Anchors away

Awe, this is personal today. Today is my sons first day in the Navy. Somewhere up in Chicago, is a young man dressed in a Navy uniform, going through training. Since I spent 8 1/2 years of active duty as an officer, I know that this is the best place for any young person to be. It will teach him so much more about our wonderful country than a history book can tell. He is in fact defending our constitution and will be more informed than most of our youth in America.

But, this post isn't about the promotion of the military. It's more about a mothers never ending love. When he was young, every birthday eve, I would shed tears of sorrow for both my son and daughter. Tears of sorrow because I would no longer have a five year old, etc... In the morning there was joy welcoming in the new age for the next year. They were growing into beautiful people, looking forward to what the new year would bring.

Today my thoughts were on these moments and I was musing on what he might be going through his first day. New haircut, new clothes, mess hall food, new bunk mates, new instructors and of course, realizing that he is in fact at the bottom of the totem pole. There were new people in charge of him and not his captain mommy. (Captain mommy was a joke between my children and I; when times warranted their undivided attention, I would tell them "This is Captain Devo speaking to you!") A new way of waking up to life. No more rolling over in bed and not showing up for work. People who won't put up with his excuses for being late to work. He will discover what Duty, Honor and Country stands for. Perhaps he will have a renewed respect for his mom? lol

Never the less, I mentioned to a new mother with child about my sons new quest and she said a few words that brought tears to my eyes. "You must be emotional about this?" Then the tears swelled in my eyes. Yes, he was still my baby boy! I'm very proud of him. I have no doubt in my mind, that they will fine tune what I started. God speed my fine young man, God speed. I love you...