Memorial Day '11

Saturday, May 28, 2011

I want to raise soldiers.
I want my children to become adults who possess a fierceness that compels them to protect the people they love, who shield the weak from embarrassment and who keep their wits about them through the toughest circumstances.

It is sobering to realize that my children and I can see the sunlight through windows free of bars and run in the safety of our backyard because of men and women who chose to leave the safety of theirs. I can be with my husband everyday because my friend is separated from her husband by half a world.

I want my children to be great explorers, to push beyond other people's expectations and crush through their own inhibitions. I want them to abhor mediocrity...to recognize peer pressure for what it is--irrelevant...to find their worth in what they truly are, children of God.
I don't want them to blend in with the crowd when I'm raising them to stand out.

Whether my children ever formally enlist in a national army or not, I hope they possess the heart of a soldier when they have fully grown...with hands tender enough to teach their children how to ride a bicycle and hearts strong enough to rise above prejudice.

I am the mother of three children, though most days I feel like a child myself, walking on wobbly adult legs. How can I ever accomplish this great task of raising adults who know that wisdom is true strength and gentleness is a virtue. How do I teach them to have lips that are quick to smile, firm enough to say no, and tender enough to kiss?
In the end, I hope it can be said that my children did hard things, endeavored to right the wrongs of injustice in their world and spent themselves in a worthy cause.

(H&M skirt, Gapkids shirt, Anthropologie belt, Steve Madden pumps, Nine&Co. bag, Charlotte Russe shades)

Today, I remember...
and because I'm a mom, I pray the soldiers of other moms find their way safely back home.

15 comments:

  1. Well said, Kristina! Dad and Mom love all of you!

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  2. Awesome post! Thanks for sharing!

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  3. Me too. I'm sure your children are well on their way to being outstanding adults. Love the pictures of you and your family.

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  4. Beautifully written and oh, so true. I want my boys to fight for everything they believe in and hold dear.
    Your family is beautiful!

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  5. I love reading your blog, very beautifully written. A tiny bit of sustenance during a tough time. i wish the same for my children. I hope this year w/out Dad (deployed to Iraq) makes them stronger and as they grow up I know they will be proud of their Dad's service. Jill

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  6. You brought tears to my eyes, Girl! Love this (and all of your posts for that matter).

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  7. Love the pictures of you and your man! :)

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  8. What a lovely and well written post :) And the pictures are lovely!

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  9. This was so beautifully written! I read it out loud to my husband. Great job!

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  10. Beautiful family, beautiful words.

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  11. Hi. Just throught I'd drop by to let you know I included one of your photos in my 'academically inspired' post I just did ... hope you like :) xo

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  12. This is a lovely post. Your family is so sweet. I think it takes a lot of courage for our country's soldiers to do what they do. Happy belated Memorial Day!

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  13. LOVE these shots. Post more like this more often. I love seeing the family. awwwwwww

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  14. I absolutely LOVE your outfit, and your kids are adorable too!

    -Hannah

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