Wednesday, May 25, 2011

1 Down, 89 to Go

Yesterday morning was hard. We dropped our son off at he recruiters and he is now officially headed to San Diego for Marine Boot Camp. Oye! We're so cotton pickin proud of his choice that I'm about to bust a button, but wow, is this ever hard on Mamas! Just yesterday he was only a little tike:

He's fixing to go through a huge change so I really have no right to gripe about how sad I am. We're so proud that he is making this sacrifice to serve, but the Mama side of me can't stop herself from tearing up.

On Saturday we went out into the pens to brand a couple of calves. I loved it. Work and fun has always gone hand in hand for us. I'm hoping that the work ethic he's been raised with will be beneficial to him.

I'm cooking for a crew this week so I'll be busy. But I don't want to be busy. I want to flop on our bed and cry my eyes out. I want it to be July 22nd. I want to be on a plane, headed to San Diego for his graduation. But, this isn't about me. It's about him and the journey he is on.

Since he made this decision, I have felt at peace so this must be God's will and as long as he's walking in His will, how can I be upset? God's calling is all I've ever wanted for my children to follow so as difficult as it may be, I am good with it.

Today is a good day. He just called from the airport in Amarillo. For some odd reason, they are flying to Dallas, and then San Antonio, before heading to California. ? Who knows. DS has only been on a plane once, when he was 1 so this too will be a new experience. I can't tell you how good it was to hear his voice. No tears until we hung up.

I promised him that I would walk every day he was away. Today is day 1 and the wind's howling at 50 mph. I'm still walking. It's going to be my prayer time although in actuality, I'm praying all day. And I want to thank all of you have sent cards and words of encouragement and prayers for him.

We've always been big supporteres of our troops. My Dad was a career Air Force man and we're very thankful for their service and sacrifice through the years. I've always had a really hard time keeping the tears at bay when I hear the National Anthem. I'm thinking all bets are off now. Tears will just be a given.

There will be lots of letter writing going on around here this summer.

Semper Fi Bud!

12 comments:

NaomiG said...

Oh, wow. Will definitely put him (and you!) in my prayers. So hard on a momma!

Sewing Junkie said...

I was in your shoes 6 years ago. Boot camp isn't easy either. No contact other than letters for most of it. Remember no news is good news.

Susan said...

I can remember the day my son left our home in the midwest and went to stand on those yellow footsteps - my thoughts and prayers are with you! You can be very proud - OooRah!!

Cow Pies & Mud Pies said...

OMGosh...I'm tearing up just reading about this. Prayers for you and your family during this time...
My youngest says he wants to be a Marine. I am being honest here, I don't want him to! I'm selfish. I admit it. I, like you, only want God's will for my boys...if it's the Marines, I'll deal with it, but for now, I'm not thinking about it.
I always have tears druing the Natl Anthem or any other patriotic song! Hang in there Momma, take care :)

Staci said...

What a darling photo! You'll have to put that one and his boot camp graduation photo together! I'm glad he's doing well, and my prayers are with you all.

Dirt Road Quilter said...

Thank y'all so much for your thoughts and commetns and prayers! I hope I've replied back to each of you because I really do appreciate you taking the time to leave a note. Susan, you are a none-reply blogger so I couldn't rely to your comment. Thank you for stopping by and letting me know that you have 'stood in my shoes'. It's encouraging to hear fom those who have walked this path. Is your son still in the service?

rosie said...

I am so proud of you Karin, what a hard road. I bet your son is treating this experience like an adventure, little does he know that you worry yourself the way most mums do..
Love Rosie.xx

Karin said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. I can only imagine how hard it is for a Mom to let the "little ones" go out to adventure the world. The pic of you son is just too cute - its always amazing how fast the time flys by

Anonymous said...

I can hardly imagine your pain. Good luck to all of you. Our country indeed needs good men. linda

Donna Becker said...

Have put your son and all your family on the World Prayer Team's prayer list, and mine, too. May our Lord bless you in mighty ways!

cottonpicker said...

Hang in there....it does get easier....after it gets harder..:)
he's in good hands!!

juliehallfeldhaus said...

Just reading your post made me tear up. I will keep you and your son in our prayers. I try to walk everyday too so I will think about you guys then. I just overheard a couple of ladies talking about their sons being in the service the other day. I just had to thank them and tell them how brave they are. We have 2 sons and I don't know how mothers of service men handle it, but I am thankful you all do.
Julie

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