Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Proud of my Soldier

I don't think anyone can doubt just how proud I am of Christopher. I wake up proud of him and I go to bed proud of him. But recently I had the oppurtunity to really experience pride in my son.

I am the worlds worse person when it comes to putting gas in my Blazer. As far as I am concerned E means evacuate and I always tell my husband I need gas knowing that he will go fill it up for me.

But the other day I realized that I had pushed it to far and would never make it home if I didn't stop and get gas when I got off of work. So I stopped at a gas station around the corner from my office. I wear a set of dog tags everyday with Christophers name and date of birth on them and the gentleman behind the counter saw them and asked if I was a Soldier. (believe me when I say I am in no way in shape to be a Soldier LOL), I explained to him that my son was the Soldier. He asked me if he was in Iraq and I told him no that he was just beginning his Army career. The man said no matter Iraq is my home, please tell your Soldier son that I say Thank you. I thought I was going to start crying right there. I told him that I would pass on the message and turned to walk out, there were three gentlemen behind me in line and each of them shook my hand and said tell your son Thank you from us to and tell him to stay safe. By the time I got out to the gas pumps I was in tears and one of the gentlemen walked over and took the pump out of my hand and pumped my gas for me. I thought I would bust with pride for Christopher. God Bless America.

Now when ever I walk into this gas station to grab a Mt. Dew (my idea of coffee) the clerk always says How is your Soldier Son? Tell him hello from me. I always stop and have a conversation with him and let him know that I will pass the message on in my next letter.



Now when I hear people say that we should not be in Iraq, I think of this man and I smile because I know he is grateful that we are there.



God Bless,

Tami

7 comments:

Courtney said...

I don't know how you held it together that long because I am crying just reading. Christopher is special and should be thanked from everyone...here is a big THANK YOU from me.

Tonjia said...

Hi Tami! I am new to your blog, I found it through Michelles blog (Shays mom). I am an Air Force mom and completely understand your emotions that lay so close to the surface when it comes to our kids.

My daughter just left enlised USAF in february, has started college and will commission back to the USAF as an officer in 2 yrs. Its a never ending circle!

stay strong. we are all a sisterhood.

Brittany said...

Wow! That is so great to hear. wow. wow. wow. I just can't imagine how you feel... It is good to know that they DO appreciate us being there. So good to hear.

I am seriously speechless.

Unknown said...

Thank you! These words of pride in your son truly describe how many of us moms feel. You did an outstanding job as a mom, as an American. Be proud of yourself, your son and our country!

~AirmanMom returning to her blog...

liberal army wife said...

It's wonderful when they and you are appreciated.

Just to let you know the post about the boys' blog is up on Parentszone.org.

http://parentszone.org/

LAW

Michelle said...

Reading this post brings me to tears. I do not have a single day that goes by when I am not brought to tears over feeling proud of my daughter and all of the sons and daughters serving in the military. I never used to be this sappy. Well, I will cry at a good movie.

I found a Cricut on Craigslist and am driving down to get it tomorrow. I also found a lady who is selling the cartridges and plan on looking at what she has. You got me hooked. You will have to let me know what cartridges (at a minimum) I want and which ones I don't want to waste my money on. You are getting me hooked. I have a neighbor who likes to scrapbook so I think I am going to have to suggest we have a scrap group. I am sure there will be at least 4-5 of us.

Debbi (no 'e' on the end) said...

What a great story. The rock that I am I was all teared up reading it but it makes me so proud of all our sons & daughters when I hear these stories. Thank you for sharing it with us all.