Happy Mother's Day......

I joined the RAAF when I was just 19 years old and had no idea back then that it would be a decision that would go on to mould my life more than any other decision I would make since. It remains one of the best decisions I have ever made.

That said, I know that I would not have coped as that baby faced 19 year old, the young woman who thought she knew everything, and thought she was sooo grown up, if I did not have the support of my parents, and because today is Mother's Day, the support of my mum. 

The letters that she wrote every week in the days of Snail Mail. 

The countless phone calls. some of them even reverse charge calls, before mobile phones existed.  

The parcels of love, home made biscuits, favourite lollies, hand knitted jumpers and more. 

Mum was always there to cheer me on and to believe in me til I could believe in myself.

I don't have her on Earth any more but she is forever in my heart. 

Here's to all the Mums!  

To the Mums whose children are not with them today because they are off serving their country, overseas and at home.

The the Mums who themselves are serving their country and who can't be home with the children and their own mother.

To the mums who are no-longer with us today, like my mum, and who we miss.

To the Mums who are missing a child because their loved one is with us no more.

To the mums who give their love and support freely to someone else's child.

To all our wonderful Mums in uniform, doing their duty and probably not seeing their children today themselves. 

And to the Dads who step up to do double duty every day because, for one reason or another, Mum is not there. 

Thank you all for your service, for your love and for all that you do for those that you mother.

What would we do without you!

This poem was inspired by several military Mums who are friends of mine, who shared with me their experiences as they watched their child go off on deployment,  supported them whilst they were away and then waited to welcome them home. 

This is my tribute to them...

I'm proud alright!

I have loved you your whole life long 

And watched you grow up healthy and strong

We made it through those early years 

There was sometimes laughter, sometimes tears

But a parent loves you anyway, 

And in my heart you'll always stay

I was proud of you when you chose to serve

And wondered if I'd have the nerve

To see you struggle, the course was tough

But your strength of character was more than enough

I was there when you had finished your course

Now a brand new member of your chosen force

More training came, your specialization

And soon I was hit with the realization

My child now had a duty to do

I don't think I've ever been so proud of you

Your first posting came, it was far away

But you stayed in contact in a regular way

I soon learned that you had gained new kin

Those that served with you through thick and thin

It was a cherished gift to see you grow

Just how proud I was I hope you know

When deployment came you were so excited

"The real deal" you said, you were so delighted

I looked at you and couldn't help feel

Your service would indeed get real

The big day came after months of prep

And we were there as you took that step

One last hug, I held you too tight

"Don't worry" you said, "I'll be alright"

"I hope so" I thought but I said out loud

"Go do your job, you will make us so proud!"

And then you were gone, you were on that plane

Now the pride was mixed with an aching pain

It wasn't easy to adjust at first

Every call that came I feared the worst

But gradually I settled down

And more smiles replaced the constant frown

I busied myself sending boxes and letter

"Minties were great" you said "but TimTams were better"

I never told you of all my fears 

And those frequent nights that ended in tears

I only told you I was proud of you

That this is what you had chosen to do

Days turned to weeks, then the months slipped by

There was just one date in my mind's eye

I won't say that time flew, it did not go fast

But eventually the big day was here at last

We waited with everyone else in the throng

We'd got there so early, the hours seemed so long 

At last, wide and open, they swung the doors

One by one you filed out to applause

When I saw you I grinned and you back at me

I didn't care the tears flowed for all to see

That hug was the one I had dreamed of at night

"I told you", you said "that I'd be alright!"

Jan-Maree Ball 15 Feb 15