Letter to my Mother19:40 Jun 17 2010
Times Read: 593
Thought I would share, pictures at the end.
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Mom,
I want to start by saying that we love you, never forget that. You have been a source of great comfort to me during Matthew’s recent deployment to Afghanistan and I wanted to thank you for that. I know you will say that it’s your job because you are my Momma, but it’s more than that to me. It is the love of family that gets us through the difficult times and I wanted to thank you for being there.
Now I know you are looking at this gift and going, why? That is the wrong question; the real question is why not? The answer is very simple. It is because we wanted too give you a part of our history, a memory that you shared in -- a piece of ourselves that we would not otherwise be able to give.
I had this made for you and I hope that you will always look upon it as a source of pride and knowledge that your support matters. While I cannot give you many things in this lifetime, I can give you my love and this. So with that said, I am apologizing for the tears as I have my own while writing this. I know that you have shed your fair share of them on my behalf as well as for Matthew and the kids. It’s all good.
This was made from one of Matthew’s uniforms he wore in Afghanistan. It has felt the scorching sun, the bitter winds and the cold rains. It’s felt the impact of fears, joys, depressions, frustrations and sorrows. It has felt the weight of a weapon that must be held at all times and the protective pressure of plate armor within a vest, all in the name of keeping him safe while he does his job. It has served as a blanket when there was none, as a pillow to rest his head upon. It has felt the spattering of soldier’s tears, both his and those of others as he has spent time listening to and talking with them -- giving them the support they need during a difficult time. If it could talk, it would tell the stories of lands both foreign and domestic. It has experienced a life that I will never know and can only hear about through conversations and see in a few pictures. Most importantly it has felt the warmth of its wearer, his kindness and faith. It has provided him warmth and protection from the elements and identified him for who he is, a solider in the US. Army. He has worn it with pride, conviction and duty. He has worn it for us, though we may not understand the reasons for it.
While there are others out there in the world that have one of these items, made from the uniforms of their soldiers, this one is made for you -- a uniform that you can wear on your arm, if you wish, a uniform that is part of our family. A uniform that you can show to others and say “This is part of me, of my family. My son in law.”
Now, if you turn it over you will see powerful words embroidered on the back of it: a statement of truth and support and most of all love. For you are exactly that, you are an “Army Mom.”
Love,
Denise
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COMMENTS
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PhoenicianDream
01:10 Jun 19 2010
Aaaaaw!
Joli
17:10 Jun 20 2010
First time I have ever read a letter and wished I was someone's mom. What mother wouldn't wish to be so loved and honored.
The bag is an incredible gift, but your heart is the true treasure. I am so lucky to know you.