I Am Thankful for Family and Friends in 2009

The early part of 2008, I celebrated my second sobriety birthday. Actually, it wasn't just my sobriety birthday, because my family was there to celebrate with me. With my family supporting me, one day at a time, I made it two years.

I was so happy, and content with the love and support that I had received from my family and dear friends; I couldn't imagine that life could get any better. It seemed though, that life had yet another lesson for me.

Not too long after my birthday, my second son came by to see me. He informed me that, in thirty days his unit was deploying to Iraq. Of course I had my motherly concerns, but after we talked, I knew that I could deal with it. In all honesty though, I will say I was a bit teary. He left with promises to write, and would call as often as he could.

Not a full week had passed, when I got a call from yet another of my sons. At the time, he and his family were stationed in Germany. He had already done one tour in Iraq, and he had been back less than a year.

"Mom," he said to me, "my unit is shipping out to Iraq on the first of November."

I could not believe what I had just heard. This could not be happening to me, but it was. Though I managed to maintain myself while talking to him on the phone, when we hung up I immediately went over to my best friend's, and sponsor's house. We had worked together in the program for the last two years; had become very close, and I knew that she would feel sorry for me.

"Kathi," she said; "it's because of people like your sons, that we have the freedoms and comforts that we have. I am so proud of you."

We both cried for a little while, then, I was okay. I was so proud of my sons. They had taken it all in stride, and they had not one word of complaint.

On Mother's Day 2009, at 2:00 in the morning we got a phone call. My husband answered the phone. He talked on the phone for a few minutes, and I could tell that he was happy. Then I knew; it was one of my boys!

I jumped up out of bed, and went running into the living room. All I could do was ask him, "Which one called?" He then handed me the phone. "Happy Mother's Day, and we love you!" It was both of my boys; in unison. I was filled with so much love and contentment at that moment. I knew that, no matter what my faults had been, I had done something right.

The first of my sons got home in August 2009, and the second son arrived home the first part of November; just in time to spend Thanksgiving with his little family.

I am so very thankful for my friends, family and loved ones, who helped me through this very difficult year. I also am very thankful for the safe return of both my sons.

It didn't work out for us to be able to spend Thanksgiving with either of these sons this year, but that's okay. They are home safe, and that's all that really matters. Besides, I'll be spending Thanksgiving with their father; so that's not so bad.