(SPOILER alert)
I finally watched the movie, Act of Valor, last week when it came out on DVD. I love that they used real Navy Seals instead of actors and I can’t imagine the red tape the producers must have gone through to get the necessary permissions. I thought it was very well done, it is action packed, and is an excellent movie to increase civilian awareness of the service and sacrifice experienced daily by service members and their families.
It is difficult for me, as the mother of a combat infantryman, to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the movie because it was a painful reminder of the reality of my life. There were many tear provoking scenes in the movie, but the one of the Navy Seal making the ultimate sacrifice really tugged at my heart as I know in all reality that my son would do the same. I vividly remember a conversation I had with my son following his second deployment in Iraq. He told us that every time they went out on a mission one of his guys would say, “Hey Sgt, let me go first.”, but Josh always responded the same by telling them no, he would go first. He said it was his job to get them all home safely to their families and I wondered whose job it was to ensure his safe return.
I am very grateful for the courage and bravery of the men and women who serve this country and provide for my freedom. I am so proud of my son for his service and sacrifice, but I must admit that as a mother, I sometimes wish he wasn’t one of the brave ones.
I believe that anyone who has a loved one serving has the same fears. I have to work up the courage to see any military related movies anymore. I rarely watch the news and haven’t since my daughter’s deployment over a year ago. My heart aches not only for my own child who is currently serving in the U.S. but for every military family member. This is a tough road but I am forever grateful for all those who serve and I give back any way I can. I understand the sacrifice made by so many. I do my part by serving in ministry and I pray…. often. The Lord will take care of the rest.
Those are my same fears … that my only child, my son Matt would also be the one to take the bullet. I wake up at night thinking those thoughts. I can’t wait for him to be back in the US. I try to stay positive and put my trust and faith in God.