We are down to the last few days of life with "Other" son #1.
Boot Camp at the Marine Corps Training Base, in San Diego, is looming off in the distance. Only 6 more days to go.
Today, I wish to indulge in a public letter to my "Other" son.
I have had almost a year to get used to your enlisting in the Marines. I am not happy with it, but I am resigned and ready to do whatever you need done, to make this happen.
First off: I want you to know that my family is so proud of you. You are growing up, taking responsibility and moving your life ahead. These are all good things. May you continue to use the skills that the Marines give you, to reach even further.
Second thing: If you ever need a place to crash, in Santa Clarita, look no further then here. You want to visit with us or some of your friends, always know that you are welcome. We love you and would be honored to help.
Finally, the most important thing. If you end up somewhere and your life is in jeopardy, when you sit there and think, what do I have to live for, no one cares about me. I want you to know in your heart of hearts that this family...me, my husband and my son love you. We want you to live. We will mourn your death, if you die, so please do everything in your power to STAY ALIVE! Even if we never see you again, that's fine. We know that situations change people, but don't ever think that you are not loved. You are...always.
Good Luck, God Bless and I will pray to St. Jude for you.
Your Italian "Other" Mother.
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I have blogged about this child and his enlistment before.
Here
and
Here
No mother, no person, likes to send her children off to war. Yet it's those same adults who have, for the past 10,000 years, invented and promulgated war. In the old days, the king would ride off to to war at the head of his army, taking a risk along with his troops. No longer. Yet we still send our children off to war.
ReplyDeleteAngel (and I) grew up in a strange era. For about 20 years, military service was demonized among a large segment of the child bearing segment of the population. The reaction against the Viet Nam war in the late 60s and early 70s is, I believe, unprecedented. The anti-war youth grew up and, while they never forgot, had no looming example with which to pass their attitudes on to their children.
So our new young generation is not an anti-war, anti-military generation. They see the military as a legitimate career path, and the risks associated with it as a legitimate compromise in their choices. As humans have done for all our generations.
To the young man in question, I salute you. I thank you in advance for your intended service. I overcome my first reaction (which matches that of Angel) and say to you, go, find the best in yourself. Let your service, and the privations that accompany it, bring out the best in you.
When you go into battle, or in to any danger, you have my prayers that G-d shall keep and protect you, as a protector of all that is good and right, which I know is your goal and intent.
Thank you Ed for saying so much of what is in my heart. My husband did not have quite the same choice that you and I did. Graduating college in 1966 meant that he had a choice, run or get drafted. So he joined up and served. Not an easy road, especially as the antiwar movement gained momentium in those later years.
ReplyDeleteThese high school students have a high regard for service to Country and I salute them for it. I just hope our future leaders treat them better. Fighting the good fight, instead of what we are currently seeing in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I believe that serving in our Armed Forces is an honorable career path. Your "son" is a fine example of today's youth. His optimism, his discipline and his honor represent the epitome of our military.
ReplyDeleteYes, the path he's chosen is dangerous. I could list every activity known to man and identify some inherent danger. (Scientists admit that life usually results in death.) He's not a careless, wild, unthinking man...he'll do his best and I have no doubt that he will well represent your family's influence.
He will face unbelievable hardship, pain, poverty, evil, despair, adversity -- the worst life has to offer. But he will remember you and the love you've shown him, and I believe he will come out ahead.
Godspeed, young man!
Cindy: You always know what to say to make me feel better. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you.