My Son is Joining the Air Force : One Mom's Thoughts

As a home schooling mother I have grown extremely fond of and used to my time with my sons and daughters. So it is probably understandable that when my eldest son, a 21 year old college junior, told me that he wanted to join the Air Force I struggled with many emotions. Realizing that he has always had a love for history and the United States military I really shouldn't have been surprised.

The fear of the unknown took over for a couple of days and then I sat down with my son and asked him to tell me exactly what he was feeling and why he was making this decision. As he spoke my heart swelled with pride and respect for this young man. He expressed his opinion that the freedoms we enjoy in our great nation are at risk. He told me that he is concerned that my freedom to educate my children as I see fit will someday come under attack. He spoke of our freedom to trust in God and admit to it publicly and how he sees this under scrutiny and attack already.

Then he reminded me of the sacrifices of those who have gone on before us. There were brave men and women in the past generations who understood that anything worth having is worth sacrificing for. So many of my son's generation have no idea what our freedom cost our ancestors! In fact, many of my generation have no understanding of this concept. Our complacency and lack of respect for both those who have gone before us and those who are protecting us today is appalling! Somewhere along the way my son understood the history of our nation. His study of history over the years taught him much about the value of bravery, the cost of freedom and the rewards of sacrifice. The military giants of the past are his heroes. He stated to me, "Mom, I'm not worth much if I'm willing to accept all of the freedoms in America but I'm not willing to sacrifice so that my family can keep them!"

Will I pray for him daily as he goes through basic training? Yes! Will I miss him while he is stationed away from home? Yes! Will I count down the days between visits and returns home? Absolutely. But there is another thing I will do. I will forever be proud of the young boy who has become an incredible young man. One who is willing to make these sacrifices so that we and the next generation have the benefits and the freedoms that he has enjoyed in this great country. So these mother's eyes that once looked at my son with deep love and protection, now look to him for protection with deep love, not to mention respect!