One Proud Army Mamma!

Wow!  That was fast.  I'm already back from Georgia.  It was a great visit!  We laughed, we heard stories of his experiences at BCT,we heard so much about great friends and his future plans.  I am so proud of the way he is conducting himself in the military.  I pray that continues and that he is a shining example of integrity, honor and courage.  May all of our military sons and daughters remain safe, loved and cared for by the Almighty hand of God.  Godspeed!

Countdown...

In exactly one week I'll be traveling to Georgia to see my son in the Army.  I have learned over the course of the last few months that my son has been transformed into an American soldier.  He has sent many letters and details of this journey and we are happy to be a part of it.  I'm so thankful for his willingness to serve.  We are truly blessed as this week is Veterans Day, let us each clarify to the soldiers in our hometown's that we appreciate and honor them.  God bless!

Grad info for December

I received the information from Brandon's DS about the dates for "family day," and "graduation."  Family day will be on November 18th.  The Turning Blue ceremony will be December 13th and Graduation will be the 14th.  I can't wait.  I am so proud of him and pray he perseveres through these tough weeks ahead.  If you would like to send him a letter, let me know via FB.  Please only send letters!  Absolutely NO care packages!!!!!  No candy, gum, anything.  Only a letter.  Thank you so much for supporting him.  I would like to also begin to request hand drawn pictures and notes from elementary school aged children.  I would like to collect as many as possible to send to the troops that have nobody sending them mail or very little family support.  Please help out in this effort.  Basic Training is difficult and it helps to have people cheering them on as they go through these weeks of mental, physical, and emotional challenges.  Thank you...The Army Mom...Army Strong!  Hoorah!

I got it!

Today, September 16th, 2011, Sierra's Birthday, I received two letters from Brandon.  I jumped up and down as soon as I saw the Army star.  I love that star!  I hurriedly open the first letter and cried my eyes out.  I will try and take a picture of it and post.  Then the second letter just compounded my emotion.  Apparently he was blessed with the toughest, meanest, strictest Army Drill Sergeant known to the base.  He finds the work hard but loves it and wouldn't have it any other way.  He misses us tons and can't wait to see us again.  I love that boy, that boy who will be a man the next time I see him.  Godspeed Brandon...Godspeed!

Hurry up and..................................................................................................wait!

The other day, September 9th.  It just so happens I missed Brandon's phone call.  However, it was intercepted by his sister.  Thankfully, he got to talk to a live person.  I was bummed and waited to see if he would call back.  He didn't so I began a series of long letters that will soon grace his hands.  Now I'm just waiting for his address.  I've found that this military thing is much like a 'hurry up and wait' game.  I hurry and they make me wait.  Well, I'm sure he's finding his niche in BCT.  Hoping for the best and can't wait till December.

And so, it starts...

 I thought I would avoid the ever so emotional trauma associated with 'letting go.'  Alas, no!  I was filled with complete motherhood anxiety yesterday.  That anxiety that involves the unknown-out-of-your-protection kind of stress that fills the hearts of all Mom's dealing with sending their child off on their own.  Off to their own dreams, experiences and joys.  Off to trial and triumph.  I've been half filled with joy and pride and the other half with anxious emotion.  Emotion to say the least is an understatement.  Two days ago I was fine.  A few motherly tears and I was good.  And yesterday with the knowledge he's flying across the country into uncharted territory for his own destiny, kind of filled me with tears.


Tears shed for many reasons.  I will not say regret, as I've learned from this boy, not to have any and to live life to its fullest.  But tears that he's grown up and I ask myself where the time went.  Where is my little boy that used to run at me full blast just to give me a kiss and instead would body slam his head into mine.  My little boy who I would fret over and pray over because of the worries a mother has for her son.  My  boy who learned on his own that girls are mostly a distraction to what is best (especially in their youth).  My boy who was more independent than I wanted him to be way too early in life.  The young man who tried his Mother's patience and perseverance daily.  The young man that was told by his Mother to live his dreams while he's young and unattached.  To go for it! And he did!


Now my boy has turned into a man.  He is his own person, and will chart his own destiny.  There were days I didn't think I'd get through when he was a teen, now I don't know how I'll do while he's away in the Army.  But they don't call us Army Proud for nothing, we are and I will continue to be.  I will say that the kids that are the most difficult to raise are the ones that teach us the most about parenting and unconditional love.  I thank my God for such a gift as my own children.
The Army Mom...Army Strong!  Hooah!