My life was centered around Viet Nam and the evening newscasts and the mailman. Our children ranged from 14 years to 6 months. When Pat had to leave for overseas, the baby was just beginning to crawl and explore. This picture was taken by a friend the day our baby girl, Dawn, was baptized.
I remember Pat would be gone for a year and that year seemed forever. Now a year passes in a heartbeat..but back then it dragged on forever.
I would spend that first week in tears and depression, almost unable to function. The second week was better..but not much and by the third I would begin to snap out of it. When talking about it I often called it the "withdrawal" weeks. How my poor children coped with a crying mother, I have no idea...but I do know it makes me sad to remember it. During those times he was gone, the children and I bonded so close to one another. We are still a very close family and I wonder if it has anything to do with those days. They still are very protective of one another and me. War is so distructive in so many, many ways. I and my children lived in constant fear.
What a remarkable woman you are, Mona. You should write your memoirs. Raising seven children is an accomplishment in itself but the woman you are is so much more.
ReplyDeleteMust have been a terible time. I´m fortunate enough to be bourn in a country that haven´t been to war since 1814, but I can imagine how it must have been.
ReplyDeleteChrister.
SMB..I sent you an email.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for your kind words to me. I appreciate them.
Today, I would not have that many children..but..back then things were different as were the feelings about large familys. I regret nothing.
Christer...You are such a dear. You come here and read about things you probably have little interest in..but you come and give me support. Thank you so very much. I appreciate you.
ReplyDeleteBless your heart sweet one for all you have endured. I'm so thankful you have those beautiful children. Yesterday, I tried to fix the color of my font and I also talked about my boutique...just wanted to let you know. xo rachel
ReplyDeleteDear Mona,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading "a Message from Nam by Danielle Steel', I believed you more.. War is such a waste of life.. War is evil. I hope it stops now..
Thanks for sharing to us your pain and happiness. I guess it always goes hand in hand to make us tough..
God bless and hope you well..