June 13, 2010

Sunday

I was watching the news this morning, just the local news. I watch to check weather. I deliberately avoid the national news because I don't want to see if there is any military killed in Afghanistan, my son is over there.

I don't even know what city he is in. He's not supposed to tell us details about what he does or where he is exactly and I understand that. So the only thing i do know is that he is in Afghanistan.

He was just 17 years old when he enlisted in the Air Force, spent his 18th birthday in basic training. It was a tough time for him but he showed what he was made out of. I'm very proud of him.

I won't say what he does but his job is very dangerous and puts him in harms way every day. I trust he is protected because I always ask the Angels to protect him. He laughs at me when I say that, but I know in his heart it makes him feel good.

It is really hard for me to believe that he will have been in the Air Force for 3 years just before he celebrates his 21st birthday in August.

yesterday when I ran out to the store I saw a car with stickers plastered all over the back. The first thing I noticed was the familiar yellow ribbon sticker that normally says "Pray for or protect our troops", his sticker said "protect zombies". My first instinct was disgust. Reading the other stickers confirmed that this was obviously someone who didn't appreciate the sacrifice or our military sons and daughters . I was mumbling to myself as I continued to read his stickers. Then I started to read one that sounded very familiar. "Be who you are, and say what you think because those that mind don't matter and those that matter don't mind" It was a quote by Dr. Seuss. One that I shared with all three of my  sons. One I lived by. And I found myself smiling. Yep, sometimes we might not agree with anothers point of view but my son is fighting for his/her right to say it. We can not all be cookie cutter Americans but if we want to consider ourself an American we MUST support the right of ALL to  give their point of view.

It is just as much my duty to respect that kids right to post his point of view, as it is my way to honor my son by accepting that all will not agree with me, or with his service.  All my sons are adamant about honoring others points of view. I'm proud that I taught them to repect that everyone won't share their POV but that they should respect their right to hold it.

My three sons are so different from one another on the surface. My oldest son is gay, my middle son looks like a biker covered with tatoos and piercings and there is the one that is in the Air Force. Yet, they are very close to one another and love each other. Each of them has told me about others that they know fighting with their family over something and realizing how lucky they are that they actually still love and support one another.

Yep, I'm a very proud mom. No matter what mistakes I made in life. I have three sons that make me realize I did something right. :)

And Michael, Angels please protect my sons.

Thank you! :)