For You My Son Chad~
I held you as an infant; I hugged you as a boy
and through the years you have become my greatest pride and joy.
I love you more than I can say, your life more precious than my own,
but gone are the whims and notions of my little boy that I had known.
For the years have passed so quickly since the time it all began
and now you stand before me with the conviction of a man.
You wanted to serve our country, you stated with pride
as I try to sort out the emotions that I'm feeling deep inside...
A union of the uncertain fear, which I cannot control
and the allegiance which lies deep within my patriotic soul.
I trust that my years of guidance will serve as a strong foundation
as you perform the duties requested from this beloved nation.
God please, please, I beg you, guide him as he travels to the places our soldiers have bled
and walk with him through pathways where those heroes' feet have tread.
Oh Sweet Land of Liberty, humbly I give to you, my son
praying you'll return him safely home when his work for you is done.
I Love and Miss You~
Always~ Mom