My Son on Deployment

I FINALLY got an email from my son! Whew, feels good to exhale. He didn't answer my question though about location. Wherever he is, he said it feels like living in the "devil's butt" - the flight line registered 140 degrees, and the past three days have been rugged sandstorms. They don't even sweat water - they sweat salt. He did not leave his address and said not to send him anything because he wouldn't be able to get it. Ugh, okay - so I tell people he's out playing in the sand?

He's not working with the marines. He's working with the Army and Air Force ground units, guarding the base and going on patrols.

Sigh...this scares the heck out of me, but he sounded prepared and ready for whatever comes his way. I hope to God that was my son talking. I hope he remembers what we've taught him.

Okay, I'm fine with this - well, I have to be. BUT, my heart will still jump whenever I hear of a U.S. soldier killed - ANYWHERE. I will have to hold my breath again until I hear from my son.

Please help me in praying for ALL of our soldiers.

(((((((((((KathyM)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
My prayers are with you
all the time
(((((for you and son)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

(((((((((((((((((((( Kathy & Son )))))))))))))))))))

I cannot imagine what a mom goes through in times like these. I only know that I send you and your son prayers for safety and peace....and they go out to all who serve and their families.


sabby

Thank you ((Muffy)) and ((Sabby))

From the day he was born, this has been what I've been trying to avoid - sending him off to war. That woman was right back in 1984. I didn't believe her.

I cringe when I hear people talk about how much fun they had back in the 60-70s. It was a complete nightmare for me. It was a time of constant fret and worry. We are at war" meant "WE are at war" - not just the soldiers. I never got to have a brother, so I adopted them ALL as my own.

I wore a POW bracelet for years and prayed my heart out for that soldier night and day. The happiest day of my teenage years was seeing Dan step off the plane a free man, and he looked whole. I named my son after him.

Here's Dan's story:

http://www.pownetwork.org/bios/m/m146.htm

I'm now wearing that old bracelet again, and I won't take it off until my son returns to me. I'm not making light of the Viet Nam POWs, but as far as I'm concerned my son is a prisoner of the military until he comes home to us.

I wish more people were concerned about the welfare of our soldiers. People only seem to care about themselves and their wallets. Walk through any grocery store or mall, and you'd never think this country was at war. I talk with people who say they support this war, but they do nothing. Why?

If I have to sacrifice my son to this war, I hope no one has the nerve to "thank" me. If they do, they better have a good solid story of how MY son saved their life and what they made of the life he gave them. They better have a GOOD reason for ruining MY life.

((KathyM)))))))

i had seen this post yesterday and meant to respond... thank you for bringing it to the top again...

words in this situation are nearly impossible to find... i understand your feelings of resentment and anger.. growing up in the 60's and 70's i was deeply affected by the actions of our government and society.. the messages i remember most wer of the unwanted war, the disillusionment of the American dreams, the discovery of dishonesty amongst those who led us...

teen age dreams were shattered when i saw the angst of my country... i had prayed it would be the last we'd ever have to witness, i thought we'd leaned our lesson and it was so very painful for so many...

i was shattered when we came to this bridge again... i prayed we would see a more peaceful way to resolve issues.. i was dispointed, heartbroken when we did not...

as citizens, during acts of war, we are often powerless its beginning stages.. Congress moves swiftly and with little input from society at times.. we can only react...

in your life you have voiced your opinions nobly, spoke out when necessary, exposed yourself to the inevitable slings and arrows of those who disagree..... it is a rocky path for you....

i admire your choice to speak against death of others.... unless we speak out and object, we ourselves are easily fodder for great forces.. thank God for freedom of speech....

stepping of soapbox and thank you KathyM for teaching me to not be silent...

Thank you so much ((NWTR))

As a kid, I tried SO HARD to distinguish all the hatred and death around me. No one older than me would help. One group decided the solution was spreading more violence (guns and hatred). Another group believed the solution was hiding in buildings (churches), praying for death. The other group believed the answer was mind-altering drugs to make the world go away. None of these groups considered the consequences.

