A Soldier's Mother

Yesterday, David went back to where it began more than 2 years ago.
Last week, he turned in his rifle; two days ago, he returned to his base to sign the final forms.
And yesterday, finally, he returned to the induction center in Tel Hashomer and gave back his military ID. He will spend the next 10 months learning in the yeshiva, contemplating and preparing for what he will do next....

For years, an intensive part of a combat soldier's training includes the knowledge that his rifle is a part of him. He must always know where it is and that it is properly secured. Either it is strapped to him, next to him, or dismantled and stored safely...

We all have days we remember - anniversaries, births, weddings, etc. and we go through our lives collecting memories that we pull out and relive or cherish long into the future. As a parent, I'm always amazed at what my children have retained, what days...

Can you imagine hearing those words from your child?
Logic will tell you that your child is a grown man, armed and trained to defend himself and the country he serves. Your heart will break into a thousands pieces and you'll want to rush to your car anyway....