Since He's Been Gone

Day 3 since I have seen my little (big) Navy recruit. I can't say I'm terribly impressed with the Navy at this point as his recruiter picked him up only to return approximately a minute later to retrieve son's high school transcript and GED certificate (which we couldn't find in the midst of dealing with our goobyes). This was truly strange as the documents were required before son could even enlist. Then son called later that evening from the motel to ask me to search for the GED certificate and to contact said recruiter once I found it to arrange delivery of the document. This portion worked out as the documents were evidently not needed and son safely departed Monday afternoon to the great state of Illinois for 6 weeks.

Fortunately son phoned me just before boarding the plane so we were able to say quick farewells once again. I say "fortunately" because although his DEP (Delayed Entry Program) handbook told tales of a 15-minute collect phone call upon arrival to Great Lakes ... I have not heard from him since. I did read several posts from parents on the Navy.com site that several recruits do not receive this promised privilege. Others do ... wouldn't you know my son would be one who would not.

Alas, despite the emotional battle mom is enduring ... I know it is best for my precious son. I have seen such growth in my eldest since his entry into the Air Force, and I expect the same from this son. God bless the U.S.A., the soldiers who fight to keep our country free, but most of all ... God bless my little soldiers who will always be my babies.