War and Our Children

As a mother who's just letting go of her son to boot camp....I'm starting to understand a few things.
One....letting go is never easy
Two...letting go is necessary

This picture of 1940's WW11 soldiers is courtesy of http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/eastern-bloc-excluding-brd-ddr/old-family-photo-hungary-1940s-military-any-information-please-251998/

The Korean War

Picture courtesy of http://www.army.mil/article/84173/DOD_to_mark_anniversary_of_Korean_War_armistice/

The Vietnam War Courtesy of 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/05/arts/design/images-of-the-vietnam-war-that-defined-an-era.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Afghanistan

http://triflingoffence.blogspot.com/2010/08/nation-now-confusing-big-brother-and.html

Courtesy of http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2208155/Jack-Straw-I-stopped-going-war-Iraq-This-I-didnt.html

I have an amazing son who could have had a million choices for his future.  Much to my surprise, he chose the military.

He's young and doesn't quite understand his mother's right wing ideals...we all start out as democrats but end up being somewhere in between.  If you're not crazy right wing, it's a tight rope and in these days of heavy to the right...it's difficult to explain to a teenager.

So his decision to join the navy, came as quite a surprise.  I'm behind him 100%.  He will find his way...but how do we let go?  Letting go is as important as holding on, you just have to know when to do it.  I raised a man and a man he will be...as a mother, you let go of the wheel and know that you've done a good job.

This has been a lesson in knowing and a lesson in growing.

Good Luck My Dear Son and I Hope That I've Equipped You With All That You Need