I really miss my son Andrew since he left for Army boot camp. He calls me weekly and I send him all the photos I get which I will post after this post! I often still have many sleepless nights, though far less now that 3 of my 4 children are back in my life, forever. I reunited with Andrew at his graduation from Astronaut High School in Titusville in May 2024, for which he invited me, but I then didn’t know if we were acting as just replacements for the horrible father he had or because he really wanted too. He hugged me and we apologized. It was a very special moment.
Anyway, I sent my boy a letter at his temporary home in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. These are poems from the heart:
Written in the quiet of night,
No sunrise yet in sight,
When dreams are woven pure and tight.
A mother’s heart once torn apart,
Now stitches back with tender might.
At eleven years, they took you, son,
An ache that never came undone.
Years passed, and sorrow filled the air,
Yet hope remained, a whispered prayer.
But on that sunlit graduation day,
I saw my boy in cap array,
A man now, strong and standing tall,
Each tear a silent, joyous call.
You held me close,
and time stood still,
A second chance, a heart refill.
Though brief our time, each moment gold,
Your love, a story yet to unfold.
Duty called, the Army’s might,
You left to fight the noble fight,
A hero in my eyes, you stand,
Brave guardian of our precious land.
My son, my soldier, heart so pure,
Through battles fierce, may you endure.
With gratitude, my soul does swell,
For giving me a chance to dwell.
In moments shared, in fleeting days,
You reminded me strength in countless ways.
My hero, son, I thank you true,
For every dream and hope anew.
May angels guard you, night and day,
As you walk this warrior’s way.
Forever in my heart, you’ll be,
My son, my hero, always free.
-Mamma
In the quiet of night,
Sleeping has always been a fight.
When I dream, I dream of you, my son,
Taken at eleven, my heart’s light undone.
Years passed slowly, my soul ached in pain,
Yet love for you remained, a constant refrain.
When we reunited at your cap and gown,
Tears of joy flowed, no longer to drown.
Your smile, your strength, my beacon of light,
In those precious moments, all felt right.
Two months flew by, too quickly they were,
Called to serve, your path now isn’t a blur.
Pride and sorrow intertwined within,
A hero, my son, your journey to begin.
From a boy to a man, you’ve grown so tall,
Answering the nation’s noble call.
Sacrifice and courage, you show up an down,
In your valor, my fears are drowned.
Thank you, my child, for a second chance,
In your eyes, I see life’s dance.
Though apart again, my love feels strong,
In my heart, you’ll forever belong.
Day by day, I live with the hope,
One day we’ll share more moments to cope.
My love for you, unwavering and true,
Crazy as I went, but I never stopped loving you.
Hero you are, in every sense,
Your bravery, immense and intense.
In the army’s embrace, you stand so tall,
My son, my hero, you’re giving your all.
In letters, in dreams, I hold you near,
Wishing you safety, free from fear.
Forever, I’ll wait, with love and pride,
My hero, my son, enjoy your ride.
-Mamma
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©2024 Jennifer K. Mellen | JensNotes.com
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#poetry for andrew, #astronaut high school, fort sill, Charlie Crushers, #62-24, reunite, U.S. Army, New Recruits,