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I Am A Soldier’s Mother

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Poem - I am a soldier's mother

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.

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Thank you Cynthia Gibbs, for sharing what you wrote with us. I read it with tears in my eyes. You put into words everything we go through every single day our Soldiers are away.

  4. Thank you Cynthia you poem speaks from your heart and being a Military Mother of three fine youngmen it touched me deeply. I modified it to include my Army, Marine and Coast Guard sons and have posted it in my home and office for it speaks the unspoken heartache, courage and determination we military moms deal with daily! God Bless you, God Bless and protect all our troops and God Bless America!

  5. I also read this with tears in my eyes, Every word is exactly how I feel also. Thank you for the post it will touch many hearts.

  7. This is so true nobody can understand what a soldiers mother goes thru unless you are that mother. I understand because I have a son in the army, right now is deployed in Afghanistan. This is so hard because I have another son at home and I try to be strong and show my support for my army son. So this poem really hits home for me. I love it I am going to print it and put in my office.Support our Troops!

  8. Thank you for the great poem, I have a daughter and a son serving in the US Army. Thank you to all that serve

  11. This brought me to tears as I can understand all of these emotions. God be with all of our soldiers.

  12. My son leaves for his first deployment in 2 weeks,this reflects my feelings totally, I know I am not alone!

  13. I read this and thought “Oh my, I am not alone”. I am in such pain, grief and turmoil. I wake up crying and go to bed crying! The worry is so consuming. We spend all our childrens’ young lives protecting them. We move furniture so they don’t fall on it, we spend endless amts of money buying outlet covers, drawer locks. We protect them so not one hair on their head shall be harmed! And now here we are, totally helpless and unable to protect “our child”. Whether your soldier is 18, 21, 35 40, He is still your child and that worry doesnt ease up because he is older! I have never been in a place like this emotionally and I don’t like it. I love my son so much and worry so much. All the horror stories since this war started run through my head! Before my son joined the Army, I would see on the news another soldier was killed and I cried. All I could think of was some mother on her knees in the worse imaginable pain ever!
    Now, my son Tim is in Iraq. I was somewhat at ease, thinking Iraq is better than Afghanistan. I hear about the 5 soldiers killed, one lived nearby, then 2 more. Then CNN reports there have been more soldiers killed in Iraq in June since 2008! This is a horrible. God has been my strength raising him, I have to learn to give him to God now.

  14. This website has given me such comfort. But here is a bit of history I have had for over 30 years. In the late 1970s, I was at the University of Texas at Austin. I had a love of antique stores, and two little old ladies had turned their house down the block into a treasure chest. Along with my cedar chest, one day I came upon a rectangular piece of satin fabric, edged in red, background of white with 5 blue stars, a rod went through the top and it was held up with gold braid and two tassels. I am a Yankee Doodle Dandy, I love anything to do with my country and not knowing what this was, I bought it and it went into the Cedar Chest for over 30 years….. my son was close to deployment, and I had seen something similar to this and I googled it. My son told me Mom, they made those in WW II, it is a deployment flag. I knew of what it was prior, but the historical portion I did not know. I have taken the flag and folded it so that only 1 of the 5 stars shows, and wonder about the woman who made this flag and how and if her 5 sons came home. I am honored to be an Army Mom Strong, each day as my soldier does his job, his duty and comes home, when I will gently take the flag out of my window.

    Patty A.

  16. Thank you for your poems! I love them both. I have a son serving in the Army National Guard, recently deployed to Kuwait – his first. He only got one semester of college in. I can relate to every word in this poem. Thanks to ALL that serve and thank you for this site!

  17. I am a Soldiers Step Mom, but that doesn’t mean I am not going through an extrememly tough time right now. I love this soldier as my own son and as the next 37 days until deployment are rolling by faster and faster. I found this web site today and will be viewing it everyday until his safe return. I was overwhelmed by the support I’ve seen on this site. Been crying both tears of joy and fear for the past hour. Thank you armymomstrong.com you are now my new favorite site. I just might write a couple of blogs and submit them to you. It seems that the other Moms have found great comfort in writing here. This will be the third deployment for my Soldier and it just gets harder and harder. I would love to hear from other step parents.

    Army Step Mom Strong.

  18. well, I have not totally been there yet. my son is a “future soldier” but I can say I love this poem! It says everything that is on my mind today. These soldiers are so awesome, strong and heroic! I love my son so much and am so proud of his commitment. My prayers go with him and every single soldier out there today. I have always been extremely patriotic and have always supported our troops. Now it is just a little more personal. Looking for ways to be more involved!

  19. My son is an MP and stationed in Germany. He left in February and his wife and son is April. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about my son and miss him with all my heart. I had a hard time seeing them leave and spend many days crying at a thought or a picture. I am so Glad I came across this poem. It says evrything I feel and soo much more.

  20. I loved everything said on this poems. My son just got deployed about a month ago an I don’t no how cope w it.thanks.

