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| This is the part where you think you have plenty of time. |
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| This is the part where he walks away but you know he will be back soon because after practice, after his date with the girl of the moment, after his final exam, he's going to need some macaroni and cheese. |
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| This is the part where those grownup things start setting in. |
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| And he thinks sitting in a tank is really nifty. |
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| Then someone tells him he's pretty good at sitting in a tank. "Look! An award! A uniform! And guess what? We are going to have dance where you can march that girl of the moment through swords." Girls love to walk through swords. Trust me. |
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| Then somewhere along the way, tank sitting doesn't seem nearly as nifty as airplane flying. |
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| And with that comes a Colorado Springs state of mind.He was fortunate enough to have his choice of West Point and the Air Force Academy, but in the end he opted for Rocky Mountain High. |
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| This is the part where there is no time left and only your head saw it coming.. |
And for all of you who haven't gotten to that last picture yet, don't blink. Don't miss a thing.
Oh, Jean . . . I'm blinking back tears, so, yes, I blinked.
ReplyDeleteBut it isn't the last picture. There will be more -- pictures of him getting married, of holding his children, and seeing how full your heart can get.
You are right, of course. And wise. We are definitely on a different part of the journey, but that part will be just as sweet. I am sad bit not nearly as sad as I would be if he was not going.
DeleteYou can't spend eighteen years saying, "Yes you can, yes you can!" and then say, "Oh, no you don't." We found out that, in 2016, half of his class will get to go to flight school. He might not get to, but he is going to get to try.
Oh he'll fly - far and wide, excelling because of you and the Guy. It hurts to see them go but you know you've laid the groundwork for a man who'll do and be something.
ReplyDeleteI had a hard time when my son left for the first time but he never disappointed me. They learn the lessons and then go out into the big bad world, well-armed. I still think about that little one who held up his arms - he's still there, just hiding. :)
I have pondered. When was the last time I picked him? I wish I had known, but how can you? The time between that time and too heavy happens fast.
DeleteI'm smack dab in the middle of this myself. And realizing that Veezer will be there soon doesn't comfort my momma heart much either. Every minute counts. But they sure seem like they tick by faster and faster and faster.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that we kept showing up. It was not imposition. I admit I didn't like the band concerts, but he quit that when he had to choose between the French horn and football. No contest.
DeleteYes, Clair played the Goose...I mean the Saxaphone for a while. But then that played out into English and Scholars Bowl and traveling the world. We'll endure Band again next year, but then Veezer seems to get it so maybe it'll sound like real music. If not, there's always art...and publishing another book. :) Like you, I'm just thankful.....mostly to have them to love and wrap my arms around every chance I get. Just keep lovin' that PA up the way only can do. <3
Delete....near or from afar.
Delete...the way only YOU can do.....near or from afar. (Geeze. It's been a redo kinda day.)
DeleteMy son played trumpet - was a wunderkin at it. I have never heard such natural ability. I loved being a band parent, especially when I got to brag that it was my son who was playing the solo at the Auburn/Alabama game ( I nearly got kicked out of the stadium for trying to get a picture of him on the field that day). He kicked butt with that horn.
DeleteCheryl, I would have liked it too if he'd had much aptitude for the French horn. Buy he can sing. And dance. And, so I am given to understand, shoot with a good bit of accuracy.
DeleteWhat a wonderful life PA has lived so far. And you have contributed so many glorious and loving memories for him, Jean. No child could ask for more. As Maven Linda said, this is only the beginning of new and better things!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo true. He leaves day after tomorrow. I thought we were all done with him running through my house needing something. But it happened again today. One last time.
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