Tuesday, June 26, 2012

What Kind of Parent Would...

Okay, nobody has come right out and said this to me exactly.  To my face, anyway. You know what I'm referring to...the, "What kind of parent would let their kid..." rhetorical question.

I call it rhetorical, because I laugh when I think of what anyone asking that would do if the parent "in question" actually came back with an answer.  Pass out or swallow teeth, I suppose.  This comment is uttered when one parent has come to conclusions regarding another parent's actions...minds are already made up.  No answer required.

We just had Memorial Day and 4th of July is right around the corner.  In my cave, the latter tended to get caught up in one thing at times...all-out firework extravaganza that would rattle the windows on the block.  My husband always liked to use the , "We're supporting the local youth groups raising money for their summer camps!" excuse to justify the purchasing of massive amounts of multi-colored explosives.  Whatever.

Oh, we are extremely patriotic in our cave.  Caveman served in the Air Force prior to our union, and took part in the '83 invasion of Grenada. One nephew is an officer in the Marines, and yet another currently serves in the Air Force.  But, back when little boys lived in my cave, fireworks took up a lot of our thinking and planning.

While we were watching war movie marathons and making firework shopping lists, we noticed that one of our little guys was quite taken with it all.  Lots of questions about different conflicts throughout our nation's history, with interest in everything from land mapping to specific battles down through the years.

If a young man we knew joined a branch of the Armed Services, our curious child would try to get a copy of the recruit's first picture in uniform.  We watched an old cave movie the other day, and there in our boy's room...in the background of the shenanigan's being filmed...you could see those pictures.  Proudly on display for all of his 5th grade buddies to see.

He wrote to those servicemen and prayed for them.  At the time, I just thought he was a sweet kid.

Oh, sure.  He talked about being in the military from third grade on. But, he also talked about being a ninja, a puppy and an Irish River Dancer...so, we didn't really pay close attention in those early days.

By the second half of high school, we knew.  We knew he wouldn't be happy doing anything else.  We knew he wanted to serve his country.

Over the years, I've heard the "question."  Overheard (double meaning intended), I should say.  "How can they let him (or 'her,' thank you very much, ladies!) join the military?!  What kind of parent would be okay with that?"

"What kind of parent would support putting their child in harm's way? Don't they care more than that?  I don't understand!  I love my kids too much to go for something like that!"

We remembered last month.  We celebrate next month.  My kid (an Army officer-in-training) is in Africa this month.  I'm emotional every month (and day.)

Thank you to all of the men and women serving in our Armed Forces.  Thank you to all of the spouses and children who also sacrifice so much.

Thank you to all of the parents who have gone before me and set the most incredible example of selflessness.

You don't just care about your family being safe...you care about an entire nation being safe.

You don't think solely of your own wants and desires...but, also those of your children.

You don't put having everyone home for Christmas before having a country we can actually say "Christmas" in.

What kind of parent...would I like to be?

(That's definitely rhetorical.)

www.diaryofacavewoman.com

10 comments:

  1. Thanks, Kyanne. We totally miss you guys. Can't believe the boys are that old. Maybe someday we'll be able to sit down and laugh together again.

    Happy 4th!

    Brad and Tina

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    1. Would love to do that! So thankful for the service of your family...so thankful for your friendship. Even if it is across the many, many miles!

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  2. So thankful that all of our boys seem to understand that no greater love has any man than to lay his life down for a friend. Now we just pray God's protection over their lives. They belong to Him!!

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  3. So thankful for your son and all the other military who are willing to serve!

    Ronda

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  4. I'm married to a vet with severe post traumatic stress disorder. Same question. With a twist. Why do you stay with him? War is costly. In many ways.

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  5. Wow, Pamela. So glad you shared that so all who stop by my cave can also remember those who are no longer actively serving, but are absolutely still fighting. Blessings and prayers go out to you and your family. So grateful for your sacrifices.

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  6. What kind of parent you ask?
    A parent that loves, supports at every cost!
    As Kevin said, greater love has any man than to lay his life down for a friend. In our house we have that verse hanging with a solider and wings behind him.
    We have one that talks about following dads foot steps. I have questioned, why would he want to do that after what he has seen or dealt with. Than I have to step back and look at me and say " Its not about me".
    Im my eyes there are many kinds of heroes, people like my husband that put his life on the line for all of us, Just like Christ on the cross, than there are people like YOU, that can send their family all over the world to learn, witness for our Lord, and to serve our county.
    Thats my answer to your question!

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  7. Preach it, Girl! You are amazing. That's all I can say.

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