In honor of SSG Wm Jesse Kelley, US Army - Served in the Operation Enduring Freedom
Hometown: St. Paul
(Submitted August 25, 2008 by Pattie Kelley)

I don't know how best to find the words to honor my son as we approach this upcoming election, so I have chosen to use this poem I wrote in the days leading up to his deployment: 

I’M A SOLDIER’S MOM  I'm a Soldier’s Mom ~ but do not weep for me.  I'm waiting and praying. I'm on pins & needles. I toss and turn all night. He's my last thought before I finally fall asleep at night; my first when I wake each morning.  I'm a Soldier’s Mom - but do not weep for me.  I hear his words. I see his face and his posture as he says, "Mom. I'm ready to go. I'm prepared to go. It's my job to go. I'll volunteer to go.  I need to get my mind set to go"   I'm a Soldier's Mom ~ but do not weep for me. For me For you For our children and our children's children.  For our Country For their Country.  I'm a Soldier's Mom ~ but do not weep for me.  I'm proud of my son's Patriotism, Inner strength, Vision, Dreams, Desire, Willingness.  I'm proud to be an American. I'm proud to be Free.  Yes ~ I'm a Soldier's Mom ~ but do not weep for me. 

I will be voting in honor of all our sons and daughters who have and continue to serve our Country.  

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