“Ma, I’m in Jail”

Not too long ago, I had the great joy of hearing some remarkable stories from Chris’ best friend, Joe. He referenced my mom in his recollections and since it’s Mother’s Day, I thought it would be perfect to share one of his special memories from when he first met Chris, with his permission. Thank you, Joe!

“I met Chris in August, 1991, on the practice field for White Oak High School football prior to the start of our junior year. I had a 1969 MG and Chris, being the opportunist that he always was, asked me to give him a ride home after practice. And Mrs. Campbell, being the kind-hearted, second mother that she ultimately became for me, let us eat all the corn dogs she had in the freezer. It was the first day of a friendship that grew into something so much more. Chris and I were inseparable. I grew up in the area and had friends that I had known since kindergarten, but my bond with Chris was different. Even after that first day, I felt like I knew him all of my life. That junior year of high school were filled with memories of football, baseball, surfing (I wasn’t very good), finding ways to almost get in trouble around Jacksonville without ever really getting caught. Chris’ mischievous grin and wit were infectious and there weren’t too many days over the span of those next couple of years that didn’t involve Chris.”

——————————-

There were so many traits that Chris exhibited because of our mom’s influence. His love of flowers, singing or whistling, his never quit approach, his nuturing nature, and his optimism were a few of the things passed down to Chris from our mom. It wasn’t uncommon for him to mention her frequently in his correspondence to me. Here are a few snippets from his letters… 

 “I also call ‘cadence’ for our Division, so I guess I inherited some musical talent from mom!!”

“When you come up, be sure to have gloves & scarf w/ your other outer garments! A hat would also be a wise investment! At least keep one in your pocket! I know Ma will be covered from head to toe & then some!”

“Call mom to tell her I’m okay.” 

 ——————————–

The day Chris joined the Navy he called our mom. She answered the phone and heard, “Ma, I’m in jail. Will you come get me out?”. Over the years my mom had received countless calls from Chris or about Chris. I’m sure her heart was racing as she pondered how she was going to respond to this new proclamation. “Well, Chris, how ’bout this? Why don’t you sit there and think about what you did all night, and I’ll come get you in the morning.” Chris responded, “Ma, I’m in the Navy recruiters office, and he can hear you”. The reply to her youngest son was, “well, do you want me to say it again?” Oh, the wit and dry humor these two shared! Of course, Chris’ answer was “no”! Chris repeated that he had joined the Navy. For anyone who knows my mom, they are quite familiar with the words she said next, “I’ll be praying for you”. She meant it! For as long as I can remember, my mom has done this and continues to humbly ask for guidance on her daily journey, not only for those she holds dear but for those she meets in her life. This used to irritate me; why and how could she approach everything with prayer?

As I have gotten older I’ve posed the question to myself, if someone wants to give me a bit of encouragement, whether a pat on the back, a high five, an inspirational quote or even a prayer, is that really so horrible? It can mean that person is thinking positively about me and wishes me well. Why would I turn that a way and be offended by someone who cares enough to remember me in their daily affirmations? Our mother’s prayers were with Chris throughout his military career. He would call our mom and share that he and the fellas were being sent on a mission and ask her to pray for them. My mom said that many nights she would awake and her knees would hit the floor at 2 a.m. When one prays, you never know what the outcome will be. What’s the purpose then? Guidance, protection, strength, courage, wisdom in responses are a few reasons people choose to pray – it’s a multi-purpose other-worldly tool based on faith. 

For all the Mamas who have suffered the loss of a child this Mother’s Day or for those children (young and “old” alike) who are missing their Ma, Mama, Mother, Mom, or Mum this day, here are a couple songs that I heard this morning that I thought I would pass along.

Major – ‘A Mother’s Love’ 

Beth Hart – ‘Mama, This Ones For You’