Deployment

     The one word no parent wants to hear from their children in the military....deployment!

     I have heard it three times from my Navy son in a 7 year period.   He has been on two ship deployments and one to Afghanistan.
   
    My Army son said it recently for the first time.  He has been on a short, sudden deployment. As he returns home to the states, I can breathe a little easier...
 
    Deployment is a very trying time for all military families.  You waver between being worried sick and being very proud.  Your cell phone NEVER leaves your side, just in case they call you. You stop watching the news, because it's too upsetting.  You send packages so they have little reminders of home.  A song on the radio will make you cry- happened to me in a store of all places.  You pray... a lot!
   
     I never really knew what military families went through.  We didn't have anyone in our family in the military before our sons joined.  It has been an eye-opening experience to say the least!  It makes you appreciate family.  You learn not to take things for granted.  You get a quick lesson on what's really important in life.  It's not how much money you make, how big your house is, your job, or the kind of car you drive...

     We are stronger than we think we are.  I am not talking just about military families.  Everyone has their own battles to fight.  You have to believe that you can handle anything that comes your way, even though you may be knocked down for awhile.  The hard times won't last forever.  The sun will rise and you will smile and be happy again!

 
      I found this poem on a military mom's website before my Navy sons second deployment.  This sums it up.  Yes, it made me cry...

TODAY IS DEPLOYMENT DAY

People say they understand, but really they have no clue,
Of the turmoil and pain, that you must begin to walk through.
That baby boy that you carried cradled right up under your heart,
Has now become a man preparing to depart,
To a land far away, full of uncertainty for each day.

A Mother’s heart has been dealt a blow, a piece of it has been ripped apart,
As she sinks to a place so low, that no one should have to go.
Many have walked this path, many have carried this pain,
A heart beating so fast, tears falling like a cold, cruel rain.

And some where from within, she rises from her wounded heart,
To continue to pray and support her son as he departs.
The road will not be easy, the pain will be severe,
There is a choice to be made . . . a choice to always persevere.

As she now has become a Blue Star mother,
Because of the decision he has made,
Her little boy, her American Patriot,
Now joins the ranks of the brave.

Though her heart is ripped with pain,
Her heart must go on and on,
Beating with everlasting love and pride,
Waiting for her Patriot to come home.


Please pray for all of our military....thank you!