As a mother, it is such a wonderful gift to see your children evolve into stellar human beings. Each of my sons is well adjusted, strong, independent, courageous and solid as a rock. Both have chosen such a harsh path, though - careers in the military. After nearly four years of service, they have had exceedingly difficult deployments, the kind that permanently alter your life's perspective. I am so very grateful to God that they are both alive and unharmed.

As I sit waiting for my firstborn son to return from his second deployment from Afghanistan, I pray that his transition home will be joyful and painless. Yet I know the realities of life in the military after combat; it takes a long time to process the cruelty, the sounds, and the loss of friends. I pray for his full recovery, while in the same breath I pray for the families of the fallen. There is no greater sacrifice than service to others!