Recently while out shopping, I ran into an old friend. It had
been several years since we last saw one another, and as others
pushed their carts around us, two stones parked center stage in the
streaming river of Independence Day sale shoppers, we spent some
time catching up on the past decade or so.
Recently while out shopping, I ran into an old friend. It had been several years since we last saw one another, and as others pushed their carts around us, two stones parked center stage in the streaming river of Independence Day sale shoppers, we spent some time catching up on the past decade or so.
Of course when old friends meet, especially moms, the first item of business is our kids. How are they, how old are they, where are they now? Marriages? Kids? You know, the usual. Which is how I learned that Susie’s two offspring, a boy and a girl and both all grown up now, had done an amazing thing. They had both joined the military.
Now I don’t know about you, but I still fret about my kids. Even though they’re all grown up with babies of their own, I’ve accepted the fact that it’s one of those things you sign on for when you become a parent. And no, I don’t worry all out of proportion or anything, but still. Each time one of them moved away to go to college, I was a basket case.
So that’s why I was so amazed at Susie’s big smile and great attitude. Her son, she told me, had recently returned from Iraq. Yes, that Iraq. I don’t know how she handled it. Good heavens, I fretted about having my daughters attend college classes in Arizona and San Luis Obispo; how on earth would I have managed to come out the other side knowing a child of mine was in Iraq?
The answer is simple. Pride. Pure and simple. As well as trust in the military and big-time faith in God that He will keep our children safe. Not to mention, knowing that your son or daughter has signed on to do a task far larger than any one of us. For while statistics say that only one-half of one percent of our country’s population is in the military, those voluntary members of the armed forces have jumped to the head of the line in the work of keeping our nation – and us – free.
And Melina, I asked Susie. What is she doing in the military? “Melina graduated boot camp,” replied Susie. Laughingly she joked, “Boot camp! I wouldn’t even be able to survive ‘The Biggest Loser!'”
What always impressed me about Susie’s kids, Alan Jr. and Melina, was their love and respect for family. Family is a big deal to Susie’s kinfolk. When I worked with Susie several years ago a weekend didn’t go by when something family-related wasn’t happening. Picnics. Camping. The beach. And when there was work to be done, the kids helped then, too.
So it’s no surprise that both Susie’s kids heeded the call of duty and joined the service. Alan Jr., a father of two himself now, realized the opportunities a life in the military provides. And beautiful Melina, who I remember as a sweet young woman in her late teens, proved herself in boot camp – increasing her endurance, raising her running speed, performing push-ups – not to mention perfecting the correct way to handle military firearms. Plus the lack of sleep and mental stress are significant; stories of boot camp for military recruits are legendary. But she is in job training now after surviving all the rigors of boot camp, and I have no doubt she’ll do just great.
The fact that military service provides excellent training and benefits gets lost sometimes. I often wonder why more young men and women don’t take advantage of this age-old proving ground.
While many kids arrive at college unprepared to decide on their future, in the military they are taught to be tough, honest and ready to take life by the horns – just when they are experiencing the break from high school. It’s a fast track to maturity. Either you make it or you go home.
And while most Americas were enjoying a relaxing three-day weekend over the Independence Day holiday, thousands of U.S. troops continued fighting two wars abroad in Iraq and Afghanistan. And Susie was preparing to march with other mothers of service men and women in the local July 4th parade.
Susie joined South Bay Blue Star Moms, a service group of military moms, which she said has been helpful to her in handling her only two children being away in the service. These special moms received well-deserved standing ovations from the many folks watching the parade on Sunday.
So bless you, Alan and Melina, and all of our military men and women; your hometowns wish you the best during your service to our country and God’s speed in your safe return. And thank you, Susie, for being the kind of mom who gave her precious babies their powerful wings to fly.
