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Susan N.

8/8/2014

I don't know how to begin to thank the Mom in Need Fund for the gift of helping me get to my daughters graduation on August 8th. This was a very special time in our family. My father retired from the US Marine Corps and out of all of our family, my daughter is the only one to enlist in the military. I am so proud of her.

I arrived in Cape May in time to attend the Meet & Greet and talk with some of the parents I have been in contact with on the Zulu-189 Facebook page. Time seemed to pass quickly because I decided to skip the breakfast and go straight to the Informational meeting. It started to all be real when we were walking over to the parade field. When the program began I was so proud. I wish my father had been there to see his granddaughter.

I would not have been able to share this experience with her without the generous help from the Mom in Need Fund. One day, I hope I can pay it forward!

Kelly M.

8/1/2014

For the past two and half months I’ve been an emotional roller coaster. I’ve been so very happy that my son has chosen to serve our country, very sad that I hadn’t had much contact with him. Overshadowing all of this was the horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach that I would not be able to attend graduation. We had already resigned ourselves to the fact that he would be celebrating this day without me, and this was heartbreaking for both of us.

My son’s finance (he proposed the night of graduation!) told me about the Mom In Need Fund. She and her mother told me they had written to the MINF on my behalf and after my loved ones convinced me that it was okay to ask for help, I submitted my application. I was afraid to even hope that I would be chosen.

Unbelievably the next day I received an email telling me that I HAD been chosen! There are not enough words to express my joy and gratitude for this gift. One of the best moments of my life, and I know I will never forget it, was the night my son called and I was able to tell him that his Mom would be there to see him graduate. Of course I was crying when I told him, but my big strong Coastie broke down in tears too. That just confirmed to me how much my being there meant to him.

When his company began entering the building the excitement was palpable. Before I had a chance to even begin looking for that familiar face, he was passing right in front of me! I felt I would be unable to contain the overwhelming pride, joy, love, and admiration I have for this young man, my son. During the ceremony I had a hard time focusing; I couldn’t keep my eyes off this commendable man in uniform that my baby boy had grown into. All I could think about was wrapping my arms around him, looking him in his eyes and telling him how proud I am of him.

Without the Mom In Need Fund, none of this would have been possible. I would have a different story to tell, a very sad one that makes me cry to even imagine it. I will be forever grateful for this blessing; a miracle that I never dreamed could happen. I will pay this gift forward by being there for other Coasties and their families to the utmost of my ability.

Susan N.

Kelly M.

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