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Be Safe, Love Mom: A Military Mom's Stories of Courage, Comfort, and Surviving Life on the Home Front
When you enlist in the United States military, you don't just sign up for duty; you also commit your loved ones to lives of service all their own.
No one knows this better than Elaine Brye, an "Army brat" turned military wife and the mother of four officers—one each in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. For more than a decade she's endured countless teary goodbyes, empty chairs at Thanksgiving dinners, and sleepless hours waiting for phone calls in the night. She's navigated the complicated tangle of emotions—pride, worry, fear, hope, and deep, enduring love—that are part and parcel of life as a military mother.
In Be Safe, Love Mom Elaine braids together her own personal experiences with those of fellow parents she's met along the way. She offers gentle guidance and hard-earned wisdom on topics ranging from that first anxious goodbye to surrendering all control of your child, from finding comfort in the support of the military community and the healing power of faith to coping with the enormous sacrifices life as a military mother requires. Readers looking for encouragement and hard-to-come-by information as they travel the challenging road of having a child in uniform will find Elaine a wise and trusted friend, and Be Safe, Love Mom an essential handbook to membership in a strong and special sisterhood.
No one knows this better than Elaine Brye, an "Army brat" turned military wife and the mother of four officers—one each in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. For more than a decade she's endured countless teary goodbyes, empty chairs at Thanksgiving dinners, and sleepless hours waiting for phone calls in the night. She's navigated the complicated tangle of emotions—pride, worry, fear, hope, and deep, enduring love—that are part and parcel of life as a military mother.
In Be Safe, Love Mom Elaine braids together her own personal experiences with those of fellow parents she's met along the way. She offers gentle guidance and hard-earned wisdom on topics ranging from that first anxious goodbye to surrendering all control of your child, from finding comfort in the support of the military community and the healing power of faith to coping with the enormous sacrifices life as a military mother requires. Readers looking for encouragement and hard-to-come-by information as they travel the challenging road of having a child in uniform will find Elaine a wise and trusted friend, and Be Safe, Love Mom an essential handbook to membership in a strong and special sisterhood.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2015
330 people are currently reading
1299 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Lowry Brye
1 book18 followersElaine Lowry Brye is a mom who knows about letting go. Like many moms, she cried when her kids left home, wishes they’d call and write more, and spends sleepless nights worrying about them. But Elaine’s tears and concerns are even more poignant than most mothers’—because Elaine is the mom of four military officers, one each in the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines.
An Army brat turned ROTC candidate turned military wife, Elaine never expected her kids to have a call to serve, and certainly didn’t expect all four to join up. Three of her kids—two sons and a daughter—attended the Naval Academy, and it was there that Elaine got her own calling: she joined the Naval Academy Parents’ Listserv, and began a fifteen-year journey of helping moms and dads adjust to their strange, new, lonely lives as military parents. She also spent a year teaching in Kabul, Afghanistan where she experienced life in a war zone. Her love of her country and desire to support her fellow parents led to her to write Be Safe, Love Mom: A Military Moms Stories of Courage, Comfort, and Surviving Life on the Homefront
An Army brat turned ROTC candidate turned military wife, Elaine never expected her kids to have a call to serve, and certainly didn’t expect all four to join up. Three of her kids—two sons and a daughter—attended the Naval Academy, and it was there that Elaine got her own calling: she joined the Naval Academy Parents’ Listserv, and began a fifteen-year journey of helping moms and dads adjust to their strange, new, lonely lives as military parents. She also spent a year teaching in Kabul, Afghanistan where she experienced life in a war zone. Her love of her country and desire to support her fellow parents led to her to write Be Safe, Love Mom: A Military Moms Stories of Courage, Comfort, and Surviving Life on the Homefront
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
June 19, 2016
This book is nonfiction about a mom who had 4 kids, and each of them went off and joined the military. This book was well done. She seemed very personable. and easy to relate to. A lot of the things she said could also be used to fortify other areas of life, especially that of motherhood and sense of community. Her overall messages were heartfelt and honest.
