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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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Comments

  1. My son came home Saturday and told me he had made up his mind that he was going into the Army. J is a big boy 215 and 6″3. I asked about the Air Force he said they had size restrictions, the navy, if the ship goes down he’s going with it and the Marines, he said no one is going to strap a gun in my hand and tell me to shoot at another. He wants to be a helicopter mechanic. He went Monday 11/5/12 and spoke with a recruiter, he is going back today 11/8 and sign his enlistment papers in the Army. I’m happy sad and proud all at the same time. God Bless I have raised one hell of a son. That probably sounds really bad, but I am one proud mommy

  2. Hey, I’m not alone, thank God I found this website. The poem is beautiful. My son has been home from Iraq for about a year and he is going to be deployed again in April 2013. He is a single Father and has full custody of his three kids. I step in for lack of a better word when he is deployed. His oldest is 13 and this next deployment is really hitting his son hard. I am “strong” for my son and his kids when their Dad is deployed, but ladies to be honest I am not as strong as I appear. I pray with the kids every night, and than the good Lord and I have our “alone time” in prayers, and than this Granny many times will shed a tear or two before I go off into a deep sleep. I am so proud of my son and our military, but oh how I worry, more so than not. Nobody may read this but it sure feels good to vent. God Bless all of you on this website.

  3. This beautiful poem has served to ground me in the reality of my son’s upcoming initial deployment. It has given depth and expression to the whirling maelstrom of pride and terror within my heart. I am deeply grateful to the author for giving voice to all soldier mothers.

    “Mom, I won’t be complete unless I serve” was my sobering entry into the US Army. Words that have forever changed my life. These orders have not come to my life plan without fear, sorrow, and a love so deep it aches. They have come through God’s plan for Tripp and it is He that we must serve.

    Annette Phillips, Great Falls, Va.

  4. My son also is serving in Afghanistan he left in Oct from Texas.This is his second deployement and truly reading this poem brought tears to my eyes wow.Thank you We are very proud of our son and also proud of all our troops…Bring them home safe….

  5. JUST GOT THAT DREADED CALL, THE ONE YOU KNOW IS COMING BUT YOUR JUST HOPING & PRAYING MAYBE SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN & HE WON’T HAVE TO BE DEPLOYED. MY SON” CODY” CALLED ME TODAY, HE WILL BE DEPLOYED TO AFGHANASTAN IN JUNE 2013. I FEEL LIKE MY HEART IS BEING RIPPED APART, HE IS MY YOUNGEST, I CRY DEEP SOBBING CRIES I CAN’T HELP MYSELF, I FEEL SO ALONE, I’M SICK TO MY STOMACH. HOW, WHY, IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO MAKE HIM COME HOME. I’M BLESSED BY THIS SIGHT, I HAVE READ THE COMMENTS & IT’S EVERYTHING I FEEL, PLEASE DEAR LORD BLESS THEM ONE & ALL & KEEP THEM SAFE.

  6. I loved this poem and how this site helps moms . Another site will open soon – warmamas.com – wherein moms can send in their story videos. Will let you know when this finally happens. Thank you and keep up the amazing work you are doing.

  7. This is a beautiful poem! Made me cry a little when I read it. It states exactly what I feel. Thank you for the wonderful words! My son is being deployed to Afghanistan in January 2013 and I am very concerned for him and his fellow soldiers. He is in the Army.
    Please say a prayer for all of their safety!

  8. I really love the poam.. My son is in Afghanistan now, & sometimes it’s real hard to keep the tears in while talking to him, As for every1 else im kinda a wreck when my son is mentioned.. Wich is why I have not contacted no support groups until now.. Im doing better now, I feel im haveing a real hard time bcuz my son came to live with me for a while before he left, so I really felt like, I just got him back, only to loose him again.. But hearing his voice, for myself telling me he’s ok is a big help.. My son loves his Fiance so much I believe that’s was gonna carry him safely on this Journey until his return home..

