the first time I've been tempted to open his mail
My heart leaped into my throat and all reason flew out of my head when I read the return on the envelope. Although it was addressed to my 18 year old son, he wasn’t home, I took it to my husband and told him I was tempted to open it. He reminded me that there’s not a draft and it was just a confirmation letter, that Mikal had received one when he turned 18 too.
But for a moment, before reality was spoken to me, all I could think was, “No, not my son, he’s too young.” And I thought of all the sons, the ones who have been drafted in a time long ago and for a moment it seemed I was one with their moms, feeling what they must have felt and I hope I never have that reality. You can think I’m evil, un-American, etc. But in that moment, I was simply a mom.
I remember how awful I felt (first marriage) when my husband received one
of those.
Long story... but he never had to go... it was when Nixon called a
moratorium on it.
I can understand you very well ! and that has nothing to do with your
country, only a abnormal woman would like to send her son into a war ! We
are all first mothers !
But what I don't understand is, that he can be drafted, or did I
misunderstand. I thought all American soldiers go to war on their own and
free will and are not forced by the government to go. Here in Europe we
only have soldiers who choose to be soldiers, the obligatory military
service doesn't exist anymore.
My heart would have been in my throat too. I hope I never ever see one of
those. I hope your son never has to go to war. My friend's son has done
two tours in Iraq. Every single phone call, she holds her breath. It is
just awful. Such a terrible thing to have to go through.
I hear ya. My Godson has been over twice and we don't know if he's going to
volunteer to go again. It's got nothing to do with patriotism.
Even getting a confirmation letter must be the worst feeling for any
mother. I came over to say I had given you award but this now seems so
trivial.
Any kind of mail for the government can stop you in your tracks.
Especially that one. I remember when my husband (boyfriend then) got his
and had to fill it out, sign & send back... it is so surreal.
I sure hope we never have another draft. I saw my cousins mixture of pride
and heartbreak when her son decided to join the Marines. He is SO happy and
it's so right for him. Right now he is stationed in the US. I can't imagine
though not having a choice..when we are based on choice. There are So many
other countries where it isn't an option either. Back 20+ years ago I knew
Amit and Amar..brother and sister from Israel. They had to join the army
when they were 18. He lost a leg...I knew them when they were 16 and
17...they were SO scared, they didn't want to..they were "small" people. I
can't even imagine.
Oh man - My heart would have been leaping in my throat too. I just hope
that in 11 years our army is still volunteer and that there is no draft!!!
I won't be prepared to receive a letter like that either.
I remember when my husband (he was my boyfriend then) got one of those. I
didn't like it very much.
Lisa, I certainly don't consider your reaction to be "un-American". It is
a natural first reaction to the possibility that your son might be sent
into harm's way. Hugs.
It is not about being un-American or just being a mom. It's about love and
being a parent.
No, not un-American. Just human, just a Mom. I was always grateful my
girls didn't have to sign up for Selective Service. One of the joys of
daughters.
I think I'm a very patriotic person, but as this war has worn on and
outlived our (likely unrealistic) expectations for a reasonable time frame
with no clear end in sight? Well, I've become slightly less trusting and
much less convinced that we are doing the right thing. And I really REALLY
do NOT want my son to join the Marines in a few months. I know I need to
let him make his own choices, and I will. But I can hope for him to change
his mind can't I? I will be proud of him and I will pray for him every day
whether he joins or not. Ugh! Where is the freaking box of Kleenex!?!
I echo Gattina. In my country people voluntarily sign in to be part of the
military...though I know in the law there is that provision BUT only when
the country is in danger of invasion.
I am so with you on that. I am a mom first and that would override all
reason.
I think your response is totally natural. I think I will have the same
reaction. I will have to see 3 of those letters arrive, I am not looking
forward to it. I just hope that when the time comes for my boys that they
will still have a choice.
I'm not a mother but I would feel the SAME way as you!!!!!
I had to explain Drafts to my 8 year old the other day. (his question btw)
It was hard and that return address took my breath away too.
I with you, I've got two that are drafting age and they are my only two.
Part of me would just die if I had to say goodbye to my boys.
Wow, I'd feel the same exact way. There goes the maternal instinct.
I'm not a Mom, but I can imagine that that would be my worst nightmare...!
Glad the letter isn't what you first thought it was!
I don't think that you are evil at all. I think you are perfectly normal. I
would have felt exactly the same way.
my son got one of those too. scared the bejeebers out of me!!!
Not a mom, and I still can understand that.
There is absolutely nothing un-American about wanting to protect your
child! Any mother would do the same.
That little dog looks like my pain in the butt chihuahua!