Soldier son can’t just pick up and leave his base whenever he wants, so I prioritize his laundry

All we’re missing is the background music.

As my son walks in the door on Friday in his IDF uniform, M-16 slung over his shoulder, and an impossibly huge pack on his back, his little brothers come flying at him and wrap their arms around him.

Should I get the camera? Nah, just enjoy the moment.

Thud!

I look up from what I’m doing as he slides it out of the bag, and it hits the floor.

“Mommy, do you think you could do all my laundry by the time I have to get back to my base on Sunday morning?” he asks with the sweetest, most innocent smile, while he removes the cartridge from his rifle and leans it in the corner.

“Where do we have a key? I have to lock the front door when my gun is here.”

Standard army regulations. Who knew?

An M-16 in my living room. Totally normal.