  9. Cynthia
    I couldn’t help but read your poem and start crying from the start. For it brings back 2 and soon to be 3 generations of soldiers in my family. In WW 2 it was my Dad who enlisted into the Army, then Korea saw both his brother join the military as officers. How Grandmother let my Dad go at 17 I’ll never know- but she was the epitamy of what it means to be Army Strong. She’d survived losing her husband when my Dad was but 9 years old, taught 53 years in high school and saw many boys leave for duty,. She cared for all of them. Then when it was my turn you’d have to change the title to Army Dad because my Dad was more proud of me than my Mother was when I enlisted after graduating college into the Army. I chose enlisting so I would be a better officer. Now, it’s my turn and I’m definitely in tears this graduation year. I’ve been the Army mom on my high school campus – where I substitute teach- having been with our JROTC unit for 7 years now. I’ve watched 7 years of cadets join the military but this year above all of them hits hard- for this is the year that my youngest son graduates and leaves for the Army. Along with him 15 other cadets which I’ve grown to love as sons and daughters. They’ve watched me carry on through impossible times- times where I could barely walk and yet still went with them to every drill competition, every dinner, every activity. I’m disabled but I keep trudging through to the point where they have had to force me to sit down. This year above all I say good-bye and pass the torch on to 15 men and women who are like my son, and whom I know will serve our country with pride.
    To every Military Mom- no matter what branch- thank for being there for us soldiers. Remember ladies that once a soldier puts on the uniform we are not blue, green, or white, we are tri-colored we are red. white and blue! We are America’s FINEST!

  10. Thank you so much for this. My son is in boot camp right now and I got a letter from him saying that he’s let me down because he’s not trying his best because he’s so depressed. My heart is aching to hug him and tell he could never let me down, that I love him more than life itself and am proud of him simply because he’s my son. I miss my baby and it’s killing me inside. I’m trying to soldier on in my own way, but my baby is hurting and I can’t be there to comfort him.

  11. Thank you so much for your poem…I have two of my three boys serving our country, and thou I am so proud of their accomplishments I cry every single day, just missing them and wishing they were home…the not hearing from them every now and then keeps me up some nights…wondering if their ok or if they are thinking of me as well…wondering if they are keeping up with their prayers, if they even shed tears cause they miss home…:( I can’t wait to hod them in my arms again…<3

  12. Michelle, I feel your pain as I am going thru the same thing. My son left Wed and is now at boot camp. He called me today to give me his address, which was a 2 min call and when I heard his voice I knew he was hurting and home sick. I wont be sleeping again tonite as my thoughts of him alone and being so unsure of what is happening. Your post was last month has anything changed with your son. I hope he has adpated as I pray for my son too. I know as time goes on it should be easier????
    Loved to hear from you.
    Holly

  14. Just read this poem. Beautiful. My son hasn’t even left for basic yet. He leaves on june 10th, 9 days after he graduates high school. He will be do basic in Missouri (Fort Leonard Wood) After that he will go to San Antonio to start his training for combat medic. I am already so emotional, and feel so scared and alone. I know he is doing what is best for his future, but I hate this already and it hasn’t even started.

  15. Melodie,
    I received my call & my body went numb. That was April 2, 2013. My son is being deployed this year. We have raised smart & capable young men. This is the job they chose. Prayers are with you come June & all mothers whose children are preparing to go.

  16. Thank you for such a beautiful poem. My son left this week for Alfgan. He is my baby boy. Could not share how my heart feels to anyone don’t think they would understand. This poem said it all. May God’s protection be with all our military men and women.
    Ps 91
    Teresa

  17. Wonderful poem, thank you for publishing it for all of us moms. My son is currently in US Army in Afghanistan serving his first tour of duty. With our faith and prayers from others, we are able to stay strong for our soldier, who is enduring more than we are left behind. Pray for peace…

  18. My son graduated from basic in March 2012 and is leaving on first deployment June 2013. Can’t even describe what is going on in the pit of my stomach. What is most difficult is that it is so hard to really put into words how I am feeling and the swell of pride I feel for his decision to defend our country. Despite my pride, I am so terrified for him. I came across this website accidentally and love the poem. Thank you for this outlet….. I pray for our men and women everyday. God Bless.

