Kathryn -

My son Travis has a wife and baby and has had his own life for several years -- yet everytime I hear a siren I reach for the phone to see if he's okay. I miss him being here with me everyday but I remind myself that its his time to experience the wonders of living and all I can do is trust he'll be okay and that his triumphs outweigh the pitfalls along the way.

So I can relate to your sadness -- and I appreciate your extra worry of your son going into the military in such troubled times.

Its still hard to think of Travis as a MAN and not the sweet little boy I used to kiss on the forehead as he lay there sleeping, but I try to think of it as a new chapter in both of our lives. And I try to remember that my mother went thru this over me, my brother and sister and every mother out there has gone/ will go thru the same thing.

So I guess this doesnt make you feel any better -- but at least you know you're not alone