I have started this post so many times but have struggled to put into words the conflicting emotions I feel watching the news unfold - confusion, disbelief, anger, pride, sorrow seems to flow through me on a near continual basis.
On reflection I think it is because I watch the horrors unfold through many different lenses – as a SOLDIER I was amongst the first troops into Helmand back in 2006 when it was believed ‘no shots would be fired!’ As a young second lieutenant, I remember feeling excited and nervous to be heading on my first deployment and the overwhelming honour I felt to serve my Queen and country. Today I watch British soldiers with immense pride as they react to the scenes of extreme human suffering with compassion, kindness and utter professionalism.
As a MILITARY WIFE there have been countless deployments and sleepless nights but ultimately my husband was doing the job he loved with his brothers-in-arms (both his fellow Paratroopers and Afghan partners). My thoughts are especially with the families of those who have lost loved ones – these are unbearable times. With those facing the uncertainty and worry of having loved ones deployed – it is these families that are the bedrock of the armed forces providing unwavering support and picking up the pieces when the troops return home. You know where we are if there is anything we can do – please know you are not alone.
As a WOMAN I feel like I have won life’s lottery being born in the UK. I now look at the basic freedoms I take for granted in a different light. My heart goes out to all the women in Afghanistan who have been given a taste of those freedoms and fear they will now be ripped away – sadly only time will tell.
And finally as a MOTHER, this is where the emotions feel most raw. Watching the heart-breaking images of desperate mothers doing whatever it takes to keep their children safe. For me it puts everything into perspective and shines a light on the stark reality that once we strip back all the differences in language, culture, appearances and beliefs, ultimately, we are all human beings with the same basic needs - security, protection, food, belonging and love.
We have been helping a family who has just arrived from Afghanistan and it is this letter from my 8 year old son, Albert, that warmed my heart and gave me hope. While the time for finger pointing, blame and endless enquiries will surely come, the focus must now be on getting as many people to safety as possible and when they arrive in our green and pleasant land it is about showing kindness and empathy to our fellow human beings.
Sending you all lots of FWC love.
Heather x