A MILITARY FLAG

There's a military flag that hangs in one of my front windows indicating that I have a son who serves.  I use this flag as a point of reference as I sit in my "meditation chair". The cat that usually occupies that chair is very mindful that it is reserved for me in the early morning shortly after I've fed him and I appreciate that!

Each time I sit in that chair to review my upcoming day or the events of the past or (even more appropriately) to just stare in contemplation, I'm reminded of my son who has served his country proudly for the past 17 yrs.   I've been very fortunate to have him stateside for the better part of those years.  During that period of time he and his wife have gifted us with two beautiful granddaughters and we've had the opportunity to visit him in four different parts of this country.

Soon he and his little family will be traveling to the other side of the world and seeing them other than through the marvels of Skype will be more difficult than ever. Of course we'll keep in touch and, hopefully, my husband and I will be able to make at least one or two trips to see them in their new environment while they're gone, but the separation will be very hard on us.

Having said this, however, I am reminded of the many other military families around the world who face this situation on a routine basis. And how many families must turn their military flag's star from blue to gold.....a fate that hopefully, we will not have to endure.

I was born during WWII during which my father and some uncles served. Thankfully, they all came back in relative good health. But back then, communication being what it was, my mother rarely knew where my father or her brother was in the world and her best line of communication was reading the daily newspaper and then, unfortunately, primarily for the lists of the ones who didn't make it. Every day a loved one's name was not on that list was a day to be thankful.

A good friend of mine has a son who will be heading to Afghanistan about the same time my son will be leaving for Okinawa. I know she's concerned yet, like me, is very proud of her country and proud to have a son who is willing to serve.

There's a lot of things wrong with these United States. But there's still a lot of things right and I've always been grateful to live in a country where I'm free to live my life pretty much the way I choose. Having a son who is willing to serve this country to protect this right couldn't make me more grateful.

While in the military, I've watched my son grow up and develop into the fine young man he is today; a young man who has taught me many things including how to set up a blog! A young man who has surprised me by the depth of his love for his family both immediate and extended. A young man who has developed his intelligence in things philosophical, mystical and practical. A young man who displays wise understanding beyond his years.

So while this young man serves his country to protect those of us who must stay behind, I'll proudly display this military flag and look forward to the day he can come home.

Peace and love,

Carol