Blogpost: Marine Mom

March 19, 2012 No Comments

Last week I had “business” at Gateway Mortgage in Raleigh.

I checked in at the reception desk and exchanged pleasantries with the woman who normally checks in visitors.

This time, I noticed a picture and a desk plaque that read, “Marine Mom”.

I started a conversation with this mother of three sons, Melinda F.

I asked about the age of her son.  He looked like a man/child.

He’s in his early twenties and is stationed at Cherry Point Marine Base.

He will be deployed soon to Afghanistan.

I could feel in my own stomach those funny tummy feelings all of us moms get when our children are hurt or in harm’s way.

That feeling was enhanced all the more, because she and I were about the same age.

She was this close to tearing up.

She is worried.  Her son is not.  She told me that this young man told her this is what he wants to do… serve his country…. And that he is indeed ready to go to war.

When I say this marine looked like a child, I mean every word of it.

Melinda F’s son was initially assigned to infantry.  Recently he was given a new assignment. It may not put him directly in the front lines.  We all know however, that there is no such thing as a safe zone in a war zone.

This Marine Mom and I talked about mission of the war in Afghanistan… about why we are there now.  Osama Bin Laden is dead. Afghan leader Karzai wants a U.S.  pullback, and sooner than planned, a U.S pullout.  The Taliban has suspended discussions with U.S. officials since that murderous rampage by a U.S. Army sergeant.   Polls show the American public is souring on the war.

She weighs all of this as family, friends and neighbors plan a going away party for this young Marine at the end of this month.

The woman I saw before me last week is one hell of a mom.  I saw in her, the same things that make a Marine a marine.  Strength, Courage, Loyalty.

 

 

 

Tags: Marine Mom, Pam's MusingsPam's Musings