I haven’t been around the blogosphere much lately. It wasn’t planned, it just happened, suddenly—unexpectedly, but, truth be told, I needed the break. After my last post, I found myself feeling quite frustrated. I was reading posts and comments that were upsetting me and making me feel angry. Plus, the whole Madison/Walker/Union fiasco had me on a fence, because I could SEE both sides, but didn’t want to PICK a side. It was just too much, and I knew if I stayed in the fray it would consume me.
I began posting on my other blog, where I could let loose on a wider range of topics and be less stringent and not have to research so much. It’s been fun, but I find that I do miss the political arena. Which puts me into another conundrum.
Recently I found out that my son, who joined the Army National Guard, WANTS to be deployed after Basic Training this October. He informed his father and me that he wants to fight in a place like Afghanistan for 2 years before he goes to college. This information, needless to say, hit my husband and I like a ton of bricks. While we admire our son’s courageous nature, we are fearful, especially now, with all the upheaval in the Middle East. I’m no expert on that region and I’ve purposely avoided researching it because I know ME. If I immerse myself into research I won’t be available to my family and right now, I need to spend as much time with my son as I possibly can—he leaves for basic training at the end of June. Once he’s deployed I know I’ll involve myself – I’ll have to—then. But now, now I can pretend he’s mine, because he is. But once he turns his life over to the Army, I’ll be forced to let go.
So, I can’t get into the Middle East and the war and Libya right now. To me, it’s not happening, because someday soon it will BE my life.
I’ll be on the political blogging track again…when I’m ready—I’m just not ready today.
Expressing My Freedom Of Speech
2 days ago
Pam,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely understand,and empathize, and wish you and your family well. Nothing is more important than our children, make the best use of your with him.You have a lot of friends out here on the net, if nothing else we can be a sounding board or a place to vent!
May God bless you guys.
I understand too Pam, and I feel your fear. Would it sound weird if I said I wish your son didn't feel the need to go to Afghanistan? I don't understand that feeling these young people get, sorry. I wish it was not happening for yours and the whole families sake, but when these young adults make up their minds to do something there isn't much you can do about it.
ReplyDeleteGod bless and Oso is right, we'll be here for ya!
My son-in-law recently returned from a tour in Iraq. Stressful for every one. Hopefully things will be winding down over there, and the gradual increase of regular Army will relieve the hard duty
ReplyDeleteour National Guard has been
performing.
Pam - You need never let go entirely.
ReplyDeleteYour son will always be your son.
Be proud of what you and his father have instilled in him, for you have done a parents responsibility to their children proud.
It is now time to let him be the man you brought him up to be.
And trust in his chosen direction and instincts.
My thoughts and best wishes are with your son and his family.
You should be very proud.
Oso: Having gotten to know you a little better, through your short stories, and finding out you raised your daughters on your own, I know your words came STRAIGHT from your heart, and they went STRAIGHT to MINE. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSue: You’ve been a real gem, always there to leave me a funny comment, or now, to give me a word of encouragement. I truly appreciate it, and YOU.
BB: Thank you for letting me know that it might be winding down. As I said, I haven’t been paying attention lately, so ANY good news is helpful. And I’m glad your son-in-law is home safe and sound. Thank him for me for his service.
Les: What can I say my friend? You know me well and understand and have shown patience during my trials. Not only am I grateful for your kind, encouraging words, but I’m appreciative of you, too. Thank you.
Pam: He's young and he's a man. That explains it all.
ReplyDeleteOur military is the best in the world, best equipped, best trained, and we know how to protect ourselves in really bad neighborhoods. I have been in quite a few, including Afghanistan and Iraq.
Nobody does it better. Our casualty rate is incredibly low, historically so. Your son has a better chance coming back alive and in one piece from Afghanistan than he does from a night walking around Chicago's Loop.
My son is graduating in a few years and he already wants to join the military, so putting myself in your place, I know how you feel.
I pray we are the hell out of there before your son or mine is eligible to deploy.
From a blogging perspective I find the Libyan situation frustrating since conservatives seem to say so many contradictory things over time. There seems to be a conservative consensus emerging that Obama did wrong in going into Libya and they echo to a fault liberal arguments almost word for word used against Bush going into Iraq and when I try to point this out they don't seem to get the irony. Prayers for you and yours Sue.
ReplyDeletePamela,
ReplyDeleteMy daughter's three deployments in Iraq were very tough on the family and I share your anxiety ... always the missing place at the holiday dinner table, and the tug at the heart every time the phone rang. Hopefully, the war in Afghanistan will be winding down by the time he is ready to deploy.
Meanwhile, I will keep you and Dalan in my thoughts and pray for his safe return.
Silverfiddle: Thank you. You're comment was reassuring. And kudos to YOUR son.
ReplyDeleteZ-man: Yes, frustrating to say the least, and for me, a bit complicated at the moment. But I'll get up to speed.
Octo: Thank you for empathizing. I do recall how difficult it was for you when your daughter was deployed. I'm so glad she's home now. I appreciate you keeping us in your thoughts. It means a lot.
Hey Pam....it's been a while. My "MIA" was a bit longer than expected! I wasn't even prepared for it. I deleted my g-mail account because of school things and my blog disappeared. Maybe it's better this way though. It's fresh and new and it's just me being me. I really got burnt out with politics but I still have my opinions!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My guys are still little but I can only imagine if they told me they were going to serve. It's so honorable and courageous but as a mom, I feel your pain!! ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteJENNIFER! OH.MY.GOSH! I missed you SO much! And now you're back! Yippee!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kinds words, as usual.
And you're also back just in time. I'm about ready to get back into political blogging--something happened last night to tick me off!
But I also have a fun blog, Siren Sense, it's on my profile, check it out. But I do hope you'll also participate in the politics--your voice is needed!
I loved your other blog too!! I am back and can't wait to get back in the action!! I missed you tooooo!!!!
ReplyDeleteI've been MIA lately too. Life happens. Back in the saddle now? :) More power to ya!
ReplyDeleteSusannah: It's good to see you! And yes, I do believe I'm back. Not sure if that's good or bad! ;-)
ReplyDelete