  21. Wow. This poem really sums it up. My son is currently serving in Afghanistan. It is comforting to know Im not alone with these feelings. Thank u Cynthia for sharing

  22. I just founf this site. Finally someone I can relate too. My son graduated from Basic in June 2011. Then he went straight to Airborne school. He is now a Paratrooper stationed in Italy. I thought I was the only one with feelings of PRIDE….and fear….my son..as many of your is training to deploy..I have him raised alone. He’s only been in since March 2011…everything moves fast in the Army. He’s training to fight and stands willing to protect the USA…maybe with his life..This is so much harder than I ever thought it would be…I put on a brave face…run my business…but ALWAYS is the fear that some Army Guys will show up here and tell me my son has been hurt ot worst. I’m trying to be brave. When I watched him graduate ..my eyes were full of tears,…these men and women are the “rockstars” of our society. Their not actors…they are not models….they dont fight for fame…they are humble ..and so brave….they are our HERO’S…Army Mom

  24. Such a beautiful poem, while reading it, it felt as if I wrote it. I am so proud of my son, yet everyday I worry. It hurts deep inside knowing you can’t protect them anymore. I am proud to be an Army mom!

  25. Thank you so much, my son just left for basic training. Just by reading this, helps. It wish the tears would stop. It hurts the worse when you’re alone and you realize that he’s not a phone call away.

    Thanks

  26. Thank you for your poem. I was relieved to know I am not alone….my son just returned to Germany after a yeat in Afghanistan as a combat engineer. Those sleepless nights were many! Thank you again for sharing what was in my heart that I couldn’t express. God has certainly blessed you with a gift. Carene – PROUD Army Momma from South Carolina.

  28. Loved finding this website, altho I am sad to admit, at this point, nothing comforts me. I have totally withdrawn myself from anything & everything that I once enjoyed. He is still a couple months away from deployment, so I can only imagine what the next year will bring. I know God will watch over him, & I don’t mean to sound negative…but so many innocent men have already been killed in the line of duty. I’m terrified beyond measure. I have raised all of mine ( I have 2 boys & one girl) alone, and they are all I have. I am first of all PROUD..of the man I raised….but I am mad, scared, confused, depressed. I cry uncontrollably throughout every single day. He has gotten to come home alot recently, he got his jaw broken in 3 places, so through 2 surgeries, plus the holidays, i have seen him alot. He is stationed at Ft. Benning Ga, & I am in Tennessee, so it is a 5 hour drive, and worth every mile just to see him. He is very hard core, and doesn’t understand why I feel this way. He WILL not see me cry…he hates it…so I put on my brave face, but sometimes, I can’t control it. Thank you for this website, so that I know, I am not alone. I pray that each one of your son or daughters, return safely…God Bless America & our children…

  29. My son will soon be deployed & I am having a hard time with the thought of it. I found this poem & it brought me to tears. It’s nice to know someone understands from a mom’s point of view. Thank you for posting it.

  31. I have written a poem entitled A SOLDIERS MOTHER. Please share this those on this sight. My son is currently serving in Afghanistan. I wrote this in honor of my son and for ALL mothers of children in the military. It is truly from the heart and I hope it will stir something in those who do not have children in the military . I love ALL of those serving our great nation. THEY are the real heroes.

    Thank you,
    Janie Slaughter

  33. My son just left 2 weeks ago to afghanistan and OMG love this poem. would love to print it and have it on my night stand!, but can’t get it to print is there a way i can print this out. Thank you and I am praying for all of our soldiers may GOD keep them safe!!

  34. My son is at Basic Training in Fort Benning, Ga. right now. I am reading the poem and the comments following and I have not reached the point of fear and sleepless nights yet, but my heart goes out to those of you that are struggling. I’m glad I found this site … We are all in this together!

  35. A Soldiers Mother

    I wear no uniforms but I am in the Army because I am his Mother.
    I’m in the ranks that are rarely seen, I have no rank upon my shoulders.
    Salutes I do not give. But the military world is the place where I live.
    I’m not in the chain of command, Orders I do not get.
    But my Son is the one who does, this I can not forget.
    I’m not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line.
    But my job is just as tough. I’m the one who’s left behind.
    My Son is a patriot, a brave and prideful man.
    And the call to serve his country not all can understand.
    Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free.
    My Son makes the sacrifice, but so doe’s my Husband and me.

