As many of you you, I have a son who is a Sea Bee in the Navy. He is in combat training in Mississippi as I write this. That is where I went when I took my trip to Mississippi, to visit him before he was deployed.

Well this morning I got the phone call every Mother does not want to receive. He is being deployed for Afghanistan this Thursday. As soon as I heard the words from his wife the tears began to fall. She called me because my son Ethan does not like to see or listen to his mom cry.

I knew he was going but none of us knew exactly when. The Navy, I have faith has trained him well, but with all that is going on right now in the sand box it is not where me or any other parent wants their child.

I realized when he joined that this is the reason he decided to go. He wants to fight for our freedom. He took the oath to die if need be to make our lives better.

My partner is of Indian decent, dot not feather, (no offense intended) by the way, and this morning after I got the news of my son, he boarded a plane for Spain on business. He travels a lot and each time he leaves American soil he gets nervous about coming back into this country because of all the paperwork that has to be gone over by immigration before he is allowed back on US soil.

This trip was no different, he was all nerved up about everything and suddenly it clicked inside of me to calm him down. He is very proud of my son as we all are. I looked at him and said why do you get so upset about going abroad when my son fights not only to save Americans but all of those who call America their home. I also told him the laws and things he must do to re-enter this country is not only to protect Americans but also him and his fellow country men.

After a minute he looked at me and said, wow what a way to look at this. I never thought about this before, you are right and he calmed right down.

I myself truly never looked at things in this manner until now, but it is so true. Our troops and the people who work for our government are here to protect us all. They do not discriminate against race, creed, or color.

How proud I am of my son and all of the troops for doing a job that many could not even attempt. They and their families are a different breed and are very special people.

This is the only solace I have when the tears begin to stream down my cheek with thoughts of him leaving the protection of this country. He chose to do this job, he wants to fight for you me and the neighbor next door. He is willing to give his life to make sure we stay the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Once in awhile think about all of them who enter into this job, the military and say a little prayer for them. Thank them when you meet them on the streets for the sacrifices they make each and every day for you and for me.

My son will be away from his wife and his family for over seven months not knowing from one second to another if he is safe. Another birthday without him, another 4th of July, more barbecues, birthdays and endless other events that there will be an empty seat. His seat, the seat that awits his safe return.

I am a proud Mother. I am a Proud American. I am thankful that there are men, woman, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers out there to protect us.

I pray to God to keep my baby and every other baby safe. Protect them all from harm, and bring they home to us safe and sound. Amen