It was SO frustrating because these were people who were SUPPOSED to be teaching me how to LIVE and LOVE in this world - not how to destroy the world and it's people.

From where I'm sitting, nothing has changed.

tis a bleak overview KathyM... i look around and attempt to find a spirit of revival somewhere.. it is there about me as i sit and type more words your direction with care and hope....

many are joining good causes the world over... thank God for their services.....

movements springing up out of the 60's and seventies led us as a global whole to tis place on the path.... the spirit of humanity can overcome evil and hate.... numbers of voices do count in the final run imho......

((((((((((kathyM))))))))) prayers for all soldiers and their families. And prayers for our nation too.

(((((KathyM))))) A prayer for you, your family and us all. We are so fortunate to have such honorable men and women serving our country in the armed forces, words cannot express the gratitude that I have for their sacrifice.

Oh Kathy...I hope and pray that your son and his unit remain in safe hands. They don't have the time to think of the worries we have for them. They are probably wishing to just be home again.

HUGS

(((KathyM))))) how are you?

Thank you ((NWTW))

It was a HORRIBLE day for me. Being stuck in the house, it sounded like gang warfare going on outside. I kept hearing little gun noises, then huge blasts. Each time the blast went off, I had the urge to grab a gun and join my neighbors in defending ourselves against the big guns and rockets. By the time I settled my heart, it happened again.

I kept telling myself it was just my neighbors out having a good time with their families. It didn't work. It reminded me of who was missing in my family. I'm sure my son wasn't spending his time saying "ooooooh and ahhhhhh" over the fireworks and incredible heat he's having to endure out in the desert. I doubt they pigged out on BBQ or held hot dog eating contests. I'm sure they didn't eat ice cream.

My community planned to honor our soldiers by airing a musical montage on the local channel. We submitted our photos of my son and my father. My husband was so excited about seeing our son on TV dressed in his uniform.

We spent the whole day watching the local channel. We felt like voyeurs watching everyone mull around the festival eating ice cream. The tribute to our soldiers never aired.

They finally aired it today. When it began, I began to gasp and sob with tears. I kept telling myself they were supposed to be tears of joy - this is supposed to be a good thing.

My son was left out of the tribute! We watched it twice. I should have known.

Thanks again for thinking of me.

PS - Hi MUFFY!!

(((((KathyM))))))) My heart goes out to you each time I think of you and your son. I know that unless in a similar situation, I could never truly understand what you are going thru. As a mother myself, I couldn't begin to imagine how your heart breaks or the extent of your worry.

Praying that God keep a hand of protection over you both. May your son, as well as all the other soldiers, return safely home very soon.

God bless you and be with you both!
recluse1

awww(((((KathyM)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Hi awwwwww

Your post brought tears to my eyes
The sound of firecrackers can be so hard to deal with
My heart goes out to you....
I jumped everytime I heard one yesterday...
No one should have been left out of the tribute...
Your son should have been in the tribute....
My prayers are always with you and your son.
I always worry when you do not post
(((((((((kathy and son))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Thank you (((Recluse))) and (((Muffy)))

always praying for you and your son
(((((((((kathy))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

((((KathyM)))))))) im so glad and relieved to hear from you again.. this is such a hard time for you and i wish there was some way i could comfort you, but more than that, instead you are showing me what real strength is... please stay in touch with us here.. sending you all the prayers and kind wishes i can...

((( KathyM )))

My heart goes out to you. I have 2 sons. Both in the military, but in the Navy. Both were in the submarine service.

You know they can't tell you where they are going, when they are leaving, how long they will be gone. It is for their protection as there are eyes and ears everywhere. But that doesn't make it any easier for a mother to accept.

I hope everything goes well. I will keep you in my thoughts.

(((((((((((Kathy and Son)))))))))

i'm so sorry this happened to your family Kathy.

Keeping safe and protective thoughts deep in my heart, Dear Person, for a good outcome out of all of this, for you and yours.

