Lynn C. Price

SHE GAVE ALL

Beside our church, I stopped to pray:
“Lord help me make it through this day.”
I hear the birds singing and the sun shines so bright.
There’s time that I wonder, is it day or is it night?
A little girl waved as I turned away to hide,
The look of a soul that’s dying inside.
Tears overflowed from this Mother’s broken heart:
“God, where’s the ending and how did it all start?”

I looked at the park where children played ball.
In hearing their laughter, fond memories recalled.
The first time I held him and looked in his eyes,
Made two days of labor seem so worthwhile.
Boy Scouts and camping, vacations at the beach,
Watching him wonder at the stars just out of reach.
With school almost over, there are decisions to make.
College or marriage – which path would he take?

His dad and I promised to let him decide.
We’re in this for life, not just here for the ride.
A graduation party then summer will end.
Our son leaves for basic to serve with his friends.
It took some convincing for me to let go:
“America needs me, Mom, you must know.
Like Grandpa and Dad, America’s calling,
We’ll fight for our Country and honor the Fallen.

Tears I kept hidden when he boarded that plane.
How little I knew how my world would change.
His first letter home was full of courage and hope.
Somehow we’ll get through this; we’ll learn how to cope.
I lost my dear husband one cold winter’s eve.
My son needs me strong now, there’s no time to grieve.
Full Military Honors, with God he now rests.
Bruised, battered, and broken, “Dear Lord, no more tests.”

Out on a mission somewhere in Iraq,
my son’s Unit came under enemy attack.
The Army soon came, I heard the doorbell.
I felt my heart sinking to the darkest of hell:
“Ma’am, we are sorry to be here tonight,
Your son died a Hero; he fought a good fight.
We’re here to support you and do what we can.
Against an evil enemy, your son took a stand.”

In less than a year my world fell apart.
Nothing breaks harder than a Mother’s pure heart.
His services now over, with his Father he stands tall:
“God, help me feel now; I gave you my all.”