    I love the Son I gave life to. Soldiering is his job.
    But I stand among the silent ranks known as the Army Mom

  36. I am proud of my son and thanks Cindy for your sharing of such a wonderful gift for writing I hope you are the same Cynthia Gibbs I know if you are I miss you

  37. My son leaves for a two step basic training June 1st for 30 days, then Aug 1st for 3 months, then to Afghanistan. He has gone to college, his moral compass is strong, he will be a good soldier. I am trying to hold it together, my husband crumbles when he realizes we won’t see him for a year and contact will be sporadic at best. I tear up easily, so I have to keep my worries on the back burner. My heart aches for every single soldier and their families. We have met so many amazing young men and women thru the college ROTC program, and they are in my hearts. Just reading and knowing I can find strength over the upcoming year with other mom’s has given me peace for tonight, thankyou

  38. I just posted this on my facebook page- giving you credit. THANK YOU!! My son just left on Memorial Day to Afghanistan (US Army) and so did my nephew (US Marines). They are leaving behind their wife and my 4 grandbabies while being deployed for 1 year. My husband & I went to Texas last week before he left, and got to meet other US Army buddies he had who just got back. We ARE ALL turely in this TOGETHER!! Thank you. We are missing them dearly! God Bless You! -Rebecca

  39. Can’t tell you how much reading this has meant to me. My son just left for Afghanistan & I don’t sleep at night worrying, praying, always thinking about his safety and well being. I pray for all the men & women that serve, knowing they all are sons & daughters. Thanks to all those that serve & strength to their families!

  40. I too have a son in Afghanistan and only a mom knows what other moms are going thru. My son is on his fourth tour and it does not get any easier. I thank all who serve and bless all the moms of the sons and daughters who are deployed. I feel your pain every day.

  41. As an ARMY MOM myself, I am looking to start an ARMY MOM’S SUPPORT GROUP where I live. I have been asked to speak to “Future Soldiers” Parents to help them with coming together for support. I have 2 ARMY SONS & 1 NAVY SON. My older ARMY son just came back from his second tour in Iraq this last summer.
    I would LOVE to share your Poem with the new parents along with your web site.

    Thank You for saying what we all feel…
    GOD BLESS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER…

  42. I’m on my third deployment w/my son is this is so not cool. I’ve given myself over six weeks to cry or anything..the rest of the family really does not understand

  43. My daughter is in her last 3 months of a year long deployment to Afghanistan. This poem spoke to me and put into such wonderful words, what I think, what I dream about (when I can sleep), how I feel. Thank you for your words. Thank you to all who serve and to all of the families who wait, and hope, and pray for them.

  44. Beautiful poem, it touched my heart. My youngest son is presently deployed in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army, and my husband and I are so very proud of him and of all the men and women that serve this wonderful country of ours. They are truly heroes in every sense of the word. God Bless Them All! Stay Safe, and come home soon!

  45. I’m feeling really lonely and scared I don’t have other Army mothers that can relate to how I feel My son has been in Afghanistan since March. Thank you for making me feel better I know I can come to this place and feel not so alone

  46. My son is still in BCT at Ft. Sill, OK. His MOS is 13F. (Amazing how easily you start to use the lingo just because they do. It makes me feel involved.) This poem could only be written by someone that has truly dealt with these emotions. Thank you for sharing your gift with those of us who have a hard time structuring our thoughts and emotions. And thank you to those have served, are serving and will serve.

  47. What a beautiful poem and agreed with the rest of you wonderful mothers, it puts into words all that I have felt.
    Our son has just returned to the US yesterday morning and is now in Texas waiting to get the word that they can finally return home. This year has been one of the longest of my life, getting the phone call to let us know that he was finally back in the states and safe was one of the best things I had heard for some time. He left us just before his 21st Birthday that he had three days after entering Afghanistan. I cannot say celebrated because I am pretty certain there was no celebration.

    While we are overjoyed that our son is finally home and with him comes several other young men who grew up coming to our home and were like sons to us as well, we find our hearts heavy with sadness for the ones who are taking their place and all who are still there.

    Our thoughts and prayers each and every day for the safe return of all of our Military Forces and for you , the families and loved ones left behind. We thank you for your service.

    ~Proud Army Mom~

  49. I am a “soldier’s grandmother”. My grandson Blaine who just turned 20 in September, enlisted in the Army and graduated from high school in June 2011. On August 1, 2011 the recruiting sargeant came to our home and picked him up along with other young men to be on the journey to San Jose to be officially “sworn-in” to become a United States Army soldier. Recently we found out he will be deployed but do not know where yet. He will be home on leave soon before he has to go on his assignment. It is so difficult to hear this news. I have lived with my daughter for several years and I have watched Blaine grow up into a fine young man. It was his choice to enlist and serve his country. The heartache of knowing that soon he will be hundreds of miles away, is so hard to bear. My daughter told me only yesterday it is going to be so difficult to see Blaine go. There’s so many tears I haven’t cried yet. Everyone tells me to have Faith that he will be ok. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. It’s been almost a year since he was home. I post “I love you, & miss you ” messages on facebook. I want him to know how much I love him and miss him. The days, weeks, & months, will be long while he is away but we can look forward to his homecoming. Whether you are a parent or a grandparent of a soldier, we all need to lean on each other for support. This is not something that can be tackled alone. I have to be strong for my daughter as she needs someone to lean on. This poem was so touching and I could not read it without tears. We must be strong for our soldier’s and let them know we love, honor, & support them.

  50. My little boy walked away a man today. He used to hold my hand, now he holds a gun. He has gone away for a year, not knwing when I will speak to him next. My heart breaking and tears wanting to flow. But I stand tall and proud and greatful my son serves to help protect this great nation of ours…

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