Sunday, May 26, 2013

How Do You Prepare for Something Like This?

I've spent the last few days since I got home from Adam's graduation thinking.  As with Jake, I'm proud that my son wanted to join the military.

I think Adam has realized what it really means to have taken such a dangerous job with the Army.  I knew all along that it wasn't what I wanted for him, but I had to allow him to make his own decision.  With Jake, I know he's as safe as he can be in a war zone.  On a base, in a building working intelligence.  

With Adam, I don't know how I'm going to cope.  I feel like I'm a strong woman but I can't imagine when he is deployed how I'm going to survive every day.  I know I will, thousands of other mothers do. I just can't imagine trying to go through every day knowing that my son is on the front lines, being the first to break down doors looking for the enemy.  How do you get through something like that?

I suppose I'll have to try and find a support group, I don't think I can do it alone.  I know I can't curl up in the fetal position and wait until he comes home - although that's what my mind tells me I want to do. Hopefully he won't be deployed soon.  I need time to get my mind in the right place if that's possible.

Meanwhile, I've spent a lot of time this weekend remembering our soldiers and being thankful that there are so many who are willing to volunteer for such dangerous duty.  I'm terrified and proud at the same time.

If you have any words of wisdom, I'd love to hear from you.

4 comments:

Jack Spencer said...

Not sure if this will comfort you, put a deployed soldier has a 1000% better chance of returning home without a scratch, than A WWII Footsoldier.

That being said, you just do what millions of Mothers around the World have done, since the beganing of armed conflict. you lean on your faith and family.You give your son the support he needs, and he will be strong, fight strong, and return home before you know it

Just know that he is a member of the finest trained force in the World. They are dedicated first and formost, to safely returning from every mission. And besides, if he has half the knowledge and wisdom, I've come to see that you have, theres no need to worry!
God bless, and Thank You for your service. (Yes, the family serves too.)

Dee said...

He will come home to be a "Weekend Warrior", and there is a strong possibility that his group won't be deployed.
That is what we can hope for, and in the meantime, try not to worry. (easier said than done)----I remember how I worried when I was afraid Steve would be called up to go to Viet Nam. And that didn't happen, Thank God.
And yes, family, friends, even strangers are here for you.

Jodi said...

Aw Jack, you're so sweet. Thanks for the kind words and I'll remember to read them every once in a while to hopefully find some peace in the path that he has chosen.

kate said...

I didn't think he was going to be deployed...do you know that that's the case?

If he does, yes, find a support group, one with weekly meetings, just to have a group of mothers/fathers who are going through the same thing, who you can talk to regularly. Also, counseling with someone who focuses on anxiety management.

Hugs, sister. I know you can and will get through this, just like everything else you've gotten through in your life.