Tranter Banter

As an Army mom, I’ve had the opportunity to experience military family life as only a mom can.  I know the shock of hearing that my son wanted to join the United States Army and wondering how he could possibly even think such a thing.  I know the sorrow of watching him leave for basic training and sitting on the couch crying for hours at the quiet in my house.  I know the joy and pride of watching my son graduate basic and specialized training and the awe of personally witnessing such great events.   I know the joy of watching him grow as a young man and fearing what may lie in his future.

I know those words “mom, I’m deploying to Afghanistan” and listening to my heart break.  I know about making life decisions about insurance policies, beneficiaries and power of attorney-  just in case.  I know the intense sadness in watching him leave and knowing that he received the best training our country had to offer.  I know how important our family support was to his well-being and how much he loved receiving those packages from home.  I know how it is to wake up every morning and check the news, Facebook and his bank account for any action before even getting dressed.

I know the anticipation of waiting for his homecoming and planning something special.  I know about reading those words “WHEELS UP” on the Family Readiness website and placing my head in my arms crying with relief. 

I know how hard it was for my son to return to society and to try and regain a “normal” life in the aftermath of war.  I know about the nightmares and the cold sweats and the lonely days and nights.  I know how much a simple “thank you” from a stranger means to him or how he watches the way a child relates to him.  I know the importance of Veteran’s Day to a 24 year old man.

Today I watched my son don his uniform again and wear it to work and visiting friends.  It was with pride and a sense of accomplishment that many will never experience.  It was a job well done and more than 50 likes on a Facebook page.

So today I say to my son, thank you very much for caring enough to risk your life and for allowing me the opportunity to be your mom and share a small part of  this adventure with you.  I am so very proud of you and what you stand for. Thank you for your service United States Army Veteran Michael.