MY ONE ON ONE INTERVIEW WITH LILYAS--->[link]
COMMUNITY PROJECT JOURNAL--->[link]
THE NEWS ARTICLE FOR 05-02-08 FEATURE--->[link]
THE NEWS ARTICLE FOR THIS WEEKS FEATURE--->[link]
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I GOT 2nd PLACE IN SHELL'S KIDS CONTEST!!
This entry has also given birth to my latest series of sea creature based animations!
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"Why I Do Not Celebrate Mother's Day"


Several years ago, when the war in Iraq began, my son Jayson only 17 (newly sworn into the Army-1st 19th Cavalry because I signed him up since he did not want to live under my roof by my rules), was headed to the front lines straight out of boot camp. I was there with him the day he was sworn in and made official, and I was there with him the day he left for Ft. Knox, Kentucky to complete boot camp and be shipped off to Kuwait. As a parent, you can only imagine how heart-wrenching the thought of that is in this world of uncertainty, but I was determined that I would stand behind him no matter what the outcome would be. My pride in my son just bursting out at the seams.

Soon, the day came for his graduation from boot camp, so I loaded his 2 brothers (Nicholas my oldest son, and Jayson's twin brother Jerrid) into the car and made the 12 hour drive to Ft. Knox. Unsure of what to expect, we sat through the rather long-winded ceremonies, and finally, I got to see my son. He had tears n his eyes, and so did I. He had written a couple of quick letters and called a few times, but I was not prepared to see this young man standing before me in his dress uniform, neatly pressed and polished. It was overwhelming. He informed me that soon they would be boarding a plane for Kuwait, but that he would get to take a small leave before they went, and he would be home for about 10 days. When he arrived, of course you know I welcomed him with open arms. So much last minute paperwork to fill out, power of attorney, last wishes...all of that sort of thing. That was not easy for me to deal with, but we got through it. So hard to talk about those things when your child is barely out on his own.

I will never forget the day he left. I think I cried for days afterwards. He was admittedly scared to death, and I was determined he would not see the fear in my eyes nor watch me cry. So I stood strong and firm, gave him all of the last minute instructions about wearing clean underwear just in case something happened, gave him a long hug, and waved as he drove away...not knowing if I would ever see him again. My heart, I swear it was breaking because I began to regret signing him into the Army. He needed something more than I could give him. All the years I had been both mother and father to the 3, raised my children with little or no help, and still my son needed something I could not give him.

He called me when he arrived in Kuwait, and called me frequently until his troupe departed from there. Early on, he had been injured (shot) but was wearing his kevlar....I was in a panic. Then, he was released from the hospital, and was out on a raid, and sprained his hand when he went to push a door in. All I did was pray for him to come home safely. It was months before I received a letter after that, and when I did, it said this.................
Dear Mom,

I hope you are well, I really miss you Mom. I am so very sorry I have not been writing and calling. I did received the stamps and paper along with the "care package" you sent to me, and have eaten everything except the cookies you sent. I have been sharing with the guys in my barracks, some of them do not receive anything from home. It makes you realize what you have when there are people at home who love you.

I cannot remember how many times I wished I was there, and you were making my favorite foods and we were laughing and joking. Today is Thanksgiving, and I get to spend my day in the guard tower being shot at. We were supposed to have a big dinner at mess today, but someone in the barracks got everyone into trouble so we will be eating MRE's. I can taste your apple pie, and I know you will be making a big dinner with all of the fixin's...I wished I could be there Mom. I sure do miss you.

It occurred to me the other day that I understand why you made all the sacrifices you did when we were growing up. I did not understand it until a few days ago how rotten we were, but you made us mind nonetheless. All the times you worked so hard just so we had clothes on our backs and food in our bellies...and you went without. All the things you taught us about living and being accountable. I am so sorry Mom for being such an jerk! I should have paid attention to you and I didn't. I see why you signed me into the military now. I never thought I would ever appreciate you, but I do now Mom. Please forgive me Mom, I do love you with all my heart. I do not know what is going to happen, but I want you to know that I love you very much. You were a good mother to us, and I have so much respect for you Mom, I just wish I could have seen it sooner.

I only hope that one day when I am a Dad, that I can be as good a Dad to my kids as you were to us. I love you Mom, Happy Thanksgiving!

Your son,

Jay

ANNOUNCEMENTS



My good friend made this beautiful piece for me as a sign of appreciation, mutual respect and friendship. I feel that this is something I need to share with everyone. This community means a lot to me and has become very important in my life. The friendships we have forged here on DA will last forever. I have had many wonderful gifts made for me by many, many talented artists.....this one truly touched my Please look at it! it if you wish as a sign of our continued friendships and support towards one another. ss

CLUBS I AM A MEMBER OF

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deviantARCADE

*These wonderful and generous artist's promote the work of other artist's by featuring them in their journals each week!!















ARTIST INTERVIEWS-NEWS ARTICLES
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It takes a lot of work to present features each week, so let's show our community love for the dedicated efforts they make to showcase various artist's and make exposure possible. Thank you all for sharing so many great artworks with us from all over DA~ Please check 'em out!!*
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