A Moment for Dads

Father's Day can be such a beautiful time with dad. We've had fun with them over the years. It seems much of my blog is about transitions. Isn't that what we spend most of our life doing? How many times did our mother's say when we're growing up, "It's just a phase!"? We are in a constant state of transition from the moment of creation.

Our current transition is life without our fathers. That is one thing Pat and I now have in common. I lost my father on April 1st in 2005. That was a big year for us. It signified the end of life for my father, the beginning of life for our first grandbaby, and the formal commitment between the two of us in marriage. This all happened within a five month period. Pat's father just passed away on November 1st of 2008. Life is still learning to continue without his presence.

When Father's Day comes I still find myself with the instinct to look for a card for my dad, and now my father-in-law. It's amazing how much time can pass, and we are still looking to do what we'd known for our entire life. It doesn't fall to the side so easily. I still find myself thinking dad would like that or I should tell dad about this, and he's been gone for over four years. Now, my father-in-law is added to that equation.

It really is true that a loved one never dies completely. They really do always live on in our hearts. This Father's Day was a little tough being the first one without my father-in-law. I know everyone dealt with it a little different. We spent most of our time on the road taking Andrew to Central Michigan University for MAA (Master at Arms) training for Sea Cadets. This afforded my husband a lot of time for quiet contemplation, and I think he needed it.

Knowing Father's Day was going to be so busy we celebrated Father's Day by surprising my husband after work on Friday. We ate his favorite German Chocolate Cake with ice cream after we had a BBQ. We didn't get a special gift, just a card. It was more about the time spent together sharing a good meal and just hanging out. All in all it was a good time. Hope everyone else out there enjoyed their Father's Day as well.

Second Year Award

Andrew receives his two-year award at Sea Cadets this past Sunday!

Boot Camp Visit

Well, we made it safely to Chicago for Andrew's graduation from Navy Sea Cadet Boot Camp at Great Lakes Naval Academy. It was a great experience and very nice to see Andrew for a few hours.

He really seemed to enjoy himself, but he was glad to be moving on to new scenery. He did very well and learned a lot in such a short period of time. The Sea Cadets had the privilege in attending an actual ceremony where Navy Recruits become real enlisted Seamen. It seemed to have had a profound effect on him. He found the experience very emotional. Pat and I both feel that this experience will contribute greatly to his success when he attends actual Navy Boot Camp at the time of his enlistment. No, he has not changed his mind.

I truly believe that being in the military is Andrew's calling. This child has lived and breathed everything military ever since he was five years old. As a mother I never could have imagined myself encouraging any of my children to be in the military. At a certain point I came to the realization that I simply had no choice in the matter. This child was born to serve.

Now, it is a real pleasure for Pat and I to watch Andrew learn and grow into a polite and responsible young man right before our eyes. It is an even greater pleasure to be an active participant in the realization of his dream. How refreshing it is to see someone know exactly what they want, put goals in place to ensure success, and work toward an end goal daily. It is so awesome!

Andrew is now at Fort Custer in Battle Creek for a two-week Hazardous Materials Training. We will be attending another graduation soon. BRAVO ZULU, Andrew!

Boot Camp Pictures

I just checked the web site for the Sea Cadet Boot Camp, and they have pictures available. After wading through them I did manage to find some of Andrew.

It looks like they are working very hard. We did get a letter home. It was too funny! He was commenting on how he bets the food for Father's Day was so good and better than the food there. Not that the food is too bad there, but mom's food is the best. Gotta love that kid!

We are really looking forward to attending his graduation this Sunday at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois. There will be over 700 family members in attendance for the cadets.

Andrew is fourth back on the left.

Getting the famous military hair cut!

Running the track ~ second back on the left.


Third back, third row from the left.

Off to Boot Camp

Our oldest son, Andrew, left for Boot Camp today. He is 16 and in the Navy Sea Cadets. He will be in Chicago at the Navy base for a week. Next Sunday we will get to watch him graduate in a formal military ceremony. We are really looking forward to seeing his accomplishments.

Andrew has wanted to be career military ever since he was five years old. When he was little I always thought he would grow out of it; just a little boy's fantasy. Well, here we are 11 years later, and he is still focused on being career military. I never thought I would encourage any of my children to go into the service. Now, how can I not?

My aunt put it this way, "God needs people everywhere." That one sentence really got my attention. It is sound logic. It seems that is what he was born to do. God gives us all gifts, and it is up to us to pursue them. We are very proud of Andrew.

He has solid goals. Andrew is in marital arts and plans to achieve his black belt before entering the service. He also plans to achieve rank in Sea Cadets and earn his associates degree before he enlists. It is impossible to do anything but help him figure out how to make his dreams come true.

Click here to learn more about the Navy Sea Cadets.