Jades+story

In the palm of my hand, was a single white envelope that could possible hold the keys to my future. Mother watched me as I held the white paper, hands trembling, slowly ripping it open. Finally, I had gotten to the paper inside. At that moment, sweat poured down my forehead and palms like a rainstorm. With one finger, I carefully pried the brown and green sticker off and unfolded the letter. Indeed, inside, in black bolded letters read, Aedus Bailey drafted for mission to Taiwan. I droplet of salty water slid down my mother’s cheek. “Don’t worry. This is a chance for me to build character and protect the country that saved us,” I reassured her, reminding her how we fled from the dictatorship and famine in Ireland to come here, the land of opportunities and freedom, America. “I can finally grow up and take some responsibility….and make you proud,” I added. I couldn’t understand why tears still filled up her soft, green eyes. “What’s wrong?” I still wondered. “I am your mother I have to be proud,” she grinned. She always had a joke even in the most serious situations. “I just wants what best for my baby. I heard that things change in a man through war. You don’t need to get tough, that’s what makes you, you, so sweet and playful. What if you get injured? Will you fly past life pain free? Have a family? Good education? Huh?” I felt such empathy knowing all we’ve been through, she just wanted me alive. “Plus you know me bones are getting old and brittle. Only god knows if I will be here when you get back. “Never say that!” I yelped as the tears started filling up my eyes. She must have know I wanted this ever since the conflict in China started, I pondered with my belligerent ways. I guess she never thought they would enlist and Irish immigrant. I tried making a sincere final goodbye. “You’re going to be standing right at that door with your arms wide open ready to smear that bright, pink, strawberry lipstick on my cheek. It’s not technically a war. The government just needs some hardy Americans to settle in Taiwan and make sure nothing illegal or dangerous to U.S is being perpetrated. I also promise with all my heart to come back in one healthy piece. I am just freezing time and when time continues I’m going to be a better man.” That was my final goodbye, even though words could not truly describe the feeling of absence. “Just come back in one piece! Hear me?” She demanded with her think Irish accent. “And when I return, you better have some of those candied sweet potatoes waiting on the table for me.” I chuckled and faked a smile, trying to lighten the mood. I wrapped my hands around her like a bear and stood there holding my mother, taking in the memory. I would always remember how she would punish me and have to ability to get me so furious, yet was the only one I would trust to wipe my tears away and whisper the words, “Everything is going to be alright.” Or the scent of her perfume, gave you a warm feeling that symbolized home and family. Or the way her gentle, green eyes told you about her, strong and headstrong, yet soft spoken and caring. Or the way her smooth hands had that miracle touch, that cured any physical and emotional pain. A fire lit in my heart as I realized how important my mother was and what great impact she had on me. I would miss her terribly. I was homesick already and was not yet out of the house. I should have held on just a tiny but longer for she ended up keeping her word. As for mine, it would soon vanish into a dream. I stepped out my rusted building door for the last time, I stood in front of the clapping and cheering of every neighbor, child, and worker on the street. No feeling of such power, pride, and courage has ever filled me as it did at that very moment. It was time. Letting go of mother with a sign, I tucked my camouflage pants into my laced up boots and held my head up high. I tried walking in the best soldier way possible, stiff as a statue, one leg in front of another. “Left, right, left,” I whispered to myself to myself, feeling such a rush of adrenaline inside. Red, white, and blue flags aligned the streets with posters and signs that engraved WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. HONOR OUR SOLDIERS. I’LL MISS YOU. Families waved their signs wildly while others waved furiously out of windows, throwing confetti and hats down on the men leaving. I stepped out of the green and brown, unfamiliar vehicle. My head twisted as I took a single last glimpse of my family, mother, and the place I officially called home. The black, spiky wheels started spinning and we were off. As our army truck sped toward a base, you heard cheers of the average citizen and cries of soldier’s families. Reflection of the sun’s glorious rays combined with the united colors from the American flag, set the mood on the unbelievable day. Bikes holding kids, eyes wide open, admiring us as brave role models fallowed in the trucks