Discharge, Not Court-Martial, for Single Army Mom

I am the mother of a single USAF mom and I worry about her family care plan all the time! She always manages to have her family care plan in order when she needs it and how she does it, amazes me! She knew that when she got pregnant, she still had obligations to the USAF! No, she doesn't have family where she is, nor much family to reach out too, but for the love of God, how could a grandmother who has a home daycare decide that her grandson would be too much for her? ARE YOU SERIOUS! My personal opinion of this situtation is that the single ARMY mom didn't want to do her part, to serve her country in Afghanistan like she agreed when she signed her contract with the ARMY! YES, MY DAUGHTER HAS SERVED IN IRAQ AND IS ABOUT TO BE DEPLOYED AGAIN and why, because that is what she signed up to do! SERVE HER COUNTRY! The single ARMY mom goes on to say that she is glad that people are finding out what the ARMY is doing to her? How can she say that, when once again, SHE SIGNED A CONTRACT! YES, contracts are made to be broken, but then on the flip side, IF YOU DON'T THINK THAT YOU CAN TAKE THE HEAT, DON'T GO INTO THE KITCHEN IN THE FIRST PLACE! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PROUD MOM OF A USAF SINGLE STAFF SERGANT MOTHER

Reply

My daughter is in the Air Force, currently on her way to Afghanistan and her husband has been there since June '09. Where is their child? With me - again - and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The last time they were deployed, their son was just 2. I was going through a very unexpected divorce, facing the likely loss of my home, making a major career change and still took in my grandson for the duration of their deployment. Then in the middle of my tour of "doodie", I temporarily lost the use of my right (predominant hand) and had to change diapers with my left hand - and sometimes, my teeth!

I’ve actually written a nonfiction book about deployment and the effects is has on the lives of the caregivers left at home. This is a very timely topic that many can relate to – particularly grandparents who are often asked to care for the children of their deployed child. We are not only responsible for the safety and welfare of our grandchild(ren), but have to deal with worrying about the safety of our sons and daughters as well.
It’s a funny (sometimes very funny), sad and heartwarming story of inspiration; many in the military community who have read it are raving about it, saying that it’s a book you’ll want to read over and over…especially when you may be feeling down. Some claim that they haven’t laughed and cried over a single book in a very long time! I've attached some information/reviews that I thought might be of interest to you. Although I reside in southern California, and the interest in my story extends beyond the military community; following is one such comment from a writer in Texas who is doing a story on me and my book: "Your story is just amazing. I think what you went through and overcame appeals to every member of society, not just the military community. I admire you for how you took care of your grandson despite all you were going through (his pictures are absolutely PRECIOUS, by the way!). It really touched me when I read the part about you changing diapers with one arm and sometimes your teeth. Not only were you grieving the separation from your children, but you were having to be brave and strong for your grandson while enduring so many personal issues. Like I said, I just can't wait to read it, and I am more than happy you ran across my column and contacted me. Many people will never think about the sacrifice of the caregivers of those who are deployed, single parents or for double deployments, such as in your case, until they read your book."

Another came from a writer in Seattle who wrote: "What is so inspiring about Judy's story is the "overcoming." It epitomizes what has and what will continue to make this country great. Judy faced personal challenges in her marriage, in her finances, not to mention learning that both her daughter and son-in-law were deploying - and she stepped up. Judy, you truly are an inspiration to many."

You can read about my story and the great responses it’s been receiving (on the Press/Reviews page) at www.ReportingForDoodie.com. You can also read the first chapter on the site, that details my epiphany to write the book.

Sure...it's life-changing to step in and care for our grandchildren, but just like my daughter can't say "I don't want to deploy"...I can't say "I can't watch your child"...it's service before self for us both!

P.S. I am actually “Reporting for Doodie” right now, as my daughter and son-in-law have both been deployed to Afghanistan…here we go again!

Reply