She came from a military family, married a military man, and then saw each of her kids join. She says she always wrote "be safe" in her letters to them. I had to smile because I do the same with my kids.
She came from a military family, married a military man, and then saw each of her kids join. She says she always wrote "be safe" in her letters to them. I had to smile because I do the same with my kids.
March 7, 2015
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I'm not a military mother, but was a military spouse years ago. My son, a freshman in high school, wants to join the military. I felt like this book was a good read for current military families and those contemplating going into military service. It was heartfelt and sad at times to read at some points I found myself crying for those military families. Reading this book opened my eyes up to some of the issues our military faces when away from home or coming home from deployments. I don't live near a base anymore but I plan on looking into ways I can help support families of our military and hopefully military members also. Great read for all. Thank you to all service members and their families out there for all your service and sacrifices.
September 3, 2017
As the mother of a commissioned Marine officer who is currently in flight school to become a naval aviator, I can appreciate the sentiments expressed in this book. As an editor by education and training for the past 25 years, however, I cringed at the amount of repetition throughout the chapters. It seemed as though whole sections and concepts were repeated for no other reason than to increase the page count of the manuscript ... possibly to justify the purchase price? In any case, I was considering a rating of 2.5 stars, but decided to round up in honor of my son's dedication and commitment and calling. Semper fi!
October 18, 2021
Never thought I would want or need to read a memoir like this, but with my son now at boot camp, I found this book to be a comfort, a needed introduction to what it means to be a military mom. It also expanded my understanding of what it means to have family in the military, and has given me a new appreciation for what they experience. (It did not, however, alter my fundamental belief in pacifism, which is the challenging part of this parenting journey for me.)
April 3, 2015
Normally I don't give a review of a book I just read, but this book I felt I had to. My daughter is daughter is in the army national guard,and she came home and told me she was thinking about joining the military I nervous for her. The day she left I cried really hard, and thought what am I going to do without my girl. Thanks to people at where I work I made through and also thanks to online support group I joined while my daughter was away.Elaine Lowry Byre did an awesome job on this book. I hope the author reads these reviews, because I would like to thank her, her husband, and her children for their service.
June 28, 2023
I found a few good insights in this.
I related to the author's words on the difference of having a daughter (among sons) serve in the military.
Unfortunately, in reaction to a son or daughter choosing military service, I also related to this: "They said remarkably harsh and ignorant things." "I was shocked by the low regard spared for our troops." "How could we live so long in this bubble surrounded by such ungrateful people?"
And I especially related to the part on saying goodbye again and again. The goodbyes, in my experience, do not get easier. "The mother-daughter farewells can be brutal. Our pride and our tears come in equal measures."
On trusting the process, I've witnessed uninformed reactions to several standard military practices, and I liked these explanations offered:
"The military has been training warriors for a long time, and you need to trust, as hard as it may be, that there is a purpose behind all of the rules, regulations, and hardships..
"What's all the screaming about? Being able to operate in a stress-filled environment rationally, without getting flustered or emotional, is an essential skill for a warrior. If you can function effectively when someone is literally screaming in your face, you're building the muscles you need to do just that. No matter what happens, warriors need to think logically - to find the seat belt buckles even though they can't breathe."
"Why do they need to make their beds, or change their uniforms, twenty times a day? Because they need to do it until they do it right. "Almost" isn't good enough. Attention to detail is critical. A crease in the blanket or a piece of lint on the uniform is simply not acceptable. Why not? Because when performing a preflight checklist, skipping a step or ignoring a piece of debris on the runway can be life threatening. Not cleaning a weapon properly can have disastrous consequences. In a world filled with "almost is good enough," our warriors must learn to perform at 100 percent. And we must understand this and not discourage it or complain about it."
"What about physical performance? Why are they pushed so hard? Warriors must know beyond the shadow of a doubt that they can push themselves way out of their comfort zones. Life on the front lines is not easy. The enemy is not going to lighten up just so that our troops will be comfortable. Our loved ones will be too hot or too cold, and they'll be hungry, dirty, and stressed. .. Our troops need to be able to stay focused in spite of their discomfort in order to do their jobs, and there's nothing like experience to help them prepare. Being uncomfortable is a good thing when it builds your endurance for the future. Our warriors need to know that they have it in themselves to stick it out."
