It's been much too long since
I've posted a new entry to my blog. In the last three months, Patrick has
graduated boot camp, graduated MCT (Marine Corps Training) and is currently
awaiting to start his next training, MOS. Once he has completed this training,
he will be sent to his first duty station. These last three months have
presented many emotional memories for me that have manifested in all types of
crying.
Boot camp graduation will
forever be embedded in my mind. I took over 1,000 pictures! Although the
weather in Beaufort, SC was rainy and chilly, Mark and I were filled with
warmth and pride to see our son stand tall and be named a US Marine. The day
before graduation, new Marines spend a few precious hours with their
family/friends in an event called 'Family Day'. Hugging him after so many weeks
of desperately missing him was one of the best feelings I have ever
experienced. I can only compare it to how I felt when I first held Patrick at
his birth, Mama tears and all!
Because of the weather, we
could not walk about outside but we did get to see where he slept, showered and
performed his daily ablutions. The OCD in me was delighted to see the bathroom
sinks all lined up in a straight row, with the soaps all in the exact same spot
on the top of each sink. I could literally kneel down, close one eye and look
down the row of sinks to see every single soap dispenser lined up all the way
down the row. Truly a sight to behold! It
goes without saying I took many pictures here.
The huge warehouse like room
where my son slept was impressive. Each bunk had two foot lockers on the end,
brown bath towels hung on both sides of the bunk. Against the wall were open
closets where their uniforms hung perfectly pressed and shoes shown bright. Of
course the highlight of the dorm tour for me was to see each and every bed made
tight and exact. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring a coin to try and bounce off
the bed.
After a few stops on base, our
family (there was 11 of us), ended up in the post Exchange. This department
type store had the usual found items, also had Marine Corps clothing for family
and friends to buy and proudly wear. It also has official uniform items for the
Marine's to purchase. It was there that we found a patio furniture display and
sat visiting with Patrick. I was truly amazed of his whole demeanor. Where in
the past at family gatherings, Patrick would sit in the perimeter, occasionally
contributing a sentence or two to a conversation. On Family Day, I witnessed my
son leading conversations and hold the his own recounting some stories of his
boot camp experience. Yes, he looked tired and thinner. But he looks fulfilled
and content. He now holds himself ramrod straight; no more slouching. In fact,
whenever I am with him I find myself adjusting my own posture. Where prior to leaving
for boot camp, he was the classic teenager who would carelessly spout words
without taking the time to filter his thoughts, he now speaks with purpose. If
he did revert and speak with an attitude with rough tones, he will quickly
correct himself.
Graduation was a glorious
event; filled with tradition, pageantry and American pride. All of the new
Marines looked incredibly handsome in their uniforms. It is truly a once in a
lifetime memory. Fortunately, I was prepared and brought a handkerchief with me!
Memorial events continued to
take place as it was during all this that our oldest son, Jeff, announced his
PhD candidacy was accepted from George Mason University. This means that he has
passed all
of his class requirements and qualification exams; his dissertation has been
reviewed by his committee who has replied back to him with their
comments/questions. Jeff is to respond to their questions, publish his
dissertation and then graduate. He plans to have this done by 2015. Jeff also
became engaged to the lovely Brittny, (or as my mother calls her: Beanie). We
are so happy for him. He has worked so hard and with Brittny sharing his life,
his future journeys look happy and promising.
Our second son, Phillip, also had wonderful news
with the success of his employers first Gala Event in New York City. Phillip is
the graphic designer for a non-for-profit company in NYC. He is extremely
talented! If anyone was ever meant to live and work in NYC, it is our son
Phillip. The city with its effervescent lights, bustling activity and sense of
style fits him perfectly. Phillip is happy at what he does, where he lives and
with who he is; could a parent ask for anything more? Over the years, Jeff and
Phillip have brought tears of joy to my eyes many times.
Patrick's 10 day leave at home flew
by. Before we knew it, he was saying his good-bye. He left for MCT on St. Patrick's
Day, 03/17. St. Patrick's Day is the anniversary date of when Mark and I first
met, (the reason why we named our son Patrick). Over the years, Mark and I have
gone to dinner and exchanged gifts. We now exchange cards. But more than that, St. Patrick's Day is a day that affords the opportunity for us to recall the early days when we where first together. I think
this past St. Patrick's day will replace those early day memories.
This past St. Patrick's Day we
drove our Marine to the airport. The memory of seeing Patrick check his luggage
and then go through the security gate at Philadelphia International, (PHI) airport
will be forever burned in my mind. I saw how others in the airport recognized Patrick
was in the service and their eyes held respect and awe. Several people came up
to him and thanked him for serving. He was taken to the front of the lines for
every queue; no waiting; which was great for him. But also took away from those
last moments DH and I were able to spend with him. Too quickly Patrick was
heading off to catch his plane.
This farewell hit me hard; even
harder that saying good-by when he left for boot camp. When Patrick left for
boot camp I had the knowledge of when I would see him again. Saying good-bye at
the airport, I was overcome with such uncertainty. I had no idea when I would
see Patrick again. I found myself doing something I have very seldom done in
public - I cried the 'ugly cry'. The 'ugly cry is when your nose runs, your
eyes get red and puffy, you sob, trying desperately to catch your breath. That
is the cry I exhibited at PHI airport on St. Patrick's Day.
Much to our joy, very soon
after completing MCT school, a mere five weeks later, Patrick was back at home.
His MOS had been delayed and he was able to perform 3½ weeks of RA, (Recruiting
Assisting) at the local Marine Corps recruiting office. There are no words to
explain my feelings seeing my son go to work in his dress blues or observing
him return home after speaking at a local new recruit gathering with his Marine
Corps medals reflecting the lamp light from his uniform.
While serving as an RA,
Patrick was selected to represent the Marine Corps at the War on Terrorism Memorial dedication in Doylestown, PA. Although it
was a rain drenched afternoon, Patrick stood at parade rest the entire time,
not flinching one iota ever though the rain drenched him down to his socks! t
Patrick's superiors were very pleased with his 3½ weeks as an RA.
Patrick recently returned to
his MOS post and still awaits the beginning of his last phase of initial MC
schooling. It was difficult saying good-bye to him at the train
station. I am happy to say the 'ugly cry' did not occur. But tears were shed. You
would think after saying good-by time after time it would get easier. No, not
at all easier.
This past Memorial Day was
a different experience for Mark and myself. We visited the memorial in
Doylestown, PA, and found the experience more meaningful than other memorial
viewings. Our son is now a member of those that sacrifice themselves to serve our
country; dedicated men and women who keep us safe and free. We owe it to them,
to keep their efforts fresh in the minds of others.
Admittedly, I am the cliché
Marine Mom. I have the Marine Mom license plate, most days I wear my Marine
Corps earrings and lovely Marine Corps necklace my wonderful DH gave me for
Mother's Day. On the weekends, I usually have on one of a multitude Marine
Corps tee shirts, as does Mark. We are honored and proud Patrick chose to
serve.
I hope I have several thousand
more memories standing by in the wings waiting to occur. They await the snap of
my camera for pictures to be added into the photo albums; memories waiting to
be deposited within my heart. I just need to make sure I have enough tissues on
hand for when they arrive!
