This time it's just different

May 3 A#1 headed out for basic training for the Army National Guard. Something about this journey with him is just different. I can't put my finger on it and there is no way to describe it other than it is something I have never felt before. When he was only 16 he left on a 4 week adventure to Australia and it was no where near as difficult as this has been. Then he graduated high school and that was not as hard as this. He left for another adventure, this time to the U.K., and still not as hard. We got him home from that journey only to turn around and send him off to his first year of college. Difficult, but not like this. Leading up to May 3 I have had so many emotions going on. Emotions that unless you have been there you might not understand. I sent a message to my Pastor one day and asked him if his wife had shed as many tears as I had been before their son left in October for basic training and he said they both had. You are so full of pride but so full of fear all at the same time. I think that's why it is so confusing. I know in my heart that he prayed about this and sought counsel and took time to make this decision, and it was his decision to make, but at times there is just no peace in a mommy's heart when she knows her son is about to become a soldier. My family has a very rich history with the military, every branch, so for the family it is nothing new for one of our men to serve our country. My heart overflows with pride for my son for being the man that he is but as his mom I will always see that little boy somewhere in that man.
After we spent Saturday on campus with A#1 we headed back to our room and a tickle fight broke out. This next picture CRACKS ME UP!!! The pure joy that was in that room was amazing.

I tried to hide because I was so afraid I was next!!
But, it didn't work! And A#1 knows I can't stand for someone to tickle my feet but that didn't stop him.
This one cracks me up too because I didn't see it until I loaded the picture but A#2 was trying her best to defend her Mommy by going for the wedgie!!! That's my girl!
Sunday after we all went to campus church we headed back to his room to get him all packed up. Not something any of us enjoyed but a job that had to be done.
After we went to lunch we headed back to say our goodbye's. It was an awful long ride home if that gives you a clue as to how it went. A#1 had to be at the Armory at 9 the next morning but he didn't want us to go with him and I think it was best.





We are attached to our phones and will be for the next 3 months until he is finished and headed back home to go back to school. I have never been so anxious to get a phone call in my whole life. He will finish up with basic and AIT training in August and we will go watch him graduate with probably many more tears.
A#1, you are a godly man, a man of honor, a man with a heart of service, a man ready to sacrifice, a man with the most tender heart and a man whose family supports you 110%. We could never explain to you the joy you are to your mom and dad. GO GUARD!!!!!