Sunday, March 21, 2010

Somehow Different

I've been packing boxes full of Body Wash, Toothbrushes, Decks of Cards, Yahtzee Games, Books, Oreos, Hawaiian Punch Packets and shipping them off to Iraq and Afghanistan for a couple years now. Each box has been filled to the point where there is no room for one more Jolly Rancher. Each box has had a hand written note enclosed (unless I suffered a senior moment and found the note on the outside of the box after it had been taped shut). Truly each box not only enclosed a bunch of stuff, but I sent my warmest wishes along as well. The Warriors who received these boxes have all had a special place in my heart....from my Beloved MudPuppy, to Chief, to Scout, to Shay, and to my numerous Soldiers who I have been an angel to.

Today was somehow different. Today as I shopped for an Airman who is serving in Afghanistan, MomTears rolled. How goofy to be walking through aisle after aisle, filling a shopping cart...with glassy eyes. Each item was chosen carefully, while a vision of my little boy as a toddler consumed every step down each aisle. It felt so different to know the toothbrush would be used by my son, brushing the same teeth I helped him brush so many yesterdays ago. I know, I know...this is super sappy, silly mom thoughts... but that is who I am. Today, I'm a mom missing her son terribly. Praying he is safe and praying his heart knows how deeply he is loved.

13 comments:

joanne said...

you've loved and nurtured him all of his life...he knows. This could not have been easy for you, maybe bittersweet with a lot of proud mixed in. You are such an inspiration...and we all thank you.

Unknown said...

our prayers are always with your Family ;)

You are an AWESOME AIRMAN MOM TO ALL ;)

Julie D said...

Oh, AM. This made me tear up too. I cannot imagine how difficult it is for you. I worry when my son is 2 hours away with friends. I just cannot fathom how you must feel. Know your little boy is in my thoughts and prayers all the time.

Sarge Charlie said...

Hey Mom. I have a hug for you.

Bag Blog said...

I thought of your son several times today - probably because I have his name and address laying on my desk, but I also thought about him while I was at Walmart walking up and down the aisles - with each thought there was a prayer.

MightyMom said...

awe, come gimme a hug

Unknown said...

jojo...truly a huge serving of my 'vegetable soup of emotions'. Thank you for stopping by!

Unknown said...

lily...your prayers are so deeply appreciated!

Unknown said...

julie...I'm so grateful for your kind words.

Unknown said...

sarge...thanks, my friend!

Unknown said...

bag blog...your kindness means the world to me!

Unknown said...

mighty mom.... thank you!

joyce said...

found out yesterday that my son and his unit are being considered for a tour to Afghanistan this summer. strange in that they are an artillery unit being sent to train Afganis to be infantry soldiers. I pray my son and his unit get the training they need to do this mission.