Well, third son made it to his destination in South Carolina today, and called me from the airport. He's met his drill sergeant---"Call me Drill Sergeant." I'd already talked to him a few times today, in between flights. Unfortunately he's suffering so much from fatigue of the past few days that life doesn't hold much interest just now. He's having that Uh-oh moment we sometimes have when life has bitten off more than we can bear. I was telling the younger ones earlier that there are certain decisions we make that are the sort you can't turn your back on. I consider marriage one of them, and the oath given at a military swearing in is the other one. And while both are legally binding, the second one can land you in jail if you change your mind.
Here's an odd thing---so many folks have said that this military experience, esp. the Basic Training will be good for this particular son, who's had a very challenging year. Everyone who's said it'll be the making of him have absolutely no experience in any branch of the military. What do we know? I just find that mildly amusing. Easy to get cocky and all know-it-all-y when you've never been yelled at by a strange man in a uniform. I more trust the ones who've said if you can get through the first 2 weeks, you'll survive. Much more honest.
On a more lively note, my mom called me this morning after her physical therapy session saying that she walked alone, totally unassisted today. She was so proud. Her therapist stood ahead of her, and kept moving backwards. This is excellent news, and a huge encouragement to her. One more step in the right direction. Anyway, as we were talking, she said her own father was stationed at the same place (during WWI) where third son will go. I call that pretty amazing. If I was a believer in karma, I'd say that was karma. As it is, I say it's a darn wonderful coincidence from the Lord.
Prayers appreciated for my overwhelmed boy---Joseph.
