Thank you Cynthia G. for writing this heartfelt poem.
I am a soldier’s mother; I sometimes march alone
And yet I stand with many, trying to be strong.
You may not recognize me as you pass me on the street;
I may look like any other that you by chance might meet.
Like any mother, in a lot of ways I still remain,
But watching my son become a soldier brought a forever change.
For deep down inside where you cannot see
My own battle rages that’s as real as it can be.
It starts with feeling pride in all he has become,
But often worry creeps in before the day is done.
Then there is his absence that never will seem right –
The days without a word that causes many sleepless nights.
And at the sight of another soldier, my heart skips a beat,
For it reminds me of my own, and that face I’d love to see.
And I have a deeper sense of the sacrifices our heroes make;
I can see the hardships on the families – the loneliness, the heartache.
But in spite of all that’s raging, this mother’s love holds strong
As I’m wrapped in God’s peace and comfort and given strength to go on.
© Cynthia G. – this poem is copyrighted, please share responsibly with attribution to author.
Michelle says
My son left for boot camp on February 18th. I feel like a part of my heart has died. I cry all the time. I received three letters from him now and each letter states how much he misses me and how homesick he is. My hurt is hurting so bad because for the first time I’m not able to be there to comfort him and wrap my arms around him. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through.
Sandra Hartford says
My son graduated boot camp in Columbia SC the day before Thanksgiving 2014. It was so very hard to let him leave. The beginning of boot camp was so hard. I tried to at least mail something everyday, even if it was lame.. It gets easier when they can start calling. Hang in there. Let them know they have all of your support. That’s our job. Most of us let our children go right out of high school and that was scary. When I saw the change in my son, well, it was just amazing. As much as my heart hurts that he is away there is also a heart full of overwhelming pride. I am not saying it will be easy…every day does get a little easier, especially when you can hear from them how well they are doing. They cannot be worrying about home. Hang in there. We all have to be ARMY STRONG!
Lynette Alva says
This poem touched me deeply… It described a mother beautifully & what we feel. I have both my sons serving in the Army so you can image the changes my life has been but for me it has also been a blessing. My sons both needed structure after a divorce. They both are excelling in there finding new challenges, triumphs, new experiences & becoming men before my eyes. I miss them everyday but I also know they are exactly where they need to be with God’s covering. I am so thankful for social media, cell phones & the Internet which keeps us connected. Image the mothers before us who didn’t have those tools! God Bless all of you! #armymom #armystrong
Nellie says
My youngest son just left for basic training at ft Leonard woods. His 19th birthday is June 7. I’m missing my baby boy so much. I just want to hold him. He is making mom proud but I just can’t stop crying. Thank you for the poem.
Sheena K says
My son went to boot camp a week after he graduated from high school. I still have the balloons he received from his girlfriend and the ones for his go away party and it’s been five weeks! I heard from him last Sunday and I was overjoyed. He said he is fine and gave me his address. I feel better but my sleep is still kind of weird but I know I will be okay. I pray and don’t feel guilt about any emotion because after all he is my only son. I sometimes feel people get tired of me talking about him and reminding me why he is there. I know but let me feel the way I want to feel. My own mom ask me why did I cry when he left. Umm I’m a mom I told her. Coming to see to this site does not make me feel as alone. Enjoying hearing these stories and I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Carolee says
excellent post, very informative. I wonder why the opposite experts of this sector
do not realize this. You must proceed your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
barb says
love this poem too. My son is home for christmas break. He left in Sept and it has been quite the journey. hearing of hardships and lonliness and not being able to help. short phone calls and waiting for a letter. God truly was the strength of my heart. I found comfort in His word and a peace that surpasses all my pain. An anchor to hold on to and promises that are true. Something I could pass on to my son in his time of need. Something stronger than myself. I pray you all find it too.
Jolene says
I have read your emails. I am feeling so much the same. I cried for a week when my son left for boot camp my job actually sent to work from home. He has been in now for 3 years and I appreciate d that he was able to stay in New York I am in lots angeles I felt at least he is close. By the way he has a wife and daughter my grandbaby . I learned today they will be going to Germany their first choice. Alaska close r to me. My choice. Or KOrea. I amhj both excited for them as they will have new experiences but heartbroken because they are so far away. I kind of miss the days when my baby was young and I could protect him. Although I am so very proud of the man he has become
Michele Bizzi says
I am so thrilled to have found this site! My son left yesterday for Basic Training and it’s been the longest day of my life! I have mixed emotions. His father & I are very proud of his decision, but I miss him terribly. I honestly feel like someone kicked me in the stomach and my heart aches. I thought are my feelings unusual? Do all Military Mom’s feel this way or am I being way too emotional? I can see from all these posts I am not and the feelings are normal. I am sure with time it will get easier. Right now I am just trying to wait patiently to get the phone call & hopefully the address, so I can write him with positive encouragement. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories. You will be be in my prayers.
Dorinda M. Castro says
My son is in the army and has been deployed. He will be gone for 9 months. It is amazing how each of you are going through this journey with me. I am blessed to have received this prayer from this website. It is beautiful and really hits home. My only son is deployed. He is 22. It was with a heavy heart that I said goodbye to him and it is with a restless heart that I wait for his return. We are all proud of our children who service our great country. But we are mothers and it has always been our responsibility to protect our children. So I pray every day and I put all our young men and women in God’s hands. Thank you all for sharing your thoughts so that I can share mine. It is a source of strength and comfort to read these testimonials. I pray for all of us. God bless our children and this country.
