Letter: Salute to the greatest position: Mom

As I age, I sometimes find myself looking at the obits to see if I am there.

I recently read about Kathlyn Haffey, a Beaufort woman I never met.

However, this particular obituary resonated for the unusually heartfelt and touching expressions of love made by her family.

“The measure of our Mom’s life won’t be found in the form of books published, songs written, fortunes built, awards earned. Or positions held. Except for one. Mom.

“A Mom who devoted all of her life to shepherding five children through the maelstrom of military life.

“Through the countless moves — sometimes every year. New neighborhoods, new friends, new schools. She was the constant, the warm shoulder. The daily hug, holding, listening, understanding, dry tears and encouragement that made he next day easier and provided the foundation for the rest of their lives.”

Her husband was a Marine officer. A son was a Marine lieutenant colonel. Another was a Navy commander.

Years back I read Pat Conroy’s “The Great Santini.” He was also exposed to the pressures of military life. He became my kindred soul and I devoured everything Conroy did after that.

As a young person, we moved 18 times in 16 years and went to numerous schools, which we sometimes left before we could learn the name of the child sitting next to us. Moves made not because we were in the military, more because we did not or could not pay the rent. So I well understand the impact Moms can have on our lives.

This story was originally published July 1, 2016 at 1:06 PM with the headline "Letter: Salute to the greatest position: Mom."