It was Memorial Day in the year 1995. My little man, two at the time, managed to make it memorable. When I got him up from his nap, he explained to me, that his throat hurt because he "fwallowed the needle from the other hole." I begin feverishly looking for pins or needles in his bed linens...to no avail. He adamantly repeats, "I fwallowed the needle!" So I tried a new approach & asked him to show me the other hole. He points to an empty screw hole from his bed rail. He had apparently backed out a short screw & accidentally swallowed it. Oh Great! Now what? Off to the ER we went. Knowing the, shall we say 'dislike for doctors' expressed by my boy, I began to prep him for the experience as if it were a grand adventure to the hospital. I prompted him to greet everyone who came up to him with a cheerful "Hello! I fwallowed a screw!" He did wonderfully! He told everyone...including a police officer in the hall. The officer looked at me, & having no defense, I could only smile sheepishly & shrug. What is a mother to do?
After x-rays, we found that his screw had passed through his stomach without damage and entered his intestines. We now had to wait for him to pass the screw for as many days as it may take. We were given instructions on what red flags to watch for & hopefully that would be the end of it. So for a full week, we examined each & every dirty diaper for this missing screw...a full, long, memorable week! Finally it appeared! We breathed a sigh of relief, while holding our noses, & life went on.
So, fast forward about 17 years to another memorable Memorial Day. For this year, marks the first year I can say that I am a Marine Mom. I am mother to one of our nation's finest. So I have had a brand new vantage point from which to view this special day. I am both proud & humbled by this new role. I am much more grateful for the sacrifices made by our nation's heroes, because I have a personal investment this time. My boy has chosen to walk this road, to serve our country, and protect her freedoms, no matter the cost. I fully support him & others like him with my whole heart.
From the time he was born till this day and on for years to come, God has been growing my boy, preparing him for a great work, equipping him for a special task. I have no idea what that day will look like, or what that task might be. But I trust God to continue to grow my boy for His kingdom's purpose. I am so grateful that I could pick up the phone today & hear his voice. Many cannot. I will be his biggest cheerleader and encourager. Just as I prepped him for his hospital adventure, I encourage him now, to seek & serve the Lord with all his heart, mind & strength. I want him to serve people, meet needs & make a difference as a world changer. So I guess you could say that not so much has changed. Well, one thing HAS changed. My boy no longer snacks on screws. These days he munches on bullets!
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