"The list of questions and concerns about training practices goes on and on. And even though they may not make sense to (most) from the outside, you have to learn to trust that these hard-to-fathom practices and rules are pushing our kids to become extraordinary."
I related to the author's words on the difference of having a daughter (among sons) serve in the military.
Unfortunately, in reaction to a son or daughter choosing military service, I also related to this: "They said remarkably harsh and ignorant things." "I was shocked by the low regard spared for our troops." "How could we live so long in this bubble surrounded by such ungrateful people?"
And I especially related to the part on saying goodbye again and again. The goodbyes, in my experience, do not get easier. "The mother-daughter farewells can be brutal. Our pride and our tears come in equal measures."
On trusting the process, I've witnessed uninformed reactions to several standard military practices, and I liked these explanations offered:
"The military has been training warriors for a long time, and you need to trust, as hard as it may be, that there is a purpose behind all of the rules, regulations, and hardships..
"What's all the screaming about? Being able to operate in a stress-filled environment rationally, without getting flustered or emotional, is an essential skill for a warrior. If you can function effectively when someone is literally screaming in your face, you're building the muscles you need to do just that. No matter what happens, warriors need to think logically - to find the seat belt buckles even though they can't breathe."
"Why do they need to make their beds, or change their uniforms, twenty times a day? Because they need to do it until they do it right. "Almost" isn't good enough. Attention to detail is critical. A crease in the blanket or a piece of lint on the uniform is simply not acceptable. Why not? Because when performing a preflight checklist, skipping a step or ignoring a piece of debris on the runway can be life threatening. Not cleaning a weapon properly can have disastrous consequences. In a world filled with "almost is good enough," our warriors must learn to perform at 100 percent. And we must understand this and not discourage it or complain about it."
"What about physical performance? Why are they pushed so hard? Warriors must know beyond the shadow of a doubt that they can push themselves way out of their comfort zones. Life on the front lines is not easy. The enemy is not going to lighten up just so that our troops will be comfortable. Our loved ones will be too hot or too cold, and they'll be hungry, dirty, and stressed. .. Our troops need to be able to stay focused in spite of their discomfort in order to do their jobs, and there's nothing like experience to help them prepare. Being uncomfortable is a good thing when it builds your endurance for the future. Our warriors need to know that they have it in themselves to stick it out."
"The list of questions and concerns about training practices goes on and on. And even though they may not make sense to (most) from the outside, you have to learn to trust that these hard-to-fathom practices and rules are pushing our kids to become extraordinary."
July 14, 2021
Great book - especially if your child enlists.
So thankful to my coworker for giving it to me. I shed a lot of tears reading it but it definitely helped. 💗
So thankful to my coworker for giving it to me. I shed a lot of tears reading it but it definitely helped. 💗
February 29, 2020
This is an incredible book!! My son left for BCT earlier this month and I never expected any of the emotions that’s I’ve felt. The author does an incredible job of offering advice while showing compassion for how moms are feeling. I love how she weaves her personal story in and gives a glimpse of life to come for us. I have already bought copies for some of my other military moms and I will be rereading this book when I need to know I’m not alone.
June 24, 2024
This book got me through my son’s deployment.
January 20, 2018
This book is very well done. Written by a mom with 4 kids currently serving in the US Military, she has a "little bit" to say about what life is like for the mom back home. I will definitely be referring back to this book over the next several years for encouragement and guidance.
October 11, 2020
I got this book because it was recommended by other Military Moms. It helped me relate to being a Military Mom and how other moms feel/felt on their journey during boot camp and the further of their Military son or daughter.
September 8, 2022
This book helps the navigation of being a military mom. It’s a little dated now, but still a good read with pointers to resources and validation of all the “Mom” feelings.
