I’m not the first or the last mom to send a child off to do military service, but that doesn’t make it any easier.
Our first son went in to the Air Force with a wife and a baby on the way, and we knew because of the career path that he chose that he would always be stateside. Because of this we got to visit some parts of the country that we probably wouldn’t have otherwise. We are very proud of him for his service and the skills that he learned along the way.
Sending a young man off to the Navy. Wow. Even though we are very proud of Connor’s decision to join the Navy, and while we are excited for this new adventure coming up in his life, it doesn’t come without some fears.
Did we teach him what he needs to know to be out on his own?
Did we teach him to respect authority and to listen to the still small voice?
Did we teach him to pray in times of darkness and loneliness?
Did we remember to tell him that he is never alone?
Does he know we love him even though we get after him for leaving his scrambled egg pan on the stove every morning?
Does he know that all of the many talks and lectures we give him (where he rolls his eyes and acts totally bored) are because we want him to be safe and happy and that we would never steer him wrong?
Will he remember that while his Sergeant is yelling at him and making him feel small and inferior that his Heavenly and Earthly parents love him and know that he is a valuable member of society and of our family?
Will he remember that he is a child of God?
Does he know that his family will love him no matter what?
Is he ok with the fact that he will always be our baby; our 6’2” tall baby?
My prayer for him is that he will be the strong force that keeps himself and others in-line. That he will remember and respect his heritage. I wish for him to be respected by his authority figures for his high standards and integrity and moral values.
I want him to be happy, safe and strong.
Will I miss him? Terribly. Am I proud of him? Terribly. Do I love him? Terribly.
We send you off with our love and encouragement, and we will always be here with a listening ear and a soft, kind heart, and words of advice.
Till we meet again,
Love, Mom and Dad
