Maybe it was just me feeling like a victim last night.  Today is a good day.  I truly enjoyed watching my son play football today.  I was even a good mom.

I noticed him limping after one of the plays.  I stayed in the stands.  I did not go running out on to the field to scoop him up in my arms.  I did not yell at the coach to tell him Caleb was hurt.  I just sat there and watched him keep playing.

I could see the joy he was having playing the game.  I figured that if he could live with it, then so can I.  I waited until after the game.  After the coach had given his pep talk.  After the snacks, I waited.  I waited until he was away from his teammates and then asked him to sit down so I could look at it.  The amazing thing was that he did as I asked.  I realized then, that is what he needed.  He needed me to be the dad and let him suck it up and play.  He needed me to be nonchalant about the whole thing.  Dad was there, through me.

I did not break down into tears when I saw the lump on the bottom of his foot.  I just looked up and said, I guess we visit the doctor tomorrow.  I did not ask him if he wanted me to carry him.  I just said, Can you do it?

When he said, of course, I knew it was because his teammates were still around.  He wanted to be tough like his teammate yesterday with the broken arm.  He didn't want to come crying off the field, because the other kid hadn't.  So I let him be strong, and I was stronger.  I was not the mom, I was the dad.

I believe this is what I needed today.  I needed to know that I could fulfill the shoes of my husband.  I needed to prove to Caleb and to myself that I can handle it.  Now, that doesn't mean I am not concerned about his foot.  I made him sit with it up all night, lol.  I am taking him to the doctor tomorrow.  But I have proven myself in this deployment.  I have proven that I can be both the mom and the dad when needed.

I can bury the unneeded parent when needed.  I can be who my children need me to be.  I am a strong military wife!!!!