Lt. Clint Lorance, Son, I want to Thank You for your years of Service and Sacrifices made to our great country. Each step you took in those boots were steps taken in pride. I am sitting here this morning thinking of the words that you said to me one time, Mom, my first real love is the U.S. Army . I can still see the truth in your eyes as you spoke those words to me. You meant that from the bottom of your heart and I knew it. That love has been clearly viewable to me through the years. I woke up with you on my mind this morning, Son and I have been strolling down memory lane with you. Ten long years of memory has brought many emotions to this momma this morning. Following you through your 10 years of service has taught me so much and made me a better person. I remembered back when you first left for boot camp. I cried so hard, I did not want to let you go. I was selfish I wanted you home with me. At graduation I witnessed a light in your eyes that I had never seen before. I knew you had found where you belonged, in uniform. Not long after graduation, we were at the airport saying our goodbyes and you were Korea Bound. I can still see you walking through that airport with them shoulders squared back and your head held high, ready for what laid ahead. I cried Son, but this time it was tears of pride for you. This was your first time to leave us for a foreign land and I knew we would not see you for a year. I finally got that call telling me that you were coming home on leave. Excited I was and then you dropped the bombshell ! You told me that you would first be going to White Sand, New Mexico to walk in the Bataan Memorial Death March. I didnt understand, My wish was for you to come home first. I knew you and I knew that decision was not subject to change so dad and I talked you into letting us pick you up at the airport and drive you to White Sands giving us more time with you. That was a trip that I will never forget. Within minutes of beginning that drive I had tears streaming down my face as I listened to you tell us the history of The Death March and what it meant to you. We learned of the Soldiers from 1942 and the terrible things that they had to endure. I felt very honored to accompany you on this mission to honor their sacrifices. Your words became real to me, Mom, my first love is the U.S.Army ! Eye witness Family now stood in second place and that was fine by me. Standing at that finish line changed my life forever. That was the most inspiring day of my life. What a honor it was to witness as thousands crossed that finish line with great pride and respect. It was extremely hot and windy making it hard to even stand. Some were passing out from dehydration, some were being taken away by ambulance, some were coming across in wheel chairs, some were dropping their bags as they crossed. Family was stepping up to carry their bags at the finish line. Some were still going strong with their heads bowed. Many were Vets with missing limbs. A very emotional day! Military life was still new to our family but that day taught me so much about honor and respect between the Brothers and Sisters of the Armed Service. A great Love and respect that I cherish today. I promise you Son, if you ever go back there Dad and I will walk right beside you. We will not stand by the finish line. We will cross that finish line with you. As we watched and waited to see you appear through that sandy whirlwind I asked Dad, Are you going to get his bag when he crosses? With tears streaming down his face he said, of course. We were concerned because you had chose the heavy weight when entering, but that wasnt enough for you. We knew you had went to Walmart the night before and bought a 35LB. weight to add to your rucksack. Once again showing us that you go far and beyond what is required of you. I remember as you crossed that line, dad stepped up and said, Son, let me take that and reached out toward the Bag You never slowed your pace and your words I will never forget! You said, Thanks Dad, but my mission is not complete until This bag is in the truck! Stern and solid ! It was probably another 3/4 mile to our truck. Not one word was spoken all the way back to town as all of our hearts were filled with emotion. Son, I believe that day was the day that I was given a Military heart. I seen that being raised in a civilian world I had innocently never considered what our service men and women actually go through for us. Your allowing me to accompany you changed my life forever. I will always have great respect for anyone who is brave enough to put on those boots and make sacrifices for me. I never realized that while I sit on my couch someone is sitting on a FOB somewhere with bullets buzzing by them. I never considered that while I drive down our highways that someone somewhere is driving in a land mine area not knowing if the next inch will be their last. I never had to go to sleep at night and wonder if my house would be blown up at night. I never thought about someone is having MREs for supper when I am sitting at my kitchen table. Son, I could go on and on , story after story, year after year of all that you have taught me and for this I am Thankful. This is why I can still say, that even with the injustice that has been handed to you. I am so proud to say that I am a Military Mom. I am so Proud of all that your life has taught me. I have an outstanding respect for you because you earned that respect without saying a word. Watching your character all through your life is an amazing journey. Today you amaze me with your courage and strength. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, on this 2014 Veterans Day I Love you Son, Mom Special Thank you to all of our service members. If you do or have ever worn those boots, Thank you! God Bless and protect you all!
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:40:19 +0000
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