Sending a son off to war tugs the heartstrings
With compassion and a few tears I read the article about the Sigmons and their son going off to war (Jeri Rowe column, “A soldier from comfortable class heads to war,” March 26). Like the Sigmons, our family has had a son go off to the war-torn Persian Gulf. He’s home now, stationed in Pensacola, Fla., and married to his college sweetheart of 10 years.
Like Mrs. Sigmon, when he told me he wanted to be a pilot, I wept. He left for Officer Candidate School a week after 9/11 and served two tours. Like Alex, he took with him a few things: a card in his wallet of Saint Theresa (patron saint of pilots) and the knowledge that his brother, who died before birth, was flying with him.
He also let me sprinkle him with my little bottle of holy water the night before he left. I hugged him long and hard and groaned silently in prayer for the Holy Spirit to protect and comfort him.
The sight of an aircraft carrier sailing away with a loved one pulls heartstrings halfway around the world. By day, you keep him close by sending e-mails and care packages, and talking about him. By night, faith and prayer keep you sane and comforted.
Thanks for the story. May God bless all who serve and their families, especially Alex Sigmon and his family.
Jane Roath
Greensboro
Comments (4)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
And thanks to your family. Please, folks, tell these fine young men and women how grateful you are for the chances they take and the freedom they provide. Tell 'em every time you see them. It still won't be enough.
Posted on April 4, 2009 7:40 AM
"A Soldier from Comfortable Class Heads to War," is an excerpt from Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness." (pg. 184)
Posted on April 4, 2009 8:12 AM
An aircraft carrier is a great place to grow up.
Thanks to your son for his service Ms. Roath.
Posted on April 4, 2009 9:04 AM
Thanks for sharing your story. And thank you and your family for the sacrifices you have made for our country. And a HUGH thank you to your son. He is a Brave American Soldier and should be very proud of the service he has given to our country.
Posted on April 4, 2009 6:35 PM