Iraq Bound

Our Sunday night had another turn. It's Mother's Day. We tried to call my mother-in-law a few times but she' out. We thought she probably had a nice day.

Finally when John reached her, she said, "Gotta go, Survivor's on!"

Well, it's the season finale and an hour special, total of 3 hours of a mother's time undisturbed, not even by a happy-mother's-day wish from her son.

She called back after the show's over. We had no idea the whole family went to Des Moines for cousin Leo's farewell party a day before. Uncle Ray flew in from Denver; both John's sisters were there too. In other words, on the eve of Mother's Day she went to see Leo.

In two weeks, Leo will be sent to San Diego for non-stop military training and in August, Iraq bound.

Although Leo will be in town, we won't be able to see him at all.

It was a lengthy conversation but John hung up before I had a chance to wish Joyce a Happy Mother's Day. Anyway, John was down. He told me even though Joyce didn't say it bluntly, she's 100% behind Bush and whatever Americans had been doing over there.

How do you argue with your mother about a cause you don't believe in? How do you challenge your mother on political stands?

In John's family, everyone keeps these topics to minimal so no one will hurt anyone's feelings or take any criticisms personally. We have Republicans, Democrats, Green Party supporters, and independents in the family. Perhaps quieter is better.

"This is not Vietnam," John said, "at least we knew we were at fault. It's not a popular war."

"Now Leo has to die for freeing Iraq?!" With all our hearts wishing he safe and sound, the thought of death haunted us.

He's only 24 years old, once a premature twin that survived the open warmer bed. A beautiful and strong young man knows his duty and is willing to sacrifice at all cost. He's Uncle Sam's man and has better believe in his Commander-in-Chief. Or, else???