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Tonya Papanikolas Reporting For children of deployed US soldiers, holidays away from their parents can be a very hard time. And many women in the military are spending Mother's Day away from their kids.
Daughters usually give presents on Mother's Day, but this year Sarah and Jessica Passey were on the receiving end of a special Mother's Day gift.
"Mommy, we can see you on the TV."
It's been months since the girls have seen their mom. Julia Watson is a US Marine stationed in Iraq. Her younger sister is taking care of her daughters while she's gone.
Lillian Brough, Sister: "Some days it's really difficult. Some days they sit and say, ‘I want my mommy. Can you send her to me in the mail?'"
But today the girls got to see their mother through a live satellite interview, and hear her voice.
"Momma, i'm gonna send you letters."
Julia Watson: "I've got one of your letters. Do you want to see it?"
While five-year-old Sarah had a big smile on her face, three-year-old Jessica touched the TV screen as if it was her mother's face.
Lillian Brough: "She was pointing at the screen and saying, ‘I want to talk to her.'"
But the toddler also wanted her mom home.
Jessica: "I want you to come back."
As hard as it is for the girls to understand, Julia's family says they're proud of their daughter. Julia is on the Marine's Reserve Rifle team and teaches marksmanship, a rarity for women in the military.
Ann Watson, Julia's Mother: "She was very determined that she was gonna be in the marine corp. and get on the shooting team."
Leslie Watson, Sister: "I'm very proud. She's sacrificing a lot, time with her family and what she could be doing, but she's always wanted to go."
This is Julia's first overseas deployment. She says being in Iraq has made Mother's Day even more meaningful.
Gy. Sgt. Julia Watson, U.S. Marine: "I think about not only my kids on Mother's Day, but I think about the mothers who have lost so many of their children over in this country."
Sgt. Watson was the first woman to receive the high-powered Rifle Title, which she's won twice. And she was the first female to graduate from the military's Small Arms Weapons Instructor Course.
Julia Watson comes home in October. She told her daughters today she carries pictures of them around her neck so they will be close to her heart.
