Well, it is Thursday afternoon. Come Tuesday Dustin will be on his first plane ride to Oklahoma. Life is filled with many mixed moments, right now. One minute I look at him and see that little boy that used to rely on mom for everything. The next moment, I look and see the young man he has become. So independent and all grown up. The last couple of days have been so quiet in our home. Partly because we know the day is coming, and the other part is, I think, no one really knows what to say. How do you sum up all the feelings and thoughts running through your head. I am so filled with pride and know great things are ahead for him. I know that this is what he wants. If he didn't, he wouldn't be so dedicated to training and getting things in order before he leaves. When Paul and I see this, it makes it easier. However, a part of my heart weeps in sadness. It's a "mom thing", I know. It isn't any easier for him. I can read it all over his face and in his behavior. He has been quiet. There are even moments I think, this is it. I see the tears coming. But he holds them back. I know he is worried about me. I have been sick of recent but am getting better. Hopefully, he realizes that I will be fine. I don't want anyone (even me) making it any harder for him then it is. It has to be so hard to want something so much, and know you have to sacrifice everything to get it. It is the most selfless act. I could never imagine. We have to have him at the recruiting station in Mt. Pleasant between 11-1p on the 3rd (Monday). That is the last we will see of him until 9a on Tuesday morning at the airport in Lansing before he departs. Then that's it until, at least, the middle of August. I still am working on getting an address and calling information. Will pass it on when I get it. Until then, we will try to spend as much time as possible with him. Even if it is quiet moments spent watching television.
My plan for occupying my time, while he is gone, is to keep busy. There are still thank you letters and blogs to write, a new house to move into, two teenagers and a husband to keep up with, and work. My hope is that all this will help the time fly by. I have never been the type to sit a wallow in my sorrows. I am not about to start now. It is not what he would want me to do. I have always taught my kids that it is not what you go through, but how you get through it that matters. There are moments I am a teary-eyed mess. It's funny. The tears come unexpectedly and at then worst times. Dustin teases me about not wanting to cry in public. There are times it can't be helped, I am learning. Some of the tears are because I am sad, but mostly they are tears of pride and love. It's all good. Those that don't understand will have to deal. Never been one to hold back how I feel about my kids. Those that know me well, know that. So, life will go on. We will miss him more then words can express, but we know he is coming home. Even if it is just for a visit. And when he does, we will throw a party to celebrate another milestone in his life. I figured it out on the calendar, and if I figured right, he should be home for Beaverton's Homecoming weekend. How fitting. He will be here to see his sister for her senior homecoming and his brothers freshman homecoming. Just praying it works out that way. We are very proud of our son, but we are also proud of where we come from. We have experienced so much love and support from this town. It is truly amazing and has humbled all five of us. We pray for all of you and hope nothing but the best. This town deserves it. So much heart and generosity. We are truly blessed to have experienced it. We ask that you pray for our son and all our service members and families. Having also been raised an "Army brat", I know it isn't easy for any of them. They all sacrifice and give so much so we can have the life we do. Much love and many blessings!!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
So It Begins
The graduation has past, parties are over, and the countdown begins. One week from today our oldest son, Dustin, leaves to start a new chapter in his life. He will be on his way to Fort Sill, OK for basic training for the U.S. Army. If someone had told me 18 years ago that this time would come, I would have laughed. Not because I didn't already know that Dustin was meant for great things, but because he was so little and hero's were stories in comics and movies. When he wore his first camouflage, it was cute. Waving the American flag at a July 4th parade was what every other kid did. Shooting his first gun was exciting to a family whose life revolves around hunting and fishing. Today all those things hold an entirely different meaning. Camouflage has become a uniform of honor. The flag is more then a symbol, its a passion. Aiming a gun is more then just a skill. It is the difference between life and death. Men and women who wear camo, shoot guns, and defend the flag and what it stands for are true hero's. Is it easy for the family, friends, and loved ones? Not in the least bit. Is it hard for Dustin? Yes, extremely. Probably more then anyone could understand.
In the recent weeks, this little town of Beaverton, Mi. has shown more love and support for my 18 year old son then I could ever imagine or payback. Some might say, we have given it too much attention. They might even say we act like he is special and can do no wrong. Believe me he is far from perfect. As for being special, I think that any man/woman that chooses to make his job defending this country special. They should all receive this kind of love and support for keeping us safe, as should their families and communities. Which brings me to the thought of what this day stands for and how much so many sacrifice (past, present, and future) for this great country. It is a big cost to them and their loved ones. It's not just the ones who are lost, but the ones who are still with us. Whether they choose to cook of be on the front line. They give of themselves 24/7. It's not just a 9-5 job. Dustin's MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) is Fire Support Specialist. No, it has nothing to do with putting out fires (link to description: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q6deL63YEM). Which is exactly what I thought, until he set me straight. I will just say that it is not what every mother wants to hear her son is going to be doing for a living. It's scary. So scary, in fact, I get choked up when I try to explain it. However, this is what he choose. Yes, there were safer options. But this is what he wants (a little hard to swallow) to do. Paul and I have never preached to our children about becoming doctors or lawyers. We only asked that whatever they choose to do is what makes them happy. That they can sit at the end of the day, and feel good about what they did. And that they decide to excel at it. The boy was born with a gun in his hand. So there was no doubt he'll be good at it. He has promised me that this is exactly how he feels about his decision. What does the mother of an 18 year old boy say? What can you say? Somehow, "your grounded" doesn't quite fit this situation. This mom chose to practice what she preached all those years. I chose and promised him to be the Best/Coolest Darn Army Mom on the planet.
