As far as occupations go, the nobility of selflessly serving one's country is second to none. I've never met the momma of a service man or woman who didn't beam with pride. I've only encountered military mommas whose chest swelled with honor over their child's service to our country. But I can imagine that behind that bravado an apprehensive and anxious momma is sure to be found. And she's sure to not be sleeping.
When Daughter 2 announced in the minivan that she wanted to be a Veteran, that sleepless momma within me cocked her head. Could I do it? Could I be a military momma? Could I send my baby off to serve our country and go where she was needed, which may not be where she was wanted. Could I stand to not see that beautiful face and hear that squeaky voice and touch those baby-soft cheeks every day? Could I go for days, weeks, months, without a word from her and feel assured that she'd be alright - even if she wasn't?
I didn't say a word to her as the growing lump in my throat stopped me from voicing a yea or a nay. I stared at her in the rearview mirror through teary eyes.
"I think I wanna be in the Coast Guard, Momma," she said as if she knew I needed some reassurance that she wouldn't see the front line of anything harsher than an oil spill or a cap-sized sail boat.
I swallowed hard then finally spoke. "Oh, the coast guard would be good, honey," I gushed. "You get to help people when it floods and help lost boats find their way home and make sure people get the water they need..." My list of safe-service duties was interrupted.
"What?" she shrieked. "I don't want to do all of that. I just want to guard our beaches. I would be on the sand all day long and hear the ocean all day long and eat fresh shrimp all day long. That's really all I want to do."
Oh, baby girl. That's a beautiful prayer.
If only it were so easy for military personnel and their families the world over...
Until then, thank you for your service. It's because of people like you that my daughter gets to dream of sand and oceans and fresh shrimp.