  19. Wow I just read the messages from soo many moms who feel so heartbroken like I do. My only child Jake left for bootcamp last Tuesday. I have been sick and worried lepdeprived and I dont tthink I have ever cried so much in my life. I keep telling mysellf tthat he will be ok and a stronger man after bootcamp. I trly pray he succeeds in all his goals. The 2 –8 second phone calls are not enough to let me kno he is handling it. I pray for all our sons and daughters. Thank You Moms

  20. My son left for Korea in April of 2013. I miss him so much. He seems to be doing fine. I do as this poem sais and stand by him. He has a charm that I gave him with a cross and a heart. He where’s them both and it represents to walk with god and he will always have a piece of my heart no matter were he is. Take care all of my fellow soldier moms.

  21. I’m just entering this journey…..and it is more painful than I ever imagined it could be. Our middle son is going to MEPS next week to sign up. We’ve met with recruiters and I’m shredded inside…but proud, oh so proud, of my son. This site is a huge help to realize that I am not weak because I fear but I can be strong and survive this new stage of parenting.

  22. My son leaves tomorrow for Texas to train with his Unit and in August they all leave for Afghanistan, my heart is aching, I am very sad to see him go but I have to remember this is the path he has chosen for himself and I am very proud of him. Thank you for this poem, I shared it on Facebook.

  23. My youngest son is leaving tonight for Afghanistan , my heart is breaking. I know the feelings in this poem .

  24. My youngest is deploying soon. I feel like I can’t breath. My heart hurts. I don’t know how Mothers do this.

  25. Thank you for sharing this! My son is leaving for his second tour tomorrow. My heart aches right now! I can’t sleep, I can’t eat and you think it would be easier with it being his 2nd time, but its not! He is my only child, with a 2 year old boy of his own, and I pray every day that he comes home safe!

  26. What a beautiful poem! I have just recently became an Army soldiers mom. My son was just sworn in this afternoon, and my heart is breaking. He leaves for basic training in Nov 2013 and I can barely stand to think about him going. I’m so very proud and know that this is a good thing but its so hard. I send hugs and prayers to all of you.

  27. My son graduated from his AIT and now moving on to his assignment. I am extremely proud of my son. Every goodbye that I say to him gets more and more difficult. I feel so selfish for not wanting to let him go! My smile of pride camouflages my heart full of tears. This poem says exactly what I’ve been feeling! Thank you!

  28. My son left for Basic a week ago today. We still havent heard from him. Its making me completely crazy. Iam conatantly sick over it. I just wanna hear his voice. He Is only 19 and never been away from us. I cant sleep..I am holding My phone in My hand scared iam gonna miss his call.

  29. This poem is so true. Here I am, laying awake many nights, wondering if I will get a call that my son is being deployed. With the Syrian conflict, the fear is real for us, as mothers, who although understand and respect our children’s service, still feel our hearts being pulled out every time we hear another news story or see an article about war. We try to live life and put our feelings aside, but the worry is there and pushes into our souls no matter how much we shove it away.

  30. On Sept 16,2013 my son left to the army. My son is only 18 yrs old. Never did I really know what soliders mothers are going through till my son left. Sleepless nights and a lot of tears. This is just the beginning for me. My son tells me to be strong mom. I am going to try to make a difference in this world. I really want to protect what we have here at home. That makes me a proud mom of a american solider. To all that are serving thank you so much. God bless u all. I pray one day to have peace around the world.

  31. I too have received that call. My son leaves Feb. 13, 2014. I can assure you our Thanksgiving and Christmas will be all that it can possibly be this year. I’m trying to read everything to prepare. This poem is precious. He wants to go. He wants to serve. For that I am proud of him. I just pray that Jesus Blood will cover him and protect him from all harm. I can only send him with prayer backing him up.