August 11, 2024
This book was recommended on a Facebook parent page I’m on for parents of cadets at the US Air Force Academy. It’s written by a Mom of 4 children who serve in each branch of the military. She’s also married to a former Air Force pilot and the daughter of an Air Force pilot. If anyone is qualified to give advice about sending your child off to a service academy, and eventually into active duty which may include deployment, it’s this woman! She writes with such empathy and compassion, and I recognized so may of the struggles she mentions. I think I cried in every chapter, and sometimes I wished I had read this last year, when my son was first heading to the Academy. But I so appreciated reading her point of view and advice on how to support my son as he faces the particular challenges in front of him. It’s not the usual path for a college student, and it’s not easy on the parents who have to strive to let go and learn to hold on in a new way, often from afar. Highly recommend!
March 31, 2024
This is THE book that we military mom's read and then pass on to the next military mom that asks first, so on and so on. This book was a lifesaver during my son's deployment to Afghanistan, all of the holidays without him home, all of the strange spontaneous deluge of tears that no one could understand and what to do for you when they came, never letting your phone leave your side and never ever no matter what would I put my phone on silent or screen calls (and the ear scathing reply to telemarketers during those days), all of the missed calls but dreading the day I might get "that call" I recommend it for everyone...military or not. It may help non-military friends understand those words....Be Safe, Love Mom
April 24, 2016
Ok, I am happy that military families found this book to be helpful. But...and it's a big but, this book is a heartbreaker. I really wanted to like it. I couldn't.
This woman's life is a nightmare. And by suggestion, so are other military families lives. And therein lies the problem. The whole premise of the book seems to be that you are powerless to affect your children's decisions, that you have to suck it up and send your loved ones into the meat grinder year after year to protect our freedoms and defeat evil. This is a lie.
No matter what your worldview is, surely we can all agree that War should be temporary, not a career path. And it shouldn't be trotted out as such, especially to young unexperienced eager-to-make-a-difference people. And yes, you can teach your children these values.
That we, the citizens of this great nation, have allowed this war machine to chug chug chug along for so long and eat our best and brightest year after year is obscene and remarkably this book, so pro military in every sad word, points this out as surely as a knife in the heart. We have failed these families, utterly failed them.
The book almost immediately divides the world into the only categories that seem to matter: military and non military. Predictably, non military families are insensitive, boorish, and clueless, and military families are enduring, flexible, honorable and strong. This also is a lie. And that it serves to separate yet another group of Americans into a world of their own is unfortunate-we don't need another thing to divide us in this country, especially one that so affects all of our futures.
This aspect of the book was very isolating to me and I did not find comfort in the stories of Moms helping moms or strangers coming to their children's rescue. This was not an example of the military in my mind (and it wasn't our families' experience of the military either)-it was simply good humans being good to other humans- something we all need more of.
Although I am kin to many veterans we never called ourselves a military family-we were just a family, an American family and we helped others out not because they wore a uniform but because they were fellow humans. Maybe it's different in the East or Mid west but I believe , as do many of the veterans in my family do, that to perpetuate this sort of attitude (and the fore to mentioned lies) hurt all of us, especially those in uniform. Any uniform.
Read this book, and weep, for these families, and for our great nation.
This woman's life is a nightmare. And by suggestion, so are other military families lives. And therein lies the problem. The whole premise of the book seems to be that you are powerless to affect your children's decisions, that you have to suck it up and send your loved ones into the meat grinder year after year to protect our freedoms and defeat evil. This is a lie.
No matter what your worldview is, surely we can all agree that War should be temporary, not a career path. And it shouldn't be trotted out as such, especially to young unexperienced eager-to-make-a-difference people. And yes, you can teach your children these values.
That we, the citizens of this great nation, have allowed this war machine to chug chug chug along for so long and eat our best and brightest year after year is obscene and remarkably this book, so pro military in every sad word, points this out as surely as a knife in the heart. We have failed these families, utterly failed them.
The book almost immediately divides the world into the only categories that seem to matter: military and non military. Predictably, non military families are insensitive, boorish, and clueless, and military families are enduring, flexible, honorable and strong. This also is a lie. And that it serves to separate yet another group of Americans into a world of their own is unfortunate-we don't need another thing to divide us in this country, especially one that so affects all of our futures.
