I am getting pretty excited about an invitation I received last month asking if I would like to attend a Gold Star Mothers Convention in Lansing on 9/12-9/13. Of course I responded right away with a yes answer. We are to dine on a riverboat and get to know each other then the next day we will have a ceremony honoring our fallen Heroes.Just today I sent in a picture of my beautiful son which I am sure they plan to put on display with all our other brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our Country.I am also sure that this will be a extremely emotional week-end as each one of us has suffered a tragic loss. It is a devastating experience to lose a child, no matter what their age, as the normal scheme of  life is for the child to bury the parent, not for the parent to have to bury their child. So, we , for the most part ,should all have felt this heartbreaking pain and with this knowledge, we should all be able to relate to each other on one level or another. Actually it should be comforting to be in each others presence as we understand why, while just talking, tears can start streaming down someone's face, as a dear memory came to mind. Many people have trouble accepting this as normal behavior, however, this is  a perfectly normal reaction for those of us who have lost someone so very precious in such a sudden and violent manner. For as we all know, war is violent and horrible. I am hoping to meet many new people who will become good friends as we have shared the same tragic and life changing event. It makes you feel a little better when you can discuss your pain knowing you are not making the other person uncomfortable.I can truly say I am looking forward to that week-end. I will let you all know how things went when I return.....