When my son came to me at 17 years old and told me he was
joining the Marine Corps, my heart sank.
Dear Editor:
When my son came to me at 17 years old and told me he was joining the Marine Corps, my heart sank. He had always spoken about serving America by joining the military, but now it was a reality. It took me a while to process the fact that he was not joking, like he always did. For a moment, I was filled with mixed emotions, my mind racing to come up with every excuse and unimaginable reason why he should not join. He wanted me to sign documents, as he was still 17. Knowing his birthday was only a couple of months away, I asked if he would like this to be his first adult decision once he turned 18. We sat down and talked. That would be the first and most important decision of Raymond’s adult life. Raymond is the oldest of four kids. He has a younger sister Amanda and two younger brothers, Justin and Anthony.
Raymond joined the Marine Corps in August 1996, and since then he got married and has four children, Emiliano, Deliah, Calista and Leilani. Why the Marines? He wanted the toughest training that would ultimately challenge his physical and mental endurance. He succeeded. Serving as a war veteran had always been at the forefront of his military career. He spoke of it to me as an accomplishment and honor to serve where he would hopefully “make a difference.”
Eight years later, Iraq. Raymond shipped out February, 2004. Once again, my hear sank. His words to me were “Mom, I just want to do my job the best I know how, come back and get on with the rest of my life with my family.”
As difficult as that departure was, both for him and all his family, there was a more difficult event that would follow almost immediately. In April, 2004, Raymond was beckoned back home. His dad was seriously ill. It took Raymond five days to get home to his family. His father passed away four days later. The family was devastated by the loss of their dad. Raymond made a statement I will never forget. “Mom, why is it that every time I am sent out on a mission, I lose one of my family?”
Tragically, he was right. While out in Florida in 1997, his cousin passed away. Then in 1998 while in Japan, his grandmother died in Texas.
We are all so very proud of Raymond, as we are of all the men and women, who are serving this great country, with the hope of making a difference that will always be honored and remembered graciously. It is with this introduction of my son, Raymond, that I would like to share the most current e-mail I received from him.
“Sorry I have not written in awhile, mom. I have been extremely busy with the pack up and I can’t wait to go home. I will write more when I get a chance. Please let everyone know that I appreciate the prayers and the love. I feel all the way out here and let them know I do this for my whole family. I feel this is my contribution to the U.S., and I have a part in giving our country the freedom and greatness that it has. Let everyone know not to take what they have for granted. If they could see it through my eyes, they would be grateful even if they were homeless. These people had it rough and I hope that I did my part to make this place better than what it was. I’ve got to go for now, mom. I love you and miss you with all of my heart and hope we see each other soon under better circumstances next time.”
Though his note was short and simple, his voice rang proud and strong about his convictions. He is truly a proud American, a triumphant soldier with the biggest heart, and he is my son SSGT. Raymond Donald Lopez Jr. / United States Marine Corps.
Let us not forget the sacrifice. If they don’t do the job, who will? They are our sons, daughters, moms, dads, aunts, uncles, cousins, boyfriends, girlfriends, fiancees and friends. Honor them as the true heroes they are!
If You Could See It Through His Eyes,
Mary L. Lopez, a Soldier’s Mom,
Hollister
