Redemption & New Beginnings

Well, I must say the Navy has done an excellant job of redeeming themselves ... not that they really tried or cared since I'm just a lowly civilian! I had the honor and pleasure of attending my new sailor's boot camp graduation last weekend. What an impressive display of honor, showmanship, and good old Navy pride! It was outstanding! We got to see an amazing flag show, listen to a dynamic drum corp, witnessed a 12 gun salute, and of course got to watch our new sailors march in and bestowed the title of "Naval graduate"!!!!

It was standing room only, but we arrived early enough to get fabulous seats and the Navy was thoughtful enough to project images on a wall screen to view the things we could not see otherwise. My daughter and I were so excited, we could hardly sit still. And when we saw our sailor ... well tears were shed, hearts raced, voices were raised, and hands were busy clapping. The whole experience was phenomenal!

After graduation, our sailor was given Liberty. Oh yeah! We left the bleachers and searched through the sea of sailors in their dress whites, family & friends in deep embraces, and guess who got to our sailor first??? You got it! Da Momma!!!!! He was standing there talking to a couple of his shipmates when I attacked! He just laughed, hugged back, and said, "Momma, you're breaking my neck!" Haha! He knows who's in charge still!

Now he's off to his second phase of schooling before receiving his duty station location. He is full of excitement and joy. Yes, my child who has swum through the muck and mire of life has found a new beginning. He's a sailor in the U.S. Navy. I am so proud!

Go Navy, and go Air Force! I have a sailor and an airman as sons! God bless the USA!