i know that motherhood changes your perspective on life, i expect that, but sometimes it has a way of doing so in the most unexpected ways. while in d.c, we visited the vietnam wall memorial. it is a beautiful tribute, rising out of the ground as it does. but as we walked closer, i caught my breath. i turned to my father-in-law and said, "i didn't realize the type was so small..." i felt my heart rise to my throat as i slowly passed by the rows of names. i was struck at the thought that griped my heart...what about all of those mothers and i felt the weight of their collective grief.
i lost my father at a tender age and discovered that with his absence, i lost my footing in the world. it took me many years to learn to step with a new sense of balance. the road has never felt the same since, but, i did finally regain my stride. being a mother of young boys, i gazed out at all those names on the wall and could not imagine the magnitude of absence all of those mothers carry. my heart reached out to each one.
this thanksgiving, i am thankful for all of those facing conflicts far from home and i am particularly grateful to their mothers (and families) who are faced with their absence, temporary or otherwise. i am grateful for their service. and i am grateful to have the freedoms that i do - to speak my mind, to navigate and explore my own leanings, to be able to continue my education, to be able to express my thoughts and ideas freely, and to be able to openly question the world around me.
i am grateful to all of those mothers, whom i hope have found some way to gracefully regain their stride. sending many blessings and the warmth of thanksgiving.
