“The mother-child relationship is paradoxical and, in a sense, tragic.
It requires the most intense love on the mother's side, yet this very
love must help the child grow away from the mother, and to become fully
independent.” Erich Fromm
We raise our kids and give them wings, then when they do fly, the relationship changes and it leaves a Mom with a heavy heart.
I've spoken of my son on other posts but this story must be told. How many get to go watch the mushers come in at the finish line of such a famous race?
From an early age tom's wings have been flapping and has always wanted to be where the action is. I have had to tie those wings on several occasions to keep him on the ground.
He made that dream happen 20 years ago when he joined the Coast Guard. His dream was to be near and in the thick of Ice, Snow and Mountains.
He has jumped out of helios, sliding down on a rope to rescue someone in distress. Climbed Ice and gone down into the crevices to pull a hiker out. Dunked in the oceans to pull a stranded boater to safety. Climbed a mountain to reach a downed plane only to retrieve several who did not make it.
In the first phase of the mother child relationship I could have told him, "No" you can't do that, you might get hurt! Now, in this new relationship we have, all I can do is sit home and pray for his safety.
"T" will be spending his time in the next few weeks teaching the Alaskans in a tiny town in Nome, boat safety.
On his way to Nome,Tom was able to complete one item on his bucket list. To see the Iditarod. (I know he would have rather been at the helm of that sled but just being there, will do)
Here he is with a friend, standing on the frozen Bering Sea waiting for
the mushers at the end of the journey across the ice and snow, as they
come in on the last stretch of the Iditarod Race.
(toms words)
Siren went off and I rushed to the Bering Sea to see this musher come
in. 9:15 PM, sun setting made for a great photo. These dogs were
fairly excited and ready to stop for the evening. -10F degrees out...
#48 from Haliburton, Ontario, finisher of the 2012 Iditarod!! Welcome
to Nome!! Such happy dogs when they came in. The blurry little girl to
the left is his daughter.
#48 Itidarod finisher from Haliburton, Ontario
Seconds after arriving into Nome... and having just completed 1049 miles
of running…. these amazing dogs were tired and done!! Good day!!
The 'twinkle' in Tom's eyes tell me, "He is living his dream"
Now on to the town of Little
Diomede, the Western most US village sitting on the International
Dateline.
"Fly High my Son"
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Tommy
"What more could a Mom ask for"
*****
I'm adding a few more photos, T has been sending them as they happen, to me. He landed on the ice runway in the tiny town in Alaska, all of 1.2 miles from Russia.
( the view from the stairs of the plane)
(his words)
Trekking on the Bering Sea here in Diomede, Alaska
I just can't imagine any place looks this frozen. I'm here in Florida celebrating this 'first day of spring'.
I spoke with my daughter-in-law last night and she said, "Don't worry Mom, T has his survival back pack filled with all that he needs in case his survival is in order. Freeze dried food, little cook stove/heater, ice picks and other things to keep him going in case of a problem.
"Sometimes I forget, this is the guy to call when you need saving"
My new adult relationship with my son leads me to believe,
"Tommy" is in his glory"
(burrrrr!)
****
March 20 was the day for tom to leave the little Island town, but the weather was so bad they could not fly out (high winds).. Stuck? No, they sent a taxi to take him to "Wales", to catch another flight. Looks like a snow mobile to me.
We made it off of Diomede Island and arrived in Wales, Alaska. We even had a taxi waiting for us to take us into the village. March 22
I'm linking up to
x0x0x
15 comments:
Oh what a sweet post and such a touching one of a Mother's love. Your son looks amazing and has accomplished unbelievable things in his life already. The lives he has saved and the blessing he has been to other, not to mention all of the other adventures. Sounds like quite a fabulous young man. God Bless you both. Hugs, Marty
A lovely post for your wonderful son. I enjoyed my visit to your sweet blog I am a new linky follower. Hugs and wishes for a beautiful week ahead. P.S> I love the spring sign on your blog it made me giggle.
Yes, the moment they're born we must start teaching them to fly. I was a helicopter mom for sure so that was a struggle for me. :-)
I applaud your son for following his dreams and I wish for you peace and strength.
xo
Pat
Yes, the moment they're born we must start teaching them to fly. I was a helicopter mom for sure so that was a struggle for me. :-)
I applaud your son for following his dreams and I wish for you peace and strength.
xo
Pat
You must admit, Tom keeps you hoppin.....
LOVE you dear
what an amazing experience your son is having!
Your opening quote sums up how I've been feeling for the past few years. My kids are living their dreams, different dreams than the ones I had planned for them and sometimes it hurts and it's hard. Beautiful post, beautiful story, amazing son. Good for you.
...well one word for later, after all his amazing experiences, but we as mothers want grandchildren!
What adventure he is having!
Wow! These are amazing photos!! Thank you for sharing!
How wonderful that he gets to live out his dreams! I think that is the very best thing we can hope for our children - to live their dreams!!!
Cool post, no pun intended. I've always wanted to see the Iditarod. It just blows me away what they do.
How cool, tho, that your son has always wanted to spread his wings and you've supported him. That's what it should be like. I know too many parents these days who wish their children had bigger dreams!
That's quite the son you have and he's seen more already than most people. Exciting to see an entry from Ontario in the Iditarod. I can't imagine having all the ice stuck on my face, even the dogs had some!
Nice post, you should brag about your son.
wow, what a lovely story! he is very lucky to have you as a mom!
thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your lovely comment on my easter plates, got me to visit you.
i am your newest follower and would be honored if you would like to follow back, but no hard feelings if not :-)
love
jutta
You have such an amazing family...
It Really is Remarkable that he is living his dream... Remember, none of that would be possible without such a wonderful Mother helping him learn to spread his wings!
Great post for the letter "R"!
Thanks for linking.
A+
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