While I was at church tonight. And left a message, he has been notified that he has been deployed to Haiti. I am trying to be more altruistic about this. I told him to tell Uncle Sam that he can't go because his mom says he isn't allowed. If only. I am hopeful that a good night sleep will change my thinking. I know I should be happy that he is a wonderful young man who is capable of going to a place in such dire need and being actually able to help. I am grateful for that. But I am a mom and I am worried. On Thursday I got yarn for a new project - to knit helmet liners for soldiers in Afghanistan. It is very cold there in the winter and a wool cap under a helmet is a welcome addition. And it doesn't hurt if it is hand knit. And I think it doesn't hurt if it is hand knit of a luscious wool yarn in the prettiest drab color you can find... see above.
The race today was awesome. 5 miles was definitely a stretch for me, but I beat my time for a race I did last year on the same course, so I am happy with that... and very sore. It was a lovely day for a run.
Oh, I just can't seem to get that knot out of my gut for this moment. I know I will because I lived through a year with my son in Iraq and I was not crazy most of that time. I just need to calm down and know that God is in charge and I am not.
He and his girlfriend (who is also in his unit and going to Haiti) are coming over for lunch tomorrow. Thanks be to God I can make a beautiful lunch for them.
I will never forget the meeting I attended a few years ago with a new woman in attendance. Her son had just returned from Iraq. She "celebrated" so much on the day of his return that she had a blackout and only knew that both her husband AND her son were no longer speaking to her. I cried while listening to her in the meeting because I don't know if I have ever heard a sadder thing in a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Because of AA, and the fact that AA works, my son knows he can call me on Saturday and plan on seeing me on Sunday - and that I will be the same person on Sunday that he talked to on Saturday - AND that there will be a good meal cooked in the meantime. He doesn't even need to think about that, he just knows it.
What could be better than that?
11 comments:
what could be better than that is right.
Haitians are good people. I've been. I've been to the slums of Port-au-Prince, and I've been alone in areas where few white people have trod there.
Don't fear for him. He'll be helping people who need it, and people who appreciate him.
I think that your son's mission to Haiti will go well. All those who go to help are on a mission to save lives. I would gladly chane places with him if I could.
There is some chaos due to the shortage of food and water, but I understand there are a good number of Americans, British, etc. citizens there and they have never felt in danger. Haitians are good people who will appreciate the help. Maybe what you are saying is that you will just miss him. Mothers sleep better when sons are "home" even if it is not your home.
Knitting the liners is a great gift. I can just imagine how much that will mean to a lonely soldier so far from home.
I can't imagine how much your son, the unknown soldier in Afghanistan, and others must appreciate you and your contributions. Thank you for setting a wonderful example.
Blessings and aloha...
Your support is the best thing you can him him - and her.
Of course, a great big lunch will help too.
That knit cap will go far to keep someone comfortable.
It's incredible what we can do now. One hundred years ago it would have taken months just for us to know there had been an earthquake in Haiti. Now, in just hours, relief can be on the way.
Oh Mary...why can't that boy be a plumber???
He has been trained well and I believe him to be capable and careful.
So proud of your run!
Oh the sad things we hear in the rooms...the blackout Mom touched my heart.
That alcoholic mother could have been me. Such good intentions and alcoholism pulling out the rug from under her --
Mary LA
This was a great post, Mary. I am glad you will be spending time with your son and his girlfriend before they deploy. "The prettiest drab color you can find." Cracked me up! Have a great day of rest after the five mile run, runner girl!
May God bless and keep your son safe.
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