There were hints during their childhood where military futures seemed obvious. Today I watched home videos, circa 1998, –the boys were running around the Naval Aviation Museum in Florida. With happy tears and giggles, my eyes soaked in the moments they ran around the aircraft, sat in a helicopter, and marveled at the USS Alabama.
“Can I please take your picture?”, I asked on Friday. Memories, like the stifling heat, melted my heart. Where did the last eight years go? He would leave his military base, after 8 years, for the last time. Nearly twelve years ago I stood and watched his older brother sign THE contract that began his military career. “I wish his brother were here,” I thought. Two boys became two men with families. One will leave a career and begin another. One will continue and be relocated. Will it forever be a “mom” thing?
Life doesn’t pause for a picture.
My pause came today.
From Kindergarten to playgrounds, ballfields to gyms, campgrounds to dances, toy jeeps to trucks, and cars to college and work. From a few miles away to hundreds (and thousands!). Different states, places, people, and jobs. Family reunions and funerals. Celebrations, certificates, and promotions. Discouragement, discipline, and detachment. Relocations, rules, and routines. Military Life. Both of them will remember “those days“.
No matter what career you choose, where you live, or who you become, you’ll remember “those days”. You’ll remember the circumstances that shaped, molded, and maybe tried to destroy you. Will you remember the things that grew you or grounded you? Will you cry over what you lost or what you gained? Will you be bitter over the ‘bad’? Will you remember the people that invested in you? Or those who protested? Did your career make you care more or more callous? Were there lessons in love and life or greed and grumbling? Will you remember the relationships in which you were reawakened or those in which you rebelled? Do the mundane memories muster magic? Does faith fix your fragments? What do you remember about “those days”?
“One of those days” is…TODAY.
It’s been one of those days. A day to reflect, remember, and realize. It’s held hard conversations, humility, and hope. We ALL have “those days”. No matter how we appear on the outside, our inside might feel hurt, pain, or weakness (have I told you how I hate cancer?). Even amid unexpected events, I pause and praise-for I’m thankful to God for another “one of those days”.
These days I have a peace that passes all understanding.The truth of a future without pain, worry, or heartache–it’ll be one of those days. 🤍
Do you know how loved you are? Have faith. 🤍
Scenes of “Wings over Whiteman”, Whiteman, AFB–and a Mom and sons (YEARS ago)
To my sons: words can’t express my love and pride. Congratulations to Jay on eight years of service and Jarrod, your eleven, almost twelve years of service. To my daughter-in-loves: thank you for supporting them, your children, and me on “those days”. Just as my family and friends here do the same! How can I not be thankful for “those days” when I feel such love and support?
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