This aspect of the book was very isolating to me and I did not find comfort in the stories of Moms helping moms or strangers coming to their children's rescue. This was not an example of the military in my mind (and it wasn't our families' experience of the military either)-it was simply good humans being good to other humans- something we all need more of.
Although I am kin to many veterans we never called ourselves a military family-we were just a family, an American family and we helped others out not because they wore a uniform but because they were fellow humans. Maybe it's different in the East or Mid west but I believe , as do many of the veterans in my family do, that to perpetuate this sort of attitude (and the fore to mentioned lies) hurt all of us, especially those in uniform. Any uniform.
Read this book, and weep, for these families, and for our great nation.
July 21, 2015
Brye, is a military family member, as a daughter, wife and now as a mother. In fact, her four children serve in each branch of the armed forces. This is her introduction, a guide for other mothers, who's children have just started their military careers. Offering encouragement, understanding and wisdom Brye shares the joys and sorrows of having a family serving.
Why I started this book: I was intregued by the title and blurb.
Why I finished it: I thought that this book was going to be a lot more about her experiences as a military mom. It's not, rather its encouragement for other moms (and dads) that have children in harms' way. I cried thru the whole book for the sacrifices made and the love shown.
Why I started this book: I was intregued by the title and blurb.
Why I finished it: I thought that this book was going to be a lot more about her experiences as a military mom. It's not, rather its encouragement for other moms (and dads) that have children in harms' way. I cried thru the whole book for the sacrifices made and the love shown.
January 16, 2023
For new military moms looking to connect or find ways to cope while their children serve our great nation, this book has a place. The stories vary on their inspirational levels but because there are so many, there’s a greater chance they will hit home with a wide audience.
It’s a bit repetitive though… and, for those who have served for decades, none of it is new. I won’t reread this, but I’d recommend it for its targeted audience - military moms.
And, to all our military moms out there, thank you for all the guts and glory you have demonstrated for your children. Your commitment to our service and understanding our unique needs is commendable and we appreciate you.
It’s a bit repetitive though… and, for those who have served for decades, none of it is new. I won’t reread this, but I’d recommend it for its targeted audience - military moms.
And, to all our military moms out there, thank you for all the guts and glory you have demonstrated for your children. Your commitment to our service and understanding our unique needs is commendable and we appreciate you.
January 10, 2024
I purchased this book to read on the plane on the way home after my sons basic training graduation. At first I loved it, then I quickly got kind of annoyed with it for a few reasons.
1. I wish it was written by someone whose children started in basic training & not in an academy. My husband and son are both military & both started from the absolute bottom, in basic training. A lot of it felt like it was not relatable for the average military family.
2. It felt like this woman’s autobiography & I bit braggy at times.
3. It’s incredibly repetitive.
It’s not a bad book, but I needed more from it. 3.5 stars.
1. I wish it was written by someone whose children started in basic training & not in an academy. My husband and son are both military & both started from the absolute bottom, in basic training. A lot of it felt like it was not relatable for the average military family.
2. It felt like this woman’s autobiography & I bit braggy at times.
3. It’s incredibly repetitive.
It’s not a bad book, but I needed more from it. 3.5 stars.
August 16, 2016
A well-written account by a mom with four children in the military. I cannot imagine. She gave lots of tips for other military parents, but really they could be applied to anyone. Being kind, helping others, listening, etc. A chapter about the US Marine Corps unofficial motto "Semper Gumby" especially stuck out to me. Meaning "always flexible" it's a reminder that things change, and that's Ok. Of course, things changing for military members and families is a MUCH bigger deal than anything in my life changing - so it really put it into perspective. I need to relax.
December 19, 2020
Ann's book for ECBG. Turns out, it was difficult for her to read, too.Too close to what she was experiencing with her son. The writing wasn't stellar, and the overarching military mindset was overpowering, but I did connect with the aspect of parenthood that makes their offspring's safety an ever-present existential hum, particularly when those children are stationed in harm's way.
