Inner Strength

My husband and I have 2 young children and I am constantly trying to protect them in everyday life. I hear stories daily that are tragic and involve kids. It makes me hold on even tighter to my babies.

Yesterday, the news came on right after Oprah, as it always does. I usually turn it off because I have a hard time hearing all of the tragedy in our world. For some reason, I left it on. The first story was about a family awaiting news on whether or not their son was on a helicopter that was shot down in Iraq. I saw the family. I know the family. My husband is good friends with the Mother. At that moment, I began to cry.

For her, for her family, for her son and for the hope that he was not on the helicopter. For all of the moms everywhere waiting to hear news about their child. For families who have lost a child. For all of the moms praying that their child is going to be okay. For all of the dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and so many more, that sit wondering if their loved one is okay. For the people in the waiting rooms at the hospitals praying for their loved ones. I wept for them all. I sat in awe of the strength that it takes to watch you son, daughter, husband, wife, dad or mom go off to war.

On Monday I watched as parents cried when their child entered preschool. My son waved goodbye excited about the day and I realized that I can not control every minute of his day and this is just the beginning. I watched stories on television of parents sending their kids off to college and how hard it was to have them away from home. Then I wondered, what strength must be found deep within to wave goodbye as your child goes off to war. Not only a child, any and all people waving and praying to whoever they believe in for a safe return of their loved one.
The strength seems to be available when we need it. We don't even know that we posses it until we are driven to call upon it. It is the strength that allows people to do things that are not humanly possible. We have all heard the stories that defy logic. Is it our inner strength, faith, guidance, luck? I don't know but I am grateful that it is there when I am driven to call upon it.

My heart goes out to all of you everywhere. May your love for your family and your love for yourself guide you and keep you safe.