once you are a part of a military family, you are family forever.  You are protected, loved and cherished in ways that unless you have experienced you will probably never understand.

There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss and grieve for this wonderful child of mine, but......because of him, I now more people in my life who will always care for me and love me.....

I am and always will be the Mother of a Soldier......part of our great Military Family.

BoMomma