August 9, 2015
This is a great book of advice and comfort for family members (not just for moms) of servicemen and women. I totally recommend it for anyone with loved ones serving. And it would be an eye opener for others not affiliated with any servicemen or servicewomen.
June 22, 2018
Not quite what I expected but a good “you can do this” bolster for those who have kids in the military. It seemed a little boastful about her super successful kids but overall and fast read.
November 21, 2019
Awesome book. Very helpful to a new Navy mom. This book is written by a military mom. It’s inspiring, informative and encouraging to a mom that doesn’t know what to expect.
January 22, 2021
tears and more tears - my son had just entered the Navy and this one got to me... good to read
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January 5, 2025Book Review: Be Safe, Love Mom: A Military Mom’s Stories of Courage, Comfort, and Surviving Life on the Home Front by Elaine Lowry Brye
In Be Safe, Love Mom, Elaine Lowry Brye recounts her journey as a military mother with four children in various branches of the armed forces, which defines her identity and is referenced no fewer than a hundred times. While the book’s purpose is admirable, I felt it fell short in delivering captivating narratives, motivation, or authentic encouragement that would appeal to a wider audience, including those who are not part of this remarkable family, which represents an ideal of perfection. The author received an invitation to the White House in recognition of her contributions to military families. She is part of the 1%, and that is made clear throughout the chapters.
In her book, Brye details the unique challenges faced by military families, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that the overall message fell short. While it’s clear that some military families may find comfort and distraction in these narratives, I was disappointed by the portrayal of military life as a nightmarish experience, which often emphasized a sense of powerlessness over the decisions made by their children. I believe that war should be a temporary experience rather than a permanent career path, and this viewpoint is not sufficiently addressed in the book.
Furthermore, Brye’s pro-military stance, while heartfelt, highlights a broader societal failure to adequately support military families. The book tends to divide people into military and non-military categories, perpetuating stereotypes that can isolate rather than unite. This portrayal of military family support struck me as isolating, and I firmly believe that kindness and empathy should be universal traits, not limited to those in uniform.
I appreciated the emotional toll depicted in the farewells between mothers and daughters, filled with pride and tears, and the emphasis on trusting the military training process despite uninformed judgments from outsiders. Brye offers valuable insights into the rigor of military training and the necessity of physical preparation for combat. However, the narrative often felt repetitive, as if certain points were reiterated to inflate the page count rather than enhance the reader’s understanding.
I initially purchased the book due to the author heavily promoting it on military mom Facebook pages while struggling and looking for support when my son headed off for Army basic training. While I enjoyed it at first, I became increasingly frustrated. I wanted more personal insights from Brye that felt relatable to average military families. Her background in military academies, while impressive, at times felt boastful and detached from the everyday experiences of many.
In conclusion, while Be Safe, Love Mom may provide some comfort to military mothers looking for a shared experience, it ultimately fails to deliver on the promise of inspiration and connection. The repetitive nature of the content and the lack of relatable stories left me wanting more. I believe that, for a book centered on such an important topic, there was an opportunity to create a more inclusive and uplifting narrative that recognizes the shared humanity of all families—military or otherwise.
These are my opinions and could entirely be influenced by my emotions regarding being an Army mom and how to adapt, adjust, and support my child the best I can. I'm hoping to find other resources out there that might be more applicable to my situation.
In Be Safe, Love Mom, Elaine Lowry Brye recounts her journey as a military mother with four children in various branches of the armed forces, which defines her identity and is referenced no fewer than a hundred times. While the book’s purpose is admirable, I felt it fell short in delivering captivating narratives, motivation, or authentic encouragement that would appeal to a wider audience, including those who are not part of this remarkable family, which represents an ideal of perfection. The author received an invitation to the White House in recognition of her contributions to military families. She is part of the 1%, and that is made clear throughout the chapters.
