Yesterday, we were able to head to St. Louis MEPS station to watch him (and MANY others) swear in, see him for a short short time, then take a couple pics and say goodbye for 13 weeks. I was fine until I saw his eyes get red (that's what happens before he cries). Then it stopped - he didn't cry. He hugged us and when I hugged him, I kissed his cheek twice and whispered to him "I love you, I'll miss you. Now go be that shining star you were always meant to be." He did a quick "heehee" and smiled at me. Remember, Tim - be that shining star!
He arrived last night in San Diego. I don't know what time, but I received "the call" from him last night about 10:30 pm. Normally my phone is on vibrate, but not yesterday - I had it way turned up because I had no idea what time he would be calling me, letting me know he got there. I stayed up later, feeling a little anxious, then feeling sleep coming on too strong, i turned my phone up one more notch. I did not want to miss it - although, to be honest part of me wanted it to go to voice mail so that I could save it and listen to him over and over when I got lonely! Ha!
So, I answered the phone to shouting in the background. Loud shouts! then all of a sudden, there's my boy, shouting to me as the other boys were to their moms and dads and significant others saying they had arrived safely, that I should be expecting to get an address in about 2-3 weeks, that fhe appreciates my support, he loves me and good bye. Click. Wow! Not quite what I was expecting. I was expecting the call. I was expecting him to be maybe a little loud. I was not expecting the I love you being tossed in there (such a nice addition, USMC!). I did not expect the loud Marine soldier voice. I did not at all expect all the noise in the background. I figured I'd get a call, scripted as I knew it would be with no noise.
After he hung up (and I don't even think he heard me tell him I loved him - I highly doubt that), I laid in bed and wondered what the hell was going through his head at that time, what was he wearing, if he had his glasses yet. How many friends have you made? Did you get any sleep on the plane since you're going to be up for the next couple of days straight?? I sure hope so. Thoughts swirling through my head! I tried to "read" his voice, but of course, when he's barking this script at me, it's a little difficult.
I hope he has a great time and learns everything they are going to teach him and more. I hope that he comes out of it a better person and eventually a better man. I hope he surrounds himself with good people (like I told him to do before he left - you know, when I thought I had control ☺) - people that wil encourage and lift him up and challenge him to be better - and for him to also be able to provide that to his new friends.
So, today is a good day. A day of thankfulness and a day of futures beginning.
Wow, Tim, I am so proud of you. More than I can ever tell you - more than you'll ever believe....
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