I am facing a situation where my son is facing a frustrating situation and there literally nothing I can do. All I can do is be postive and trust that his needs will be meet and that this lesson on his path will serve his greater good. This part of being a mom is so hard.
When my daughter left for college and was too far to come home for weekends I embraced care packages. I love decorating the inside of the box and adding a few things to remind her of home. This year, not only is she at school but my son is in the Military and this is the 1st Holiday he is able to receive a care package. When the kids where little I left cut out shamrocks with clues on where to find the next one, leading them on a scavenger hunt to find the “treasure” they left. Always a box of Lucky Charms and a black pot filled with gold wrapped chocolates.
So for this years boxes I wrapped the inside with gold paper, added shamrock stickers and fun, twirly ribbon. They are filled with funny glasses, Kiss Me headbands, green bead necklaces and of course Lucky Charms and gold wrapped chocolates. Even far away I know it will be bring a smile to their face. I still have my youngest at home so I am hoping having a bowl of Lucky Charms with your mom will still be cool this year.
The past few weeks my son has been home on leave for the 1st time as a Marine. I am guilty of several things on this list and today in the market I can add “hiding your tears in the market as you shop for Sunday dinner, because you don’t know when the next one is”. Parenthood is hard. Motherhood is hard. Being a Military Parent stretches and challenges you in ways you can’t imagine until you are there. You are filled with so much pride, yet this child you love more than anything puts themselves through brutal training and challenges to be ready to protect and defend at a moments notice. Our job as parents is raise our children to grow into confident, independent, young adults ready to conquer their dreams. Raising a child who’s dream is to defend an entire country and adopt a new family to fight side by side with, makes you realize you really rocked at your job, and you have a truly amazing kid. So hug your babies while they are home. Smaller or taller than you. Say ” I Love You”, listen to their stories, they are your heart. As they venture out into the world, no matter what path they follow, time is all you want. To hug, to listen, to love.
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