SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A mother's love is a gift like no other. Being a military mom is not an easy life, but it's one I choose because I also love serving my country. Non-military mothers (like my own) may not understand how it is possible to leave our kids, but when we military mothers are asked to deploy, we do it and don't think twice about it.

My baby just turned three, and missing his birthday was hard on me. But if I ever feel sad being here and missing him, I just think of all the other mothers who are out here doing the same thing -- and it makes the separation bearable. The one I feel bad for is my baby. He really has no idea what is going on and doesn't understand where his Mommy is. I miss the hugs and kisses, dancing before bed time, snuggling up as he takes a nap. I won't say it is easy, but the military has done a lot over the years to help us keep in touch. Although a kiss on Skype isn't the same, it is more than I had four years ago on my last deployment. I am sure my fear is the same as any other mother who is serving and away from their babies. Will he remember me? Will he shy away from me when he sees me? The best we can do while we are here is to be there and support each other.

So, as I spend this Mother's Day away from my baby, I ask those mothers who aren't military to enjoy time with their families and think of those of us who would love nothing more than to be home, even for a day, with ours. I also ask the kids that are not associated with the military to take a second to thank the military kids who live a life of fear and uncertainty about whether their mommy or daddy will make it home.

I think of all the mothers that I have watched over the past year at Dover Air Force Base -- the ones who had to see their baby come home in a flag-draped coffin. It is those mothers who we all need to remember on this special day. For these women, Mother's Day will never be the same.

As a final thought, all a mother wants most times is to hear from her babies. So if you are your mama's baby, pick up the phone on Mother's Day and tell her how much you love her.