I don't want to be a Gold Star Mom

I wish there were never a reason for me to learn what an amazing community I lived in and I wish there were never a reason for my Facebook Army Mom friends to rally to my side. Some drove for hours to come to my sons service. One flew across this great nation. Others made an afghan and I received countless cards from a family of women I have never met, yet we share the strongest bond.

I wish my family never had to know the great kindness of strangers or receive a replica quilt from the Civil War group.

I wish that on June 3rd, 2010, flags in Kentucky were not ordered at Half Staff to honor my son and I wish the Senator Burr never had to send up a flag that flew over the State Capitol.

I wish that July 3rd, 2010 in the Town of Harrisburg that is was not PFC Christopher Ryan Barton Day and I wish my family never had to be the Grand Marshal of the 4th of July parade for my hometown hero.

Please. You can take it all back. I don't want to be a Gold Star Mom. I just want to keep being his mom.