  32. My only son left for basic last Tuesday I find myself crying all the time missing him so so much

  33. My son just left for Fort Hood yesterday for an 8 month tour in Afghanistan. he told me when I talked to him he feels almost like he is back in boot camp even though he is a Sergeant. I told him I feel like he is too. I am definately having all the feelings of pride and terror rolled up into one. I do appreciate this poem.
    Thanks for being here

  34. This is a lovely poem! My son is in the army and currently deployed in July 2013 to Afghanistan first tour. I am proud that he is my son. I miss him so much and not a moment goes by that I don’t think about him. Praying all soldiers will come home safely. I am a mom trying through faith and lots of prayers to stay strong while he is gone. God bless our troops!!

  35. I wait here at home as my son makes his good-by rounds to friends. He leaves tomorrow for Fort Leonard Wood and will be there until March 2014. Even though he has chosen the Reserves, it still hurts to let my baby go. My heart goes out those parents whose sons and daughters have been deployed.
    I wonder if I would be this sad if he were only going off to college…the hardest part of this is not hearing his voice every day, we have been such a close family.
    I am tremendously proud of him for choosing to be a civilian soldier, doing his part as a community member, yet ready if needed to serve. He is a strong and kind young man, with an easy smile and a loyal heart. His favorite holiday is Christmas, and he’s made us promise to have the house decorated when he comes home during the holiday exodus. The holidays will be complete only when I can hug him again, and look into his beautiful blue eyes.

  36. My son is in Kandahar Afghanistan, I was terrified when I find out that he was going to be transfer from Germany to Afghanistan. I couldn’t sleep for weeks just thinking of all the danger he was going to be exposed.
    Thank you so much for your poem. It describes our feeling as Army Moms.
    I’m very proud of him. I pray for him and all his army brothers every day.
    God keep them safe.

  37. My son was suppose to leave to Afghanistan in April but he told me he has a 50/50 chance of leaving now . I am scared and worry alot. I love this poem .I am proud of him may God bless him and his brothers and sisters and keep them safe

  38. My son just left yesterday for basic, in the past year he has graduated high school moved out moved back in and out again he just married his girlfriend this past Monday before he ships out for basic. I was unable to see him off because of my health issues. I am so lost without my son I knew that the day was coming but i just cant get through this. I just pray that he does really well in basic in Oklahoma then he is going to ft sam houston. He has only been gone for 24 hours and I cant wait to hear from him again,

  39. I have a daughter in the army as well, she is in Israel. My hearts and prayers go out to all of you

  40. This poem is everything I am feeling and more. My son just left for basic and I am so lost. I feel like I am in a fog. I don’t know how or what to do. I am so very proud of him but I have this awful feeling in the pit of my stomach. We have had the normal mom and dad and son difficulties in raising him and helping him grow but this has got to be the most difficult right now. I have the same feeling as the moms on this blog and I dont’ know what to do with them. I am so terrified for him. Tears just flow. Thank you so much for your poem. God bless all of our men and women everyday and god bless their families.

  41. Yesterday was Memorial Day and next week June 1 will be my son’s birthday. I wanted to be happy but instead had a roller coaster of feelings after contemplating my Army soldiers on the wall in my house, my dad (Korean War), my brother (Vietnam war). My youngest brother who did not go to Vietnam because that horrible war had ended and who has yet to retire from Army. Now, my son has followed their footsteps. I am so proud to be his mother. I just want to say as i was looking on the web for a poem, this was the first one i read and it bought me to tears. Thanks Ms. Gibbs for this comforting poem. I now understand what i was going through and that I am not alone. I am a proud Army mom. God bless our soldiers and kept them safe.

  42. I cried when I read the poem.my 18year old only son is leaving for bootcamp this sunday. It breaks my heart but I know his passion is so much in doing this.i know that he will be safe in Gods arms and I pray for all those who choose to serve our country and their families.

