52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks: War

June 15, 1969 Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

I have to write down these thoughts to sort things out and bring a certain calmness to my being. Early in our marriage, I had to send my husband off to war to fight against a dictator. Now, I have sent my son Daniel off to war to find against Communism. Will God answer a mother’s prayer for the safety of her son?

Each evening as I watch the news with Walter Cronkite, I see images of war that hold a mother’s heart hostage in terror. The daily newspaper contains headlines that speak of young men being sent home to their families…dead or injured. Stationed in a communications bunker is Saigon, my son is doing his best to protect himself from harm. Will God answer a mother’s prayer for the safety of her son?

I hear on the television and the radio of demonstrations against the war on college campuses and on the city streets. Flags are being burned. “Hell, no…we won’t go!” rings in my ears. Our neighbor who is Canadian (and not a naturalized American citizen) told my husband that he is glad he will not have to send his sons to war. Slaps in the face from all around. Will God answer a mother’s prayer for the safety of her son?

Next, I will send off a letter to my Dan and tell him of our everyday happenings, such as his little sister’s high school dance and his niece’s toddler antics. I will send CARE packages of cookies and other homemade delights. As I seal the letter, I will send a prayer. Will God answer a mother’s prayer for the safety of her son?

~June Marie Yeakle Haffner, Daniel’s mother

Note: June would become my mother-in-law. I would meet her son Daniel two years later…safely home from Vietnam. God did answer a mother’s prayer for the safety of her son.