Mother Waiting For Her Soldier's Return

As fighting continues in Iraq, so does the worry parents are feeling on the Homefront. News On Six Dot Com's Nicole Wiseman spoke with one family who is hopeful their soldier is home in time for a very special delivery.

"I love you too son, call me again," said Charla Watts whose son is serving in Iraq.

It's a brief phone call, but by holding onto his every word, Charla Watts can stand strong until her soldier, Army Specialist James Watts, is home and out of harms way.

"In a way, it's kind of heartbreaking. But, I know he's where he needs to be," said Charla.

At home in Okmulgee, the Red, White and Blue is proudly displayed for all to see. It's a constant reminder for this family, that freedom isn't free.

Surrounded by loved ones, it's group support that pulls Charla through each day. Some are harder than others.

"You can't help but worry. But, I try not to show it to him. He always tells me Mom, don't worry. I say I can't help but worry. I mean, that's one thing as a mother, that's one thing you have to do, you worry," said Charla.

Despite the fear, Charla says her son was born for this job. Watts has been serving in the military for 10 years. As a child, the boy's military spirit was with him, even then.

"When he told me that he was going over, I didn't really want to think about it. But, he's where he needs to be. He's always wanted to be a soldier, even when he was little. That was what he wanted to do," said Charla.

The family manages to wait patiently for Watts to return. He is expected to have a break within the next month. But, the soon to be newest addition may not wait. Watts' wife, Catrina, is pregnant again. The baby is expected to be here any day now.

"We're hoping he'll wait until his daddy is home," said Charla.

Charla's husband, Watts' father, died in 1992 of Leukemia. To honor him and to continue the tradition, the little bundle of joy will be named James Watts III. No doubt, the baby will be a spitting image of his father. Charla wouldn't have it any other way.

By Nicole Wiseman, NewsOn6.com and Kyle Dierking, Video Journalist.