Time to say goodbye

So here we are on the last day, time to say goodbye. It was a quiet day, we had to stay on base, and we had lunch together. Walked about the BX, and just spent time together. I can look back now and say that it was an amazing reunification of this family. He had spent more time with us and his brother and sister than he had ever in the last couple of years. I got my son back, and now I longed for more and more of that. But at least it was a glimpse to what the future would bring.

The end of the day came so quickly, and it was time for all of us to say goodby. I gave him one of my dogtags to wear with his. Arianna cried, and we all cried except for Nick. It was a glorious 4 days, to see him grown up in so many ways, a man now. My job finished. I know that I have done a good job, that was pretty evident. We hugged what seemed like a million times, and we needed to get on the road for home.

I watched as my son took all of the things that I had brought from home for him, turned and walked off. Off he went to start a new life and a new adventure in life, my heart could not contain itself as I remembered that day in March, 1990. When he came into this world, and they put him into my arms. And now 18 years later, the man he has become, but my baby boy he will always be.....



until next time.........

4 days of bliss

Catching up where we left off, it was really hard to wrap my head around the change in my son. He was so different yet, still the same in alot of ways, he smiled the whole time we were there. He was quiet, but in a good way, not in the way before where I would have worried. It was so good to be with him, but it did feel akward too.
We had to stay on base the first day, so we went to the store, and sat in the car, and drove around alot. We were just happy to be together, Graduation was on friday, and the morning was overcast and cool. At least it was cool for an hour, then the humidity kicked in full force and we were sweating our butts off.
The ceremony was full of pride, and it was amazing. Jim and I were very very proud parents. My son passed by in the flight carrying all the colors, american and 50 state flags. My favorite part, was when they all walked forward and stood and repeated their oath of enlistment. It brought tears to my eyes.
The rest of the weekend was spent off base on Friday and Saturday. We went to seaworld, and then downtown for dinner. He bought us dinner, which was a big change. (He never bought us a meal, ever..)
On sunday when we picked him up on base at the BX, he came out with gifts for Jim and I. He bought 2 movie posters for his dad, and Jim burst into tears in the truck. This was the first time he had ever bought Jim anything. He bought me my favorite computer game Diner Dash. Then later in the day he purchased dog tags that said Proud Air Force Mom/Dad... One for each of us.
that brought everybody to tears also.
Then on sunday night it was time to go.....