I don’t do a lot of family posting because this is primarily my art site, but I just had to share a few pics from my oldest sons NCO graduation!
As a mom you worry, hope, dream, and countless other emotions for your children to become happy adults pursuing their dreams. Things aren’t always smooth sailing and your heart aches for them when things don’t go as planned.
When my son entered the military a little over a year ago, he wanted to be in the Infantry, but due to a hip fracture during Basic Training his dream had to be put on hold and he was lead down a different path than the one he originally set out on. While the mom in me was relieved that he had a ‘safe’ job, it was hard to see him settle for something less than he signed on for.
But, my son did not give up his dream. He’s worked hard and now has found a different path that will hopefully lead him to his original goal. He just finished his leadership training as one more step towards that goal.
I was so proud to see him standing tall, happy with himself, taking charge of his destiny, and planning his life. He could have just settled, but he fought back and I’ve watched him turn into a man right before my vary eyes.
Seeing him with his peers and all that they sacrifice and the pride with which they do it, should make us all proud as Americans. These young men and women give up much to serve our country and I’ve yet to meet one who doesn’t think the honors all theirs.
So go hug soldier, I hugged mine:-)
April 21st, 2010 at 3:20 am
I was reading an issue of Somerset that’s a few months old and found your article again on painitng eggplants…I set it up to use your technique to paint some flowers in my personal art journal. I’ve decided to take a little time off of from my art business…sort of burned out always creating ‘for sale’ art…anyway…I just popped over to your blog to see if there was anythinig else about painting and the collaging you do and saw this post about your son…how is he now and where will he be serving? My step son is in Iraq on his second tour. He is on a team who looks for and then dismantles IED’s…very dangerous work…so we worry about him a lot.
Anyway…just wanted to say GOD BLESS our Soldiers…our Sons… Elizabeth
March 7th, 2010 at 1:54 am
The best to your son and I hope he goes all the way. I made it to SFC E-7 before retiring. Looks like you raised a good son.
February 15th, 2010 at 4:22 am
Tell him 'thank you' for me!- Teresa
February 14th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
I know you are a great artist, but to raise a son who chooses to be a soldier, it's obvious that you're a great mom, too. Congratulations to your son for pursuing his dream and a big thank you from me to him for serving our country.There are many choices in life and for those men and women who choose to serve our country I am humbled. It is a very admirable choice and I wish him success in his pursuit.
February 14th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
I got goose bumps, Pam. God bless your son and all the other soldiers for defending our country and keeping us safe. I can feel your pride.xxxooo
February 14th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Oh Pam I can only imagine how proud you are. Such a handsome young man you have there and he sounds so wonderfully determined and worked hard for his accomplishments. Congratulations to you both!hugsGail
February 14th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
This touched my heart as a mother Pam..I can only imagine the pride you have for him..his resolve to push forward for his dream!!! I salute him and wish him well…momma I salute you to for you raising such a wonderful son!!!BlessingsBevie
February 14th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Pam! Thank you to your son! My husband shake ever soldiers hand that we see out shopping, at the airport, in restaurants! We are proud to be Americans and say thank you to each everyone of them! May God keep them all safe and may they know they are supported!dana
February 13th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
God bless him, and you too, Pam…we are so grateful for his sacrifice and selfless acts to preserve our freedoms. How wonderful that he persevered when life threw him a curve….congrats to him. What a wonderful heartwarming post….and hey, guess what? My son just got his acceptance letter to his first choice college !! Woo Hoo…I guess it's the weekend for proud moms and awesome sons!!
February 13th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Congratulation's, Pam! It takes very special people to defend our freedoms. God Bless your son and all of those who defend our great country. You have a right to be proud, Mom! Hugs, Terri
February 13th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
I am grateful for men like your son who are willing to serve our country…and I am also grateful for supportive parents such as yourself who stand behind these men.God bless all of you!
February 13th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
He does look so proud and determined. Good for him and congrats!!! And you, my dear, are beaming!! This is such a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing this part of yourself and your family!HugsSueAnn
February 13th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
my eyes are teary reading your beautiful post…..congratulations to your son for his hard-earned accomplishments! and congrats to you, too, mom!! please give your son a big hug of thanks from us for his sacrifices and service to our country!!:)))
February 13th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
ooo..pam. i know exactly how you feel. my oldest son josh joined the army national guard in his junior year of high school. he did his basic training that summer and right after his senior year. by the age of 20 he was storming buildings and looking for ied's. he was gone a year and 1/2 being a soldier. i always had this great inner sense of peace and just "knew" he'd come home. i know lots of soldiers weren't as fortunate. it takes a special person to be able to fight for our freedom and the freedom of others. god bless your son. i can see why you are so proud.