heaven and hell at once

And so, my son calls…….that was so awesome!  The phone rings and I am going about my busy day and there’s a call.  I don’t recognize the number and almost let it go to voicemail but something said–Answer it!  It was hard to hear and I couldn’t understand so I kept saying who’s there…and then finally the first words I understand are—IT’S YOUR SON!  Oh wow, butterflies and all that stuff.  So excited and so relieved to hear his voice and know that, for the moment, he is safe!!  He tells me a bit about his adventures thus far and sounds so enthusiastic and determined.  Oh my, I could feel the pride well up in my heart and soul.  He’s such an incredible kid…and he’s mine!

After the initial first few over the moon minutes, he gives me his mailing address.  He lets me know it’s only temporary as he is in Camp Liberty right now but will be shipping out to a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in a short time.  He gives me a list of the things he would like to have.  The Post Office has already closed for the day so I go to sleep barely able to contain myself in anticipation of getting up and getting him his requests right away. 

Bright and early the next morning I go to Wal-Mart….truly on a mission.  I have my list of his requests and then of course, I have my own list of things that Moms just know her little ones need…and wants!  I shop like a true mad woman.  Filling the basket and racking my brain to be sure nothing is forgotten.  Goodies, Airborne, toiletries, energy bars…I even get Buck a treat!  I was in Wal-Mart for over an hour and a half and spent over $100.  Shopping complete, little did I know….that was the easy part!

Next stop, United States Post Office with bags and bags of things to ship.  This being my first time, I had no idea what was in store.  After walking up to the service counter looking like a pack mule, I am sent back to fill the flat rate boxes I have been given.  Sideways, upright, squeezed in the corner….whatever I could do to make it all fit.  Three boxes later there were still a few items that I just couldn’t squeeze in…..

All the while, other patrons pass by and make nice comments.  Most realize what I am doing and give encouragement.  After all the packing, then came the paperwork…..mounds of it!  Customs forms, labels, etc.   This had become quite the task!!  It didn’t matter though, ANYTHING for my boy!!!!

So finally, I make my way back to the counter looking less like a pack mule and more like I had ran a mini marathon.  I hoist all three boxes up and feeling very frazzled reached for my debit card in my pocket.  The clerk looks at me and smiles…..I am prepared for her to ‘give me the damage’ as my daddy used to say.  She and the clerk next to her smile again and nod to each other….they stop the line for a second and come over and tell me that someone….not sure which one….but someone that had come through and watched me working feverishly to get the packages out had paid the shipping costs and told them to tell me that it was their way of showing their gratitude to my son for his service.  Speechless with tears in my eyes and so much gratitude in my heart……then I managed to clear my throat enough to profusely thank anyone and everyone within earshot as I walked away. 

I got in my car and thought to myself….that’s why my son protects this country! Sure, there’s a political agenda.  Yeah, it has alot to do with a barrel of oil.  More than anything though, he is fighting for the American people he loves so much and for the liberties and freedoms we enjoy.  He fights to protect our right to say as some do, I don’t support the war…but I will give of my heart to support the Soldier and his family that fight for me……. 

So, tonight when you go to sleep, rest easy…..my son has got your back.  Tonight when I go to sleep, I will be very thankful for the kindness and generosity of the anonymous person who had my back today-and I will rest easy only when my precious son is home safe again.

Pay it forward, every chance you get! It meant so much to me.

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