Bad news may be good
As Mother's Day approaches, my thoughts go out to those mothers (fathers, also) who so recently have lost sons or daughters in the military, whether it be through combat, terrorist attacks, friendly fire, or accidents. Individual soldiers continue to lose their lives. You don't hear much about them or even hear their name, just another five-second spot in the news. Yet, some mother and father are grieving over the loss.
I, too, am a mother and have two sons who are draft age. They have chosen not to enlist, but sometimes I imagine what it would be like for me to see them go off to military service not knowing what it will mean for them and if I will ever see them again. Furthermore, I imagine what it would be like to have someone come to my door and tell me that my son was a casualty.
What a heartbreak!
I know I'm speaking purely from an emotional standpoint, realizing that the greater good is the protection of our rights and liberties and the establishment of that for all people. But I carried each son in my womb for nine months, gave birth to him, and cared for him throughout his formative years. To see him being swallowed up by the grave just as he was entering manhood would be hard to bear.
So, this Mother's Day, I am honoring the women who have made that sacrifice with my thoughts and admiration. May you always feel appreciated for the contribution you made to the cause of freedom.
— ROWENA PLETT
