Beauty Is Who You Are

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My Son and my Sonshine! There is so much more to Aaron’s story, to our story, and that is why I wrote, “A Mother’s Side of War.”

Gina left the mall

I had never heard of Aaron Mankin when they handed him the microphone. He only spoke for a few minutes, but I was inspired to learn more. I found out he was a wounded Marine, his opinion on beauty, and the amazing story behind it.

Aaron Mankin Cpl. Aaron Mankin addressing IAVA marchers before the NYC Veterans Day Parade 11.11.13

What I heard him say

I was standing with IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) marchers this past Veterans Day in NYC as they waited to join the parade on 5th Avenue. Aaron Mankin was introduced as a leading voice of this generation of veterans. Since November 11th is about expressing gratitude, he spoke of that.

He said that when people would come up and thank him, he always felt awkward and uncomfortable. “What do I say? Hey…you’re welcome!” The semi-cheesy way he delivered the line “you’re welcome” made everyone laugh. He…

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Published by Diana Mankin Phelps

Mothers and sons share a special bond. When you read "A Mother's Side of War" our bond will become as clear as Aaron's crystal blue eyes. In 2003 I became a marine mom with the signing of a paper, but it would take a phone call, late one night, for me to fully comprehend the impact this new title would have on my life. My son, Cpl. Aaron P. Mankin, was serving as a Combat Correspondent. He was only in Iraq ten weeks when he was severely injured by one of the largest roadside bombs to date. His injuries were life-threatening, but, Aaron chose not just to survive, he chose to live the best life he could for his family. It has always been about family when it comes to Aaron. The medical team removed pieces of uniforms from his lungs. Six men gave their lives in that blast. Aaron has had nearly 70 surgeries, with more to be done. Recovery is a life long, daily struggle for all who return home from war. Aaron's eyes, which were the only part of his face left untouched by the blast from a roadside bomb, were what I stayed focused on in those first weeks and months of his recovery. Writing this book, A Mother's Side of War, was to help this process, for me and him... Sharing heals and that is why I'm here.

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