Chief Petty Officer

well.....in 8 days my son will become a "Chief".
Where in the world has the time gone? It doesn't seem that long ago that he was heading to Boston to enlist, and leave for Boot Camp in Orlando, Florida - that was 18 yrs. ago.
When he walked into the room and I saw him in his uniform for the first time, I dissolved into tears, but heart was bursting with pride. (OHHH by the way/ this is Jeff's Mom, Jean/ not Art). He became a Seabee, and I had no idea what that meant, but soon learned that he would be "off and seeing the world". Guam/Japan/Korea/Australia.....the list goes on and on. We cherished the "leave" and have him back in New England. Found out that no matter how old they get,,,they are still kids at heart when they all get together.
We went thru the deployment to Iraq and Kuwait, and Mom was able to hold it together. First few phone calls I learned that time was too precious for those "happy tears" and he didn't neeed to hear Mom blubbering. =)
Pictures that came in weren't the "gangly teenager" that I had sent off to BC, so long ago.
He's gone thru his 6 weeks of what I call "Chiefs bootcamp", and was fortunate enough to get to attend the
USS Constitution Heritage CPO week in Boston.
I can't imagine what it will be like to see him, in the new Chiefs uniform, next week. I do believe that I will need a towel, not just tissues. Wish me luck,,and if I can see,,I will take some pictures. Better yet, I'll just let Art do the pictures, as I do get to pin an anchor on his collar. Do I sound like a proud Mom??
If you read this, son....... well done, and you certainly do deserve this honor. I know you'll make us proud, as you always have. I love ya "kiddo"!!!