And all the others in your shoes, and their sons and daughters.

with love and hope,
night

I doubt he would have shared where he is, but even if he had, the censors edited it out. Nothing comes out of a war-zone without that.

I would hope that you can find other families of the unit (especially) but of the force to engage in activities with...military families would be good.. to help you realize this as a way of life.

God can protect them anywhere they are, and if He wishes to take them home, he can do it even if they are sitting on a stoop at your house.

I do pray for your son, and that he will return to you well and soon. Thank him for his service to the USA, and in keeping us free and safe here at home, won't you?

Thank you ((KebsFroggy, Nightbird, and Sky))

It's funny. When my son was in junior high, we allowed him to take the train into the city to meet his friends and skate along the lakefront. My neighbors accused me of being a BAD parent because I didn't keep an eye on him at all times and was a little lax on curfew for him. They accused me of not caring about my son because I couldn't give his exact location or prove he went where he said he was going.

I never worried when he went into the city or through the projects, even if he didn't go exactly where he said he was going. I didn't worry because he was where he belonged, we trained him well, and he knew how to survive in that environment. He couldn't have done that if he were still attached to apron strings.

NOW, people are telling me I'm a GOOD parent - and I've NEVER been so worried about him.

It feels good to hear from him or see that he has read an e-mail from us. It tells me he's still alive. Unfortunately, that relief only lasts an hour or so. After about an hour, I want to hear from him again.

Yikes, I never looked good in an apron - but I have no choice but to keep it on and sit by the window until he comes home to us. I promise not to ground him or spank him when he does return.

BTW, Kebsfroggy - my son is in the Navy too. He initially trained with the Seals down in Pensacola with the goal of Air Search and Rescue, but he kept drowning. He was always great in water, but he had never been tested in raging seas before. He didn't give up, though - stayed in the air program, just transferred back to land. I guess you could say he's a flying grounded seal.

This is supposed to be his final tour. They pressured him to stay in, but he's got plans here at home. They needed some volunteers to work over there as Auxiliary Special Forces, guarding an army/ground air base and going out on patrols. He had been nominated as "airman of the year," and was in top physical condition. He also scored an expert on weapons, higher than sharp-shooter, so I'm sure they pressured him to go along on this "field trip."

My dad was a Navy man too. Served on a destroyer out in the Pacific Islands during WWII.

(((((((kathy)))))))))))))))))
may he be safe

I have an update that is NOT depressing!!!

First, my son's girlfriend called me the other day. She's out there on deployment with my son. When I asked her location, she said the same thing ("uh, I dunno") so I'm just going to stop asking, lol. It's been rough for her too, but she said my son is keeping everyone strong with the use of his crazy sense of humor. She promised me she'd do what she could to keep my son strong. It's nice to know he has someone out there with him who loves him.

They've been together now for almost two years, and it sounds pretty serious. Who knows, maybe some time together in the trenches before marriage could provide a good base for a solid relationship. I'm trying my hardest not to get my hopes up with this one, but she's SUCH a sweetheart. I've talked with her often and seen her photos, but we've never met in person. Still, I would gladly take her as my daughter.

Second, after I calmed down I called our village hall to find out what happened with the montage. The clerk felt horrible, so she put me in touch with the person responsible. Before he could say anything, I explained in detail how my day went - THEN I allowed him to explain.

Here's what happened....

He gave the assignment to his 17-year-old daughter because she's a whiz with computers. EVERY photo scanned, except for ours. She tried every trick in the book, and it still refused to scan. He sounded truly apologetic, so I let him off the hook.

If by chance my son comes home and asks to see the montage, I will explain what happened. There is NO WAY he'd be angry with a 17-year-old girl from our hometown. He had a lot of "groupies" around here when he was her age - he may STILL be a legend. If not, he'll be impressed that her father trusted her with such a big assignment. He's made mistakes too.

I am grateful for your prayers.

((((((((kathyM))))))))))))))))))))))))
smiling I am so happy for you
(((((((((((your son and sons girlfriend))))))))))))))))))
how blessed they are to have each other
and them to be blessed with you
awwww
muffy