Marcie says
Thank you for this poem. It defiantely hits home as my son was deployed 2 months ago. I pray every day for his safety. He is my only son, my baby boy, one of the loves of my life. Dear Lord, please bring him home whole and safe. Amen.
Cindy says
Love this poem. Crying while I am reading it, hits the nail on the head. Also love Gang Momma’s response. So very true, it’s the little things I miss. My only son quit college and joined the Army a year and a half ago. I wish I could say it has gotten easier but it hasn’t. Walking by his empty room and a quiet house only serves to remind me. He will be deployed till the end of the month and I will be glad he is back in the US. Very hard to describe to anyone your feelings unless they have been through it. It has been the hardest year and a half of my life.
Kim says
My son, 19, is in Afghanistan, finishing up a first tour. Home is in sight but as I write this, the world is quickly changing before our eyes in the last two weeks. He just got back to a safe zone from a mission that wasn’t planned, wasn’t safe. He is safe now at the moment. The election is just 3 1/2 weeks away and Russia is flexing it’s muscles in a way we’ve not seen yet. I know all too well that in this season we are in, coming home doesn’t guarantee months of getting to be here before another tour and, another tour over….. well,……. I don’t need to say it. We all know. We don’t talk about it but we are all too aware. We smile and try to be strong. We just have moments we aren’t as strong as we want to be, as brave as we want to be and we are all too aware of how precious life really is and the time we have with those we love.
PFC Nicole Morova, I bet your rank is higher now. Your words touched me. I know it is hard for the troops there. Thank you for your service! So many of us deeply appreciate and value those of you we don’t even personally know and we want you safe and home too! We will keep sending letters, packages, loving words, strong words to those we don’t know as well as our own because many of us do know it makes a difference! 🙂 Thanks you for reminding us.
Pam says
This poem really touched me. I tear up every time I read it. My son left for BCT 5 days ago. He is at Fort Leonard Wood . Everyday I have such a heavy heart, our household has changed. Its more quiet, although I still have 2 younger children at home. He is my 1st born . Like other posts, I miss all the little things. I know I have to be strong for his siblings as well as for my soldier. I pray for all parents, family’s and soldiers. Reading all posts show Im not alone. Thank you all for sharing. And I thank the writer for these lovely words. My son has made me so proud. It takes a strong man to dedicate himself to the U.S. Army. I Cant wait to hear from him. ? Army proud Mom
Carly Buchanan says
I just stumbled upon this site & poem. After reading the poem, with tears rolling down my face, I started reading the previous comments.
My oldest son has been at Ft. Leonardwood since 4/4/17. I have heard from him twice. It really is hard to combine and pride I feel with the sadness of him not being here.
It IS strange to walk into his bedroom, to find it empty. To not see him laying in the bed or in the kitchen. To not be able to pick up the phone and speak to him, not be able to text a quick “hey” to him.
Yesterday was Easter. My first holiday without him. I have written many letters, have scripture to enclose in each letter, and funny little notes of encouragement….even though I haven’t received a mailing address yet.
But, I do not let myself cry (at least in public). I am not the first mom to watch my son take his oath to defend our country. I will definitely not be the last. I am proud to call myself an Army Mom. After reading these comments, I am extremely proud to be a part of this small group of women. You may be the only people that I will discuss my feelings with, but I know I am in good company.
Thank each of you for your service and the service of your child/ren.
Kimberly A VanDorn says
My son has been in almost two years but I remember like it was yesterday, the emotions of having my son newly join and be gone from home, trying to figure out a new normal. I will tell you that the deep friendships from my fellow Army Moms on various pages have been a God send! I can’t imagine doing this without them in every season of this military life! Likewise, we are here for you to be your shoulder to cry on, encourage you, cheer with you and be proud with you. Please feel free to reply back whenever you need and if you haven’t already, find a Facebook support group for Army Mom’s.
Kim
Lisa McClellan says
I am forever an army mom. My son passed serving his country. This month is always very emotional. Thank you for the poem. I can’t seethe keyboard must go
Jane McClurg says
My husband was career military. Our son followed in his Dad’s footstep. When my husband was dying, my son was in Afghanistan. The Red Cross and the US Army got him home before the doctor’s unplugged my husband. He died of prostate cancer and congestive heart failure (probably caused by a year in the rice paddies of Viet Nam). I just don’t have the strength to hold back someone who “felt the calling.” Proud to report that my son is out (after 14 years) and working on a college degree. Also doing the National Guard duty to complete his 20 years. You just have to do what you have to do. Just send those prayers up that they will be kept safe. Thanks for letting me share.
Betty Mathewson says
I am an Army daughter and wife, mother of a Navy fighter pilot and a Marine, grandmother of a Marine an an Airman. Uncles, cousins male and female, brother, all served our great country with honor. My children and I also served, actively and from afar. We are a proud multi-generational military family and we love our homeland. It is not an easy life, with the separations and then the reunions with many adjustments, the fear for the safety of our loved ones always in the forefront of our minds. But it is a good life, this life of service to our country. God bless all our men and women who serve, whether in uniform or at home, and God bless the United States of America!
Army says
Lisa, my heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your beloved son.
Angela Marsman says
My son is a vet and this poem is so much on point! I love it – its my feeling as a mom exactly. Love it!