"Last Mother’s Day, I volunteered at the hospitality tent at Camp Lejeune, making hot dogs and blowing up balloons. Though I was on the giving end, that day I got the greatest gift any mother could get. Our son came back from Iraq.
It rained all Saturday night and into the morning. New moms frantically called and asked if the plane would land. We assured them with a quiet voice that comes from experience that they would."
Those guys had been in a plane for more than 24 hours. Their last night sleeping in a bed was more than 72 hours before that. They spent months dreaming of this day and planned it down to the first meal back on American soil.
By the time they landed, they could close their eyes and taste their favorite beverage. A little tropical storm was not going to stop these Marines.
On the day I die, I’ll remember the unspeakable joy of our first embrace.
Recently our son learned that his tour of duty will not be extended. He plans to come home, join the Reserves and attend college in the fall. Again, I have received a most precious Mother’s Day gift. Our prayers have been answered. He is coming home.
You may know the lyrics of a Civil War song written to celebrate the homecoming of a soldier. It has been played and sung through the ages to mark the return of our troops.
When Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah! Hurrah!/ We’ll give him a hearty welcome then, Hurrah! Hurrah!/. . . Twill be so good to have ’em home they’ve been so far and gone so long/ What a joyful day when Johnny comes marching home.
On this Mother’s Day, let us remember the moms who stand vigil.
Take a moment to pray for the families of our troops. Pray a special prayer of comfort over those Gold Star Moms who are enduring the pain of losing a child in the service. Pray for safety for our troops at home and overseas. Join us this Mother’s Day in a prayer for peace.
Mary Duty, a Waco schoolteacher and co-owner of Poppa Rollo’s Pizza, is president of the Blue Star Mothers of America Heart of Texas Chapter.
Mary Duty, guest column: A mom's most joyful day:
2 comments:
Thank you for this wonderful view into homecoming. Our son is returning soon from his second deployment and first combat deployment. He is also a Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune, and we will be there once again, waiting for first sight of his tanned, tired face and waiting to take him to his first meal--which he has already announced. I had to laugh when I read your remark about that, because it is absolutely true. Thank you for remembering our military and for helping serve them both at CLJ and on this blog. There are no words to explain how a parent feels when their child is far away, serving in harm's way, and waiting for them to come home safely. The support of other military families is critical, and we really depend on the groups we are involved with.
And this Memorial Day weekend, I hope everyone remembers to honor someone in the military in some special way.
Blessings,
Joan
Proud Marine Mom to LCpl Garrett, deployed
Thank you for this wonderful view into homecoming. Our son is returning soon from his second deployment and first combat deployment. He is also a Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune, and we will be there once again, waiting for first sight of his tanned, tired face and waiting to take him to his first meal--which he has already announced. I had to laugh when I read your remark about that, because it is absolutely true. Thank you for remembering our military and for helping serve them both at CLJ and on this blog. There are no words to explain how a parent feels when their child is far away, serving in harm's way, and waiting for them to come home safely. The support of other military families is critical, and we really depend on the groups we are involved with.
And this Memorial Day weekend, I hope everyone remembers to honor someone in the military in some special way.
Blessings,
Joan
PMM LCpl Garrett, deployed
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