I wear no uniform, no blues or greens.

But I am in the military, in the ranks rarely seen.

My shoulder is bare; insignia you will not see. Salutes I do not give.

But the military world is where I live.

I am not in the chain of command, orders I do not get.

But my son is the one who does, this I cannot forget.

I am not the one who fires a weapon; who puts her life on the line.

But my job is still tough; I'm the one left behind.

My son is a patriot, a brave pride-filled man.

The call to serve his country not all can understand.

Behind the lines, I see things needed to keep this country free.

My son makes the sacrifice, but so do the rest of his family and me.

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To him I would give every part of me; all I have to give.

I will pace the nights, if it means he will have rest.

I will cope with exhaustion, if it means he will have strength.

I will carry his fears, if it means he will have courage.

I will take his pain, if it means he will have comfort.

I will hold his anger, if it means he will have peace.

I will fight his innermost demons, if it lets his mind be free.

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Take from me all I have, my love, my will, my might.

Jesus, let him know we are with him through every step and fight.

I am a Marine's mother; I sometimes march alone.

And yet I stand alongside many, a life filled with unknown.

I remain in the shadows, often disguised.

Knowing so many lives depend on me remaining unrecognized.

 

But deep down inside where you cannot see; battle rages that's as real as it can be.

There is an absence that will never seem right; the days without a word, causing many sleepless nights.

At the sight of another Marine; my breathing pauses, my heart skips a beat.

Reminding me of my own. The one I long to see, walk through my door at home.

 

In spite of the storm that rages on inside, the streams of tears that may cause me to hide…

This mother's love holds steady and fiercely strong.

Because I know I am wrapped in God's peace and comfort; given strength to go on.

 

I love the man I call my son; a Marine is who he has become.

Fighting anything that comes our way to ensure our freedom.

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A proud mom standing strong among the silent ranks.

A mom who paces the night but will always tell you she is alright.