Boot camp
Next Friday, Brandon leaves for boot camp in South Carolina. Even though I am worried about this new adventure in his life, I am so very proud of him. I wouldn't be a good mom, if I was worried, right?
I can't believe this year went by so fast, hell, it seems like since he turned 5 and started going to school all day, years have been flying by like crazy.
I am so very blessed that during those earlier years, I had/have such a supportive husband, that he let me work part time and stay home with the kids. I got to spend so much quality time and get really close to them. I have had the great honor of being my children's friend, not only their mom.
I know most parents would say their kids are awesome and that they aren't being biased. I would say the same thing. I won't sugar coat it and say that Brandon or Vanessa is always wonderful. But there are those times, like last night, when one of them does something so unselfish, so sweet, that it makes you take a minute and think "wow, I really did raise an great kid".
For those of you who don't know, I recently got laid off. I am not sad about it, I wasn't going to be working except part time at the YMCA, this summer anyway. But money is tight, as you can imagine. And Vanessa wants to go to a concert on Saturday, and we don't have the funds to pay $50 for a ticket then give her spending money for food. Her brother graciously offered to purchase her ticket, for her upcoming birthday because he won't be here. Not only did this make her extremely happy, but it melted my heart. (And not only did he offer, but then he did a really great thing and said his condition is that she has to check in with him at the concert every couple of hours, so that he knows she is ok.) I hope she truly appreciates how wonderful of a brother she has.
I know that in a week's time, he will be gone, and we will miss him. She will miss the brother that makes her laugh all the time with his quirky ways, the one that messes with her on a day to day basis and the brother that she can always count on.
I will miss him just being him, his silliness, his being here if I need to talk, his being here if my truck is acting retarded and our COD battles.
But I know he will come back, stronger both physically and mentally, he will learn lessons that can't be taught in a classroom and he will grow even more as a person.
Good luck, baby, I love you with all my heart. You are my HERO everyday, and now you will be everyone's hero too.
Thank you for serving our country, for fighting to keep us free and for protecting our home.
Good luck on your new adventure.
Stay safe, watch your six, and always come back to us.
