Navy Mom Chronicles

When my son first told me he was signing up for the Navy, my heart dropped. My instinct kicked in fast. I immediately tried to talk him out of it. In my mind, all I could think was, Why should my son fight for a country that doesn’t always fight for people who look like him? It was fear talking, mixed with frustration and a mother’s unshakeable desire to protect her child. I fault hard to keep him near me but sometimes we have to let go and trust that their wings are strong enough to fly on their own.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”. -Joshua 1:9 

He just doesn't listen...

The initial shock faded, something in me shifted. I remembered that this wasn’t a new idea or some sudden decision. This was something he had talked about since he was a little boy, this dream of serving, of traveling, of doing something bigger than himself. And as much as I wanted to wrap him in bubble wrap and keep him close, I had to face the truth: he could have chosen far more dangerous paths. Streets that swallow our young men. People who lure them into fast money with even faster consequences. Roads that lead nowhere good.

Instead, he chose discipline. He chose purpose. He chose a dream.

And as a mother, I realized my job wasn’t to shut that dream down, it was to support him as he walked into it. Even if it scares me. Even if it challenges my beliefs. Even if it forces me to grow right alongside him.

Sometimes, without realizing it, we as parents can become the very thing that holds our children back. We want to protect them so fiercely that we forget they’re meant to grow, explore, and face the real world on their own terms. We worry, we question, and we try to guide but, in the process, we can unintentionally block them from expanding, learning, and becoming independent.

Mind of your Own

When my son shared his plans for the Navy, he showed me something powerful: he had a vision for his life, and he was confident enough to follow it. He proved that he could think for himself, trust his own judgment, and move forward even if it didn’t fully align with my fears or opinions. And honestly, that’s one of the greatest blessings a parent can receive, to see that you’ve raised a child strong enough to stand firmly in their own choices.

We often define success by money, titles, or material gain. But true success? It’s not about the size of a paycheck. It’s a mindset. It’s the ability to see what you desire for your life, commit to it, and walk boldly toward it. Watching my son do exactly that reminded me that success is built from courage, intention, and the belief that you are capable.

And that’s something far more valuable than anything money could ever measure.

My son is stepping into his future, and I’m learning to honor the strength it takes for both of us.

To my son,

Mom loves you more than words could express. -LaToya Duckworth