I thought long and hard about writing a blog this year about Remembrance Day, worried about the repercussions from acknowledging that my son is a soldier in our Canadian Forces. To be perfectly honest and selfish, I want him to remain safe without adding more attention to his career but that is just naive to think that he could always remain safe with such national responsibility.
There were too many times and too many days throughout the last 3 years that I wish I could wrap him in my arms, and keep him safe; maybe lock the door, where I would do my damndest to keep him out of harms way. You know – tuck him in at night, make sure he has a good breakfast in the morning, lecture him on staying out too late, not getting enough sleep etc etc – all the things loving parents do. I’ve never said a word other than to encourage him and support him in his choice of careers (hard for someone like myself that is somewhat opinionated, so my son says, about a lot of things in life).
I took it for granted all these years when he was at home with me, that in essence, nothing would happen to him, other than the few broken bones from football, or ball hockey or some other sport he played. I’m proud of his career but after the past few weeks, the reality of the dangers of his career choice permeate my mind, all too often. I was paralyzed – that could have been my son! They were both someone’s son….
For someone that never watches the news, nor listens to it nor reads it, I was glued to the TV. My heart was broken, not only for Nathan’s and Patrice’s family, but for all the military men and women, parents, grandparents and families with the stark realization that this could happen to us too! As Canadians, we need to honor all of our soldiers, each and every day.
Being empathic, I could feel the nation crying, in grief over these events, coupled with my own feelings – it was mentally and emotionally draining. I chose to find some way to reverse and halt those tragic feelings – with gratitude.
I am so grateful for my son and the joy he has brought to my life – each and every day. He has made proud on so many occasions and continues to amaze me. I’m grateful that he has found purpose in life and joy in his career. I pray that he is always reminded of his values and stands strong in his convictions to be the best person he can be each and every day and to always follow his heart no matter how hard it is and how much resistance there is to just be himself.
This weekend, I spent hours going through family photos and I chuckled at all the ridiculous pictures of my son – he has always been energetic, dramatic, theatric, a jokester, loved to dance and always, always thinking and plodding his next move – I laughed a million times watching him over the years along with friends and family. And although, not too much laughing is going on these days with his posting hours away, I remember those moments instead of the ones that sent me into paralysis a few weeks ago. I’m grateful beyond words that I was able to nurture such a loving child, one that appreciates life, one that understands who he is, and one that takes his place in the universe with pride and love for all people.
I am so grateful for such a wonderful young man that I call my son. I am thankful that he gives me lessons every day in how to live, how to accomplish and how to give back to life by defending our country. As parents we sometimes forget to thank our children, and tell them how grateful we are for the joy they bring to our lives. Sometimes as parents we think we know what is best for them – but we really don’t. The best we can do is allow them to be the best they can be by supporting their choices and pretending we don’t have an opinion.
Make sure you take the time to tell your children how grateful you are for being blessed by their presence, and take the time to shake the hands our military men and women; those that served in the past and those presently serving. As Canadians we are forever grateful for the country and freedom we live in, fought hard by our Canadian Forces.
Remember to say Thank You.
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