Reality

The last couple of days have been very difficult.  Being a Soldier's mom, I find the loss of any Soldier to be tough.  For some reason, the latest casualty has been especially difficult.  I did not know the Soldier.  I did not know the Soldier's mom.  But I find that my heart aches terribly at their loss.  I have followed her journey through another friend.  Today she flew to Delaware to retrieve her son's casket.  They will fly to Arlington, Texas for his burial service next week.  Her other two sons are also Marines, as is the deceased Soldier.  I messaged her today, letting her know that I am praying for her and her family.  That, although I do not know her, as moms of Soldiers we share a bond.  I told her that her Soldier did not hate what was in front of him, but loved what was behind him.  Just as I know my Soldier does.  I told her that my Soldier will stand and continue the job that her Soldier started.  

It's hard to think of my Soldier chomping at the bit to join his comrades in arms on the front lines.  I am thankful that his training has kept him stateside for as long as it has.  But I do know that my time of his being safe is coming to an end.  I pray that he remains safe.  That he doesn't come under fire.  That he returns home at the end of his tour in one piece, safe and sound.  The practical, wise side of me knows that I am living in a fantasyland.  War and the ravages of war do not leave anyone untouched.  And that just scares me to no end.  I don't want to make the ultimate sacrifice of my Soldier never coming home.  Some days I so wish for the little boy back.

God, be with other moms of Soldiers.  Although we put on a brave face for the world to see, our hearts quake with fear and anxiety.  Our minds long to go back to those days of having our little Soldiers on our laps and safe in our arms.  Be with them, Lord.  For if they are as scared as I am, only You can bring peace to our hearts.