We had a full summer with Tim close by us and I was a blessed and lucky mom that he was close enough to me during his MOS training that I got to see him a handful of times and attend his graduation as well.
Things are different now as he's a bit farther away, but I am thankful that at least we have telephones for talking and (of course) texting!
During his MOS, we (mainly me and my dad) seemed to "adopt" a couple other Marines along the way that weren't as fortunate to have family close by. Actually, we were the only family that was able to make it to the graduation ceremony. VERY nice! But it was fun getting to know the boys and listening to their stories...and doubly interesting that they didn't have much of a filter when telling them. Sometimes my dad and I would just quietly look at each other with wide eyes and somewhat hidden smiles.
Tim seems to enjoy what he's chosen to do job-wise, although I must say, it doesn't seem like he's actually had a lot of time to work. They've been doing training, training, and more training. When he talks about his job though, he speaks positively and talks about what he'd like to do after the Corps - along the lines of what he's currently doing.
I also think he's very fortunate because where he's stationed he is close to his uncle, my brother. That lends itself to fun weekend trips and continuing to have that family bond close by. Something that the majority of the young men and women don't have.
He hopes to come home in November, but I think many things dictate whether that will happen or not, but we are hopeful and no matter when it is, we're going to have on heck of a Thanksgiving/Christmas weekend celebration!
OOHRAH!
