Memorial Day

My mother-in-law sent my husband a card for Memorial Day.

My husband was dreading telling his mother that he was deploying. Especially since he knew that when she asked him where, he would have to answer, "Iraq."

I can put myself in her shoes and imagine how hard it would be to hear those two syllables coming from my son. As a military wife, it isn't completely impossible to imagine what being a military mother must be like. I could very easily be one myself one day.

It doesn't take much for my mind to wander and imagine generations of young people uttering the most feared collection of syllables to their own mothers. Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, Korea, the Pacific, Germany, on and on to include those men who fought in their own backyards.

The wars may change, but the mothers stay the same.

I asked my husband, a little incredulously, "You're more worried about telling your mother than you were about telling me?"

He told me that yes, he was, because I live this life. I understand it. I expect it. For the most part, I love it. All of which is true.

No, it doesn't take much for me to imagine my own son telling me he is going to war. Maybe being a military wife will help me accept it, but I doubt it. Your husband may be your partner and your soul mate, but your child is like a piece of your heart walking about on its own.

Today is an excellent day to think of Gold Star Mothers who have lost a son or daughter in service to this country. Everyday is a good day to think of Blue Star Mothers whose hearts are fighting right now.