In her book, Brye details the unique challenges faced by military families, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that the overall message fell short. While it’s clear that some military families may find comfort and distraction in these narratives, I was disappointed by the portrayal of military life as a nightmarish experience, which often emphasized a sense of powerlessness over the decisions made by their children. I believe that war should be a temporary experience rather than a permanent career path, and this viewpoint is not sufficiently addressed in the book.
Furthermore, Brye’s pro-military stance, while heartfelt, highlights a broader societal failure to adequately support military families. The book tends to divide people into military and non-military categories, perpetuating stereotypes that can isolate rather than unite. This portrayal of military family support struck me as isolating, and I firmly believe that kindness and empathy should be universal traits, not limited to those in uniform.
I appreciated the emotional toll depicted in the farewells between mothers and daughters, filled with pride and tears, and the emphasis on trusting the military training process despite uninformed judgments from outsiders. Brye offers valuable insights into the rigor of military training and the necessity of physical preparation for combat. However, the narrative often felt repetitive, as if certain points were reiterated to inflate the page count rather than enhance the reader’s understanding.
I initially purchased the book due to the author heavily promoting it on military mom Facebook pages while struggling and looking for support when my son headed off for Army basic training. While I enjoyed it at first, I became increasingly frustrated. I wanted more personal insights from Brye that felt relatable to average military families. Her background in military academies, while impressive, at times felt boastful and detached from the everyday experiences of many.
In conclusion, while Be Safe, Love Mom may provide some comfort to military mothers looking for a shared experience, it ultimately fails to deliver on the promise of inspiration and connection. The repetitive nature of the content and the lack of relatable stories left me wanting more. I believe that, for a book centered on such an important topic, there was an opportunity to create a more inclusive and uplifting narrative that recognizes the shared humanity of all families—military or otherwise.
These are my opinions and could entirely be influenced by my emotions regarding being an Army mom and how to adapt, adjust, and support my child the best I can. I'm hoping to find other resources out there that might be more applicable to my situation.
April 30, 2019
Elaine Lowry Brye is an expert on surviving the military. As a veteran, daughter and granddaughter of soldiers, wife of a serviceman, and mother to four children in the military (all representing different branches), Elaine gives the most comprehensive advise for those with loved ones serving.
From the very start, this book is filled with page after page and story after story, of the bravery those left behind showcase. Not only does the reader feel like they know Elaine and her family but the other families whose stories are included as well. She gives practical advise and hope to those who love someone who are called to serve without judgement. Some of my favorite stories are when Elaine humbled herself by talking about moments when even she couldn't keep it together. She also describes her time in country when she worked as a teacher in Kabul and when she was invited to introduce First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2012 Democratic Convention (and when she needed a boost from behind from Vice President Biden to get back up a step).
This book is a must read if you have anyone serving (or even if you don't). It will give you a sense of understanding and hopefully inspire you to help those that sacrifice so much for our freedom and country. Even if you are not a fan of the military, this is a must read. I also recommend it to fiction writers who are needing a perspective on the homefront.
From the very start, this book is filled with page after page and story after story, of the bravery those left behind showcase. Not only does the reader feel like they know Elaine and her family but the other families whose stories are included as well. She gives practical advise and hope to those who love someone who are called to serve without judgement. Some of my favorite stories are when Elaine humbled herself by talking about moments when even she couldn't keep it together. She also describes her time in country when she worked as a teacher in Kabul and when she was invited to introduce First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2012 Democratic Convention (and when she needed a boost from behind from Vice President Biden to get back up a step).
This book is a must read if you have anyone serving (or even if you don't). It will give you a sense of understanding and hopefully inspire you to help those that sacrifice so much for our freedom and country. Even if you are not a fan of the military, this is a must read. I also recommend it to fiction writers who are needing a perspective on the homefront.
June 17, 2020
I am so grateful for this book. Gifted to me from my friend Nicole, a Navy Mom, as my son, Michael prepared to leave for Air Force BMT following his senior year of high school.
I read this during the weeks that we waited for his ship date to arrive and finished reading it today, as Mike finishes his first week of training.