Dustin has grown up in this community. He loves it so much that no one ever thought he would leave. In the end, his love and passion for this country became away for him to see that he could give back in a bigger way. Dustin has a sister (Shelby 16) and a brother (Dylan 14) who love him very much and also have been affected by this decision. However, deep down he knows that his town, family, and friends will take care of each other while he is gone. He also knows that we will all be here waiting for him when he comes home. The three of them understand that he will not be here for many of his brother and sisters special moments, but that we will be there on his behalf and try to share them with him as much as possible.
My husband (Paul), Dustin, and I have had so many request for him to keep in touch and let people know when he will be home. I already have one blog and thought that a blog designated for Dustin would be the easiest way to do that. Let's be honest, writing is not his strong point. I am not even sure he will write me regularly, let alone anyone else. I also felt that it would be a good way to pass on information as we learn it in regards to "how the Army works". Maybe it will help some other mom or dad going through what we are. Let's face it, there are a lot of unknowns. Will he be able to call or write? What happens after basic training? Can we send him cards? My head is spinning already. The truth is I am learning myself. I will try my best to keep everyone informed. I do encourage you to leave your positive (I do mean positive) comments, feedback, and prayers. I am just getting this blog started and it may take a little time to work out all the wrinkles, as I am only an amateur. Some moms have hobbies such as knitting. This mom blogs. There is no profit in it for me. Just always loved writing. Finally, I just want to say, on behalf of my family, thank you from the very bottom of our hearts. We love all of you so much and are truly humbled by everything. We are also truly grateful to those service members and families who are working hard or given their life to defend the freedoms we have today. God bless you all. God bless the U.S.A., Hooah, and Go Army:)
In the recent weeks, this little town of Beaverton, Mi. has shown more love and support for my 18 year old son then I could ever imagine or payback. Some might say, we have given it too much attention. They might even say we act like he is special and can do no wrong. Believe me he is far from perfect. As for being special, I think that any man/woman that chooses to make his job defending this country special. They should all receive this kind of love and support for keeping us safe, as should their families and communities. Which brings me to the thought of what this day stands for and how much so many sacrifice (past, present, and future) for this great country. It is a big cost to them and their loved ones. It's not just the ones who are lost, but the ones who are still with us. Whether they choose to cook of be on the front line. They give of themselves 24/7. It's not just a 9-5 job. Dustin's MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) is Fire Support Specialist. No, it has nothing to do with putting out fires (link to description: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q6deL63YEM). Which is exactly what I thought, until he set me straight. I will just say that it is not what every mother wants to hear her son is going to be doing for a living. It's scary. So scary, in fact, I get choked up when I try to explain it. However, this is what he choose. Yes, there were safer options. But this is what he wants (a little hard to swallow) to do. Paul and I have never preached to our children about becoming doctors or lawyers. We only asked that whatever they choose to do is what makes them happy. That they can sit at the end of the day, and feel good about what they did. And that they decide to excel at it. The boy was born with a gun in his hand. So there was no doubt he'll be good at it. He has promised me that this is exactly how he feels about his decision. What does the mother of an 18 year old boy say? What can you say? Somehow, "your grounded" doesn't quite fit this situation. This mom chose to practice what she preached all those years. I chose and promised him to be the Best/Coolest Darn Army Mom on the planet.
Dustin has grown up in this community. He loves it so much that no one ever thought he would leave. In the end, his love and passion for this country became away for him to see that he could give back in a bigger way. Dustin has a sister (Shelby 16) and a brother (Dylan 14) who love him very much and also have been affected by this decision. However, deep down he knows that his town, family, and friends will take care of each other while he is gone. He also knows that we will all be here waiting for him when he comes home. The three of them understand that he will not be here for many of his brother and sisters special moments, but that we will be there on his behalf and try to share them with him as much as possible.
My husband (Paul), Dustin, and I have had so many request for him to keep in touch and let people know when he will be home. I already have one blog and thought that a blog designated for Dustin would be the easiest way to do that. Let's be honest, writing is not his strong point. I am not even sure he will write me regularly, let alone anyone else. I also felt that it would be a good way to pass on information as we learn it in regards to "how the Army works". Maybe it will help some other mom or dad going through what we are. Let's face it, there are a lot of unknowns. Will he be able to call or write? What happens after basic training? Can we send him cards? My head is spinning already. The truth is I am learning myself. I will try my best to keep everyone informed. I do encourage you to leave your positive (I do mean positive) comments, feedback, and prayers. I am just getting this blog started and it may take a little time to work out all the wrinkles, as I am only an amateur. Some moms have hobbies such as knitting. This mom blogs. There is no profit in it for me. Just always loved writing. Finally, I just want to say, on behalf of my family, thank you from the very bottom of our hearts. We love all of you so much and are truly humbled by everything. We are also truly grateful to those service members and families who are working hard or given their life to defend the freedoms we have today. God bless you all. God bless the U.S.A., Hooah, and Go Army:)
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