Military mom keenly aware of risks

The pictures of Christopher Shelton gracing the pages of the April 6 paper (“Home from the front”) bear an uncanny resemblance to my son Brett (now serving with the 82nd Airborne in Iraq). His experiences and reactions to the questions many will ask upon his return are probably just as similar.

I was moved by the experiences Christopher has faced with such stoic heroism. I feel that same proud voice every time I hear the words of my son on the telephone calling from half a world away in a war zone far away from the safety and nurturing that he, and I’m sure Christopher, grew up with. Brett, too, tells me of many experiences too awful to speak of – “people wouldn’t understand.” And we may not; but this I do know. As a “military mother” I am keenly aware of the real possibility that I will never again hold my son in my arms – because of those very experiences only a soldier faced with war can truly know.

So, Christopher, Brett, and every soldier that has or is risking their life during these very trying times, when people ask “What did you do over there?,” tell them. America needs to know. Lest once again history forgets.

Silvana

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