The Divisions Enter the Hall

Comment

Comment by Steven S on November 12, 2010 at 4:36pm

Thanks Jim. I was torn with grabbing memories and enjoying the moment. Pretty glad I did the video.

Comment by Steven S on November 10, 2010 at 2:38pm

About this time last year my son shaved his head and was getting his mind right to leave for Great Lakes. We used to go to the coffee shop after sleeping all morning and sit on the patio together. I was sitting with the man that I was the most proud of and it was wonderful. At times I thought there were things about life that I should tell him. Things that I probably put off and thought there would be a better time. I just wanted to sit there, look at him and enjoy the moments that we had together. In the days before he left, we went to an indoor shooting range together. We hung out and just did guy stuff. He's my best buddy now.

After 9 weeks of boot camp and so many emotions in our family, graduation day arrived. When the doors open and the sun shines so bright, you see these dark silhouettes walk into the building in unison. They are one. It hit me like a wave. From my head to my toes I could feel the pride well up inside me. The boy that pounced on my stomach as I slept, wanting to go play, was in the US Navy. The boy that could out run everyone on the soccer field was in the US Navy. The young man that I handed my car keys to to go on a date was in the US Navy. That same man was marching right at me willing to serve and protect my country now. To protect his country now and I could never have imagined that I could be this proud.

When you ask yourself, during what ever trial your going through with you kids, if its worth it, it is! Be a parent first. Be a friend last. And one day you too will be so proud.

I saw him about 4 months ago and he is doing great!