My Navy Mothers

When I was a young Sailor, I had many mothers. Of course I had my actual mom in Kansas, but since I was a young man stationed in Japan, I couldn't really lean on her too much. Thankfully, I had some great women like Janene, Rose, and Kelly. They were and still are wonderful women. They were great influences on my life. Truly, when I was in need of someone to help guide me, they were there for me. They helped ground me in my very young career and of course, like any mother, they scrutinized my date choices.
Rose D and her husband, who incidentally was one of my fathers, Frank.

You see, when I was 19 and even into my early 20s, I wasn't really ready to be on my own. I hadn't grown up yet. I don't like admitting it because it seems silly, but I was still a boy at that age. What these women provided me was the stability that a good mother provides. I don't know where I'd be today if it weren't for them.

If your church is near a military installation, then your experienced moms can provide the same support to young military men and women. Here in Great Lakes, that responsibility and ministry falls on Karen. Momma Mac as she is called, has Sailors over to her house and she and her husband minister to their spiritual and social needs. As part of the wider military ministry in this area, her role is so much more than putting together dinner every other Sunday. She is quite literally the mother of many Sailors.

Let's be absolutely honest, while we trust our 18-20 year old men and women with guns and billions of dollars worth of equipment, they are not really adults. Just like myself at that age, I needed some more maturing time. Those moms in Yokosuka provided me with the top cover that I needed.

Thank you, Janene, Rose, and Kelly. And thank you Karen for keeping up that effort here in Great Lakes. I hope the Sailors you help now understand what I know...Happy Mothers Day!

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