HOOAH!

Today, it seemed as if my baby boy turned into a man right before my eyes.  So much pride and joy filled my heart as I watched him march across Inouye Field as a soldier in the United States Army.  God brought him through basic training and his Advanced Individual Training – one of the most difficult physical and mental challenges that he has had to face during his young life.  Several times, he wrote home that he wanted to quit; I would write back – trust God, stay strong and stay positive.  I knew he had it in him to complete what he started and I owed it to him to support and encourage him.

Of course, I was conflicted about his choice to join the military due to the current events around the globe.  A part of me wanted to write, “baby, come on back home.”  But, I looked back on the challenges that I faced during my life and the sense of accomplishment I felt when I didn’t give up.  I remembered that I was able to complete those challenges because of Desmond being a part of my life.

Desmond was my unexpected blessing!  After I left home to attend the University of Virginia, I completely lost my way, spiritually, as I drifted from God.  It was at the beginning of my third year that I found myself pregnant with Desmond.  I was scared and didn’t know what I was going to do.  I was worried about what people back home would think of me – the preacher’s daughter.  I was worried…scared…about what my parents would say.  I was worried about my future and if I would be able to continue school.

I thought that the only choice that I had was to have an abortion.  I made three appointments to have an abortion, but God had a GREATER plan for me and Desmond! The first time, I went to the clinic, I couldn’t go in.  The second time, I cancelled.  Right before the third appointment, my parents came to visit me and we went out to dinner.  I started feeling sick before I finished my meal and had to go to the bathroom.  My Mom came in to check on me, gave me one of the biggest, most comforting hugs, and told me that it was going to be okay.  I didn’t have to say anything to her.  Later that week, my Dad called me and reassured me that it was going to be okay.

I gave birth to my handsome baby boy that summer, returned to school to finish my final year while driving home to see Desmond on the weekend.  Desmond was my drive to finish my final year and graduate.

I recommitted my life to Christ – I wanted to raise my son in the ways of the Lord.  If it wasn’t for having Desmond, I would have continued down the wrong path and may not even be here today.  Satan thought he had me to the point where I didn’t even care anymore; but God stepped in with a greater plan.  He blessed me with a little boy that saved my life!

Desmond was also my drive to pursue my Masters in Business Administration degree.  Yes, it was tough working full time and going to college at night as a single mom but I wanted nothing but the best for Desmond.

So, for the past fourteen weeks, I prayed that God would give him the strength and the drive – the same drive that Desmond gave me ever since he came into my life.  God had a plan for Desmond before he was born!  This is just the beginning of great things for him and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.

Yes, I am one proud army Mom today and always! HOOAH!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11