Today I’m posting as Susan Griscom and this post is dedicated
to my two wonderfully courageous sons, Brodie and Michael.
Brodie J. Hamilton, Senior Airman, in the U.S. Air Force
Michael F. Hamilton, Specialist, in the U.S. Army.
Needless to say, I was a little upset, maybe upset is the wrong word, more
like scared shitless. But it’s okay, now, I’ve come to terms. I have nothing
but respect for the military. My dad was in the Army—served in WWII, my
grandfather was in the army—died in WWI. My husband’s dad was in the Marines. My
sons are who they want to be and they are happy, which makes me happy. And I
have to admit, they have both changed for the better and have grown into the
men I always knew they would be. I’m sure that was bound to happen anyway,
considering …
Brodie, my oldest, has been stationed in Guam—lucky guy—for the
past two years. He’s leaving that paradise soon though, and heading to Alaska.
Yep, from the warmth of a tropical island with beautiful waterfalls and sandy
beaches, where I hear snakes are abundant, (yikes) to the frigid cold of ice
and snow where the polar bears live. Oh my. You can be rest assured that it
hasn’t been all fun and games in paradise, though. Yeah, there’s talk of golf
games and kayaking, not to mention the occasional beer pong games, but let’s
face it, being on the other side of the world away from your family and friends,
working with dangerous artillery has to be draining on the soul. I miss you,
Brodie.
Michael, or Mike, as he likes to be called, is my baby. He’s
a firefighter stationed at the Grafenwöhr Army Base in Germany—a major US Army training
installation. He’s been there for two years now and in that time he’s gotten
married to a beautiful lady, Stephanie and now they have a beautiful baby boy,
Lukas. My husband and I call him Lucky Luke, because he is the seventh lucky
grandchild we have. Mike’s job isn’t all fun and games either. He’s away from
his wife and son months at a time and has missed a lot of Lukas’ first year. I
miss you all.
About two years ago, I wrote what’s called a drabble for a contest in a
writing group I belonged to. A drabble is a story exactly 100 words long, no more, no less. A complete story with a
beginning, a middle, and an end. I won the contest by the way and I’m posting that story
below, dedicated once again to my sons, Brodie and Michael.
~~~~
My Son
by
Susan Griscom
I held you close to my heart. Your eyes wide and
brown, taking in my face for the first time. I never thought it would go by
this fast, my life forever changed.
"Mommy, I missed you," you cried after your
first day of school.
My soul overflowed with joy.
"Mom I'll be fine," you said, driving away
for the first time on your own as I waved from the porch, my heart in my
throat.
My ears ache for the sweet sound of your voice... Mom,
I'm home. I'm fine. I've missed you.
My son, my soldier, my hero.
I'd like to say thank you to all the men and women who serve in the armed forces and the wives, husbands, moms and dads who stand behind them
and
HAVE A HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! HAPPY READING
Susan♥
.jpg)