  43. I also got that call…the one ya knw is coming but the one you don’t wanna get!!! my sons already over in the sandbox! Missing him so badly! trying to stay army strong…. but wht mom can truly be 100% strong… I knew it’s was gonna happen frm tree he day he went to BCT! but It doesn’t really prepare a mom for this…… I’m spa very proud & I knw we raised a strong & smart man! It’s even harder when he’s an identical twin & when I see his younger twin it’s makes it’s so much more difficult! Come home safe my son!

  44. A friend of a friend shared this with me today. My boy is in BCT right now (Army Reserves). I miss his sprawling napping body on my couch every afternoon. I miss the peanut butter smeared knives in the sink after his 11 p.m. snack. I miss telling him to clean up his room. I hate seeing his empty truck sitting there waiting for him. I miss his goofy, mischievous laugh that makes me think I should figure out why exactly he is laughing. Heh.

    BUT. BUT. I am so proud of his path. Following his dream. Committing his heart and mind to his task. He was born for this. Hard-wired by God to be a man of justice and order and courage.

    Thanks for this. It’s beautiful and I shared it with some friends.

  45. I am currently deployed in Afghanistan. Been here since January 2014. I work on Apache helicopters for the US ARMY. I was searching for a poem of some sorts… To give to my mother, to remind her of the pains I go through everyday I haven’t heard from her since I’ve left home. It kills me to be here everyday, not seeming to get any support from my family back home. People say, “a simple care package or letter helps you make it through the days…” Just knowing someone back home is supporting you can make a huge difference in your day while we are so far away. Having my spouse back home to support me where others may fail brings hope to my heart that people do care! I miss home, just as the soldiers next to me do also!

    This is just a word of advice from a daughter of two parents, who made the choice to serve Our Country. To all the parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, ALL FAMILY MEMBERS OF ALL SOLDIERS, share your love for your family. Tell them everyday! Make sure your soldier knows you fully support them back home! A letter, a care package, emails, texts, calls, Facebook. It doesn’t matter how you communicate. Just do it. It will make a DIFFERENCE in Our days over here!

    Thank you for all who have supported the Troops!

    ‘Till they all come home,
    PFC Morava
    4-101/D. Co

  46. My first born and only son has been at boot camp for 3 weeks now and i just don’t know what to feel.

  47. My son has started BCT on Tuesday. I am Proud of him Just turning 18 and graduating then off to the Army within 3 months time… Seems like a lot has happened in three months. I miss him very much. He is my first born and only son also.

  48. My son left for boot camp 2 weeks ago, I finally go to talk to him for 15 minutes last night which was a wonderful surprise! But it is so hard to think that I won’t see him until Christmas! My heart is breaking and I miss him so much I cannot image what other moms are going through when their children are leaving for Afghanistan!
    Thank you for this website and sharing your poem. I have been feeling so alone and helpless but it nice to see that I am not, that other Mothers feel the same way.

  49. I have come to this site a couple of times. The comment by PFC Morava brought tears to my eyes. I can’t imagine how heartbreaking it must be for a female soldier not to hear from her mother while serving in the military. I hope she hears from her soon.
    My son completed basic training last year and is now stationed in Tennessee. I didn’t stand in the way of his decision! He has to be his own person/man. I don’t want to raise a son who clings to me all the time and who feels like he can’t do anything without me. Since I love him, I can’t be selfish, I had to set him free. After all my goal was to raise my boys to become MEN who can make their own rational decisions. He has the full support of his fleshy and church family! I leave him in God’s care because He is in control!

    Hang in there mothers and be there for your sons and daughters who are brave and courageous enough to serve our country. God bless and keep them all!!!

  50. My son signs tomorrow And leaves on feb 3rd. I feel like I’m drowning! I’ve cried non stop since Friday! Help? Anyone!!! I feel like my heat is literally breaking in two! No one in my family understands. They all make jokes and laugh and I secretly die a little more inside! Never felt this way before.

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