My first impression of being a military mom (in these early days) is that it is much like pregnancy. Whether you have been involved in planning this journey, or were taken by surprise...you are not in control of this ride. But it helps to read “What to Expect When You Are Expecting” because knowledge is power. This book is sort of that book for military momming!
Elaine Lowry Brye is a military mom times four, with one child each in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. She is also the wife of an Air Force Pilot, and the daughter of a career military father. She served as a civilian employee at a military school in Afghanistan. She is definitely an expert on the subject, and she shares her advice, experiences and life lessons freely. This book helped me through these past few months and I am sure that I will be rereading it in the years to come.
I read this during the weeks that we waited for his ship date to arrive and finished reading it today, as Mike finishes his first week of training.
My first impression of being a military mom (in these early days) is that it is much like pregnancy. Whether you have been involved in planning this journey, or were taken by surprise...you are not in control of this ride. But it helps to read “What to Expect When You Are Expecting” because knowledge is power. This book is sort of that book for military momming!
Elaine Lowry Brye is a military mom times four, with one child each in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. She is also the wife of an Air Force Pilot, and the daughter of a career military father. She served as a civilian employee at a military school in Afghanistan. She is definitely an expert on the subject, and she shares her advice, experiences and life lessons freely. This book helped me through these past few months and I am sure that I will be rereading it in the years to come.
April 7, 2024
This is an informative read by a mother of 4 children in the military. She gives plenty of insight as to how it feels to have a child serving far from home with limited communication ability. One very important point she makes is that mothers of children in the military are serving too - on the home front.
One issue I had with the book was while the author recognized the need to put up with the awful stuff (suck it up) and that her family doesn't quit things (the author didn't quit teaching in a foreign location when she had the desire to), she later had a chapter on the mental damage done to some of our military persons. It's a fine line that is easily crossed when one pushes beyond endurance, can't ask for help in or out of the situation, and then suffers (mentally). I'm not saying it is easy to tell when to push and when not to push, but something needs to be done to help our soldiers who are suffering.
There is too much repetition in the book, which became quite annoying and repetitious, saying the same thing again and again.
This would be a good read for moms (and other family members) new to having a relative in the military.
One issue I had with the book was while the author recognized the need to put up with the awful stuff (suck it up) and that her family doesn't quit things (the author didn't quit teaching in a foreign location when she had the desire to), she later had a chapter on the mental damage done to some of our military persons. It's a fine line that is easily crossed when one pushes beyond endurance, can't ask for help in or out of the situation, and then suffers (mentally). I'm not saying it is easy to tell when to push and when not to push, but something needs to be done to help our soldiers who are suffering.
There is too much repetition in the book, which became quite annoying and repetitious, saying the same thing again and again.
This would be a good read for moms (and other family members) new to having a relative in the military.
July 26, 2019
I received this book as a gift from a military mom when my son entered boot camp. A very kind thoughtful gift from someone I’ve never even met. I will always be grateful to her. The book guides you through life as a mom of 4 military officers. She puts her own stories and stories of others in the pages. Her own concerns, anxiety, and frights as well as others in the pages. It helped me to know my feelings are normal. Every military mom should read this book. It’s basically a handbook for moms as far as I am concerned. It’s a great comfort and full of information for me. For non military families it would be a good read as well just for other reasons. You’d see the sacrifice the entire family makes and how they need to adjust to make life happy and normal again. It reads like a letter from a long time friend. This book gives you strength on days where you just can’t find it because Your just missing your loved one. .. pick up this book!
April 29, 2019
This book was filled with a variety of stories from a variety of moms, making it universal for any military mom, which is wonderful. There were references to many helpful resources as well, which is great for any military family. The only moderately in-relate-able thing with this book is that the author’s experiences as a military mom were (for example) her children having gone to the Naval Academy, which made me feel a little bit as an outsider as the mom of an enlisted serviceman. It is true that how our kids enter the military varies, and we moms will experience many of the same emotions, so the stories tugged at the heart all the same. I started reading “Be Safe, Love Mom” while my son was at boot camp, so reading this particular book at that particular time didn’t really apply to me then. I still enjoyed the book and consider it a great reference and guide for new military moms.
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