I've been a spouse who was left behind when her husband deployed to a war zone. I've been a mother who was left behind when her son deployed to the same war zone a couple of years later. And I'm a mother who will be left behind when my daughter deploys in a few short months; I'll be left behind to care for her beloved child, my adored granddaughter. Each time I've been left behind I've thought that it would be so much easier if I was the one deploying. Being the one left behind is very hard for me. I'm the kind of person who wants to "do;" to be the one to "fix it;" to be the one "responsible." That's just who I am.
So I think I might be a bit jealous of Sgt Jane Strand of the 449th Theater Aviation Brigade, a North Carolina Army National Guardsman, who will deploy in the near future along with her son, Pvt. Timothy Strand. They're both in the same N.C. National Guard unit. How cool is that!
According to an article in the News & Observer Sgt Strand joined the Marine Corps when she was 17-years-old and served for 11 years, leaving only to raise her 6 children while she waited for her Marine husband to retire. Once he did, she enlisted in the N.C. National Guard. Her son, Pvt. Strand enlisted in the same National Guard unit as his mother this summer. He is her youngest child, only 18-years old. According to the article, Sgt Strand says her youngest son wanted to deploy with her to keep an eye on her; and she says she'll let him continue to think that. Cool! I think I like this woman! Sgt Strand says she's more concerned with her husband, who is being left behind to take care of kids and grandkids. Somehow, I think that a retired Marine, who has a woman like Sgt Strand for a wife, will be able to handle it. According to the article, Sgt Strand isn't worried about herself, or her sons (her oldest son is in the active Army). She says,
"Things can happen anywhere. Nothing is guaranteed in this life or the next, and you have to be ready for whatever is in your path. Attitude has everything to do with it."
Words to live by!
6,912
6 years ago
3 comments:
HOORAY FOR SGT. STRAND AND HER FAMILY.. It is great that we have families in this country like yours Lela and Sgt Strands and others. Thank God for all of you
Grama36,
Amen to that!
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