In time, you are immediately hit with the anniversary of his/her death. The day, the hour, the moment, and I cannot forget the very knock at the door; yes they do actually show up at your door with the news. I remember when watching old movies, the setting around World War I, when telegrams were sent informing the family of their soldiers’ death. How emotionally detached that must’ve seemed. Can you ever imagine while sitting in your home, preparing a meal for the family when the postman shows up to your front door with a piece of paper in hand to express the most devastating news you’ll ever hear? And all those parents in those days when the news was delivered in such a way could only weep, alone with no explanation. Though today, the news is delivered with a dark sedan parked outside your door, blue or black, soldiers dressed in full uniform, one your casualty officer and the other a priest. I could never imagine having to prepare, as an officer, to bring such news to a mother.
Another year pasts and the birthday of your soldier is the following month. A mother is instantly placed on defensive mode. It’s hard to explain, except to say there is no such thing as preparation. Instead we are emotionally and physically exhausted. Nevertheless, we are committed to celebrating in some form or fashion, making note of the reality they were born to us, whether it’s lighting a candle for our soldier, baking a cake or visiting the cemetery to release balloons. In that same year comes, Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Gold Star Mother’s Day, Veterans Day (all Military Holidays), Thanksgiving and Christmas all over again.
As each of these holidays, anniversaries and birthdays approach, we, meaning Gold Star Mothers and Gold Star Families, must discover various means in surviving through them. However, this holds true for Blue Star Families, families who soldiers are still serving as they pray for their loved ones safe return.
I state all this because a New Year is here, where these events will happen whether we’re here or not or whether we’re prepared for them or not. We will nevertheless have to ready ourselves once again.
With the bond we share we take hold of the emotional roller coaster and prepare for the ride. And as we do, something else will certainly occur, a new chapter will emerge, we will encounter new friends, learn new lessons, a beautiful birth will take place, a graduation will occur, a precious union of two will transpire, a love will prevail and another year will pass. Truly it’s all about transformation and evolution. As we travel through the manifestation of Life it will go on, but what’s in the rear view mirror, we can Never Forget. We will smile and truth will endure in our hearts and we will live until it’s our time.
In Time comes A New Year, get ready for the evolution 2013 . . .
Gold Star Mother signing out . . . Hooah! BY: HOPE HOLLINGSWORTH
