All of a sudden plans I was making for the holidays seemed so insignificant; worrying about where to go for Christmas, the amount of driving that we would have to do, what give to get my mom so that she could later exchange didn't seem as important. My son, the youngest of my three sons, was going to boot camp.
I thought I was ready; I thought I knew what I needed to know. I thought it would be similar to when I took Jeff and Phillip to college. I was so wrong! That's why I am so grateful to Marine Family Network for getting me through it. Without them giving me the information I would need, I would have been a blubbering mess by the end of the 13 weeks.
Since Patrick would be away during the Christmas holiday, I erringly thought surely I would be allowed to send something special for Christmas. Nope. Just a card ~ in a white envelope ~ was all I could send. I was devastated. I had images of sending cookies for Patrick and his platoon; perhaps wrapped in red cellophane paper? Perhaps in a decorative holiday tin? Very quickly that image crumbled away. But I did find something I could send him...I sent prayers; lots and lots of prayers. In fact, whenever I would think of him, I made it a practice to ask the Good Lord to look after my son, his platoon and the drill instructors.
The holidays are difficult for the loved ones of boot camp recruits. I totally understand how they feel. In fact, last year we didn't even purchase a Christmas tree. I had left arm bicep/shoulder surgery and was stuck in a sling for four weeks. Whatever decorations I was able to set up prior to my surgery would be it. But more importantly, I just didn't 'feel' a tree would be necessary. Why go through hanging all those hand made ornaments and other ornaments that would bring on a flood of memories then tears?
Since Patrick's graduation at boot camp, I have figured out life goes on. We eat, sleep, go to work, we live. Life doesn't come to a halt during those 13 weeks of boot camp. Life goes on. Just as it continues on after graduation when the new Marines go to their training and schools. Patrick is now down in North Carolina at his 'job'. His journey has just begun. Just as his brother's have discovered, their journey will occasionally intersect with mine. There will be a visit here or there. But their journey's will be very different than my own.
This year, the tree will go up, the lights, the ornaments, will be placed. Further down, I will find the gap in the ornament trail from the Christmas of 2013. But the memories of that time will be forever in my heart. It was a time when my emotions were filled with up and downs, twists and turns, worries, frustrations, happiness and moments of utter joy. But then again, that's exactly what life is all about.
A year ago today my life went down a path I was totally unprepared to venture. But as life has proven, from the support of family, friends and some strangers here or there, I learned how to navigate. This uncommon anniversary is not shared by many, but it is certainly an anniversary that many have perhaps without their knowledge have participated; just as happens in the journey of life.
