Whadda Week....Whew!

What a week it has been already. Actually, beginning with Friday night of last week, the past five days or so have been a whirlwind of change and emotion.  And the Father has danced with me through the entire adventure.

My twenty year old son left the nest yesterday.  He shipped out for basic training in the Army to Fort Jackson in South Carolina.  He is to be in the military for almost four years, so he will be 25 when he returns to be a part of 'normal' family life.  Unless he makes the military a career....which would NOT surprise me at all. 

On Friday night, my family held a large party for Graham as a send off of love and support by those whom he appreciates in life, support his life, have loved him, and have mentored him.  It was a terrrific night with over one hundred thirty in attendance...and that doesn't count little tiny non-eating kids.  Having my home so full of a dull roar, laughter, food, running kids, hugs, photo taking, and great people brings the best of delight to my heart.  The night was a memory making one, for Graham and for me.  The support was good for me as it was for him. 

Then, Sunday, friends, extended family and siblings hung out at the house for food, prayer over Graham and general tomfoolery.  We had a great time just laughing and goofing around.  But, then night fell, and the older kids all took off to go to another friends for one last night of game playing with Graham.  After the kids left, my eight year old, Gavin, came running to me and dropped into my lap.  He was sobbing in a way I've never heard come from his little body before then.  I did not want to bring up Graham if that was not the problem, but I was pretty sure it was the reason for the sobbing. 

After a few minutes, Gav walked away to the couch and continued crying.  I went to pick him up and hold him and asked for just one word to tell what was making him so sad.  "Graham," slipped through his quivering lips, and he sobbed more deeply. At this point, my own heart broke.  I held him and just cried with him, told him of God's great love for Graham, Graham's grand adventure, discussed what a terrific brother Graham is to him but that Graham was grown up and needed to move forward.  His own time would come later, I explained.  We cried some more.  After about an hour, Gavin fell asleep on my chest.  We slept on the couch that night.  I didn't want to wake him.

Next morning rolls around town and we are off and running to school and work....and sayng goodbye to Graham for good.  He took the kiddles to school one last time, hugged them all there, and then came home to pack up to leave for Lansing to the Military  Entrance Processing Station.  The day was difficult for all the kids, but they handled it well.  Landon, Graham's older brother, was able to meet him in Lansing at night for dinner with friends....The Last Supper, they called it....and he said his goodbyes and held Graham in a warm hug there.  Brothers....wealthy brothers.

Then came Tuesday, January 10, 2012.  My 29th wedding anniversary; the one I'm not celebrating, nor am I mourning it.  It came.  I remembered.  And I drove to Lansing to see Graham sworn in and leave on the bus for the airport where he'd fly out to Fort Jackson.  A dear friend, Brenda Dillon, drove with me to make sure I had a chauffeur for the ride home in case I was in no shape to drive.

Seeing Graham at attention, at ease, responding to the officer at the ceremony that committed Graham to the Army - I was so proud of him.  His head was held high, his voice firm and strong, his body erect and ready for action.  Confidence exuded from him, and I saw the look in his countenance of a man ready to do what he'd set out to do - no turning back, no second guessing, sure of himself.  I was proud. 

After different briefing meetings, Graham was able to sit with us for a bit before being called for shipping out.  We discussed some of his financial business, his vehicle, insurance, credit cards, etc.  We hugged, sat close, shared our ideas on his going. then he was called out.  I hurried to the front desk to make sure this was not his actual leaving time, because I'd not hugged him goodbye before he left the room. A kind gentleman assured me it was not and said I could wait there where Graham would enter again one more time before leaving the building for the bus. 

As I stood there, I looked up and saw them coming. A long, single file line of soldiers, walking down the hall they had just traveled a few moments before.  Then they went haphazardly, now they were single file, folders in hand, walking purposefully.  Over the speakers in the building, "I'm Proud to Be an American' began to play, and the kind gentleman I mentioned before announced over the PA, "Please stand as the newest members of the United States Army pass by."

The entire room of parents, officers, soldiers, recruits, and spouses stood and applauded as the single file line of soldiers passed through the room to get their Army issued back packs. 

I was told to head out to the bus so I could say goodbye there.  I did...and the tears hit my eyes and the lump filled my throat.  Now is the time.  He's going. Finally going.  He's no longer a part of our household after this moment.  No longer will I find his whiskers in the girls' bathroom sink where he uses the haircutting clippers to trim his beard.  No longer will I find his coat in the chair.  His running shoes won't be waiting at the door anymore.  He's in the Army now. 

I waited by the bus until Graham came down the MEPS stairs.  We hugged tightly, I told him what I wanted him to know, and I told him I loved him. We hugged and kissed and he went to the bus.  As he waited to climb the bus steps, we kept flashing the ASL sign for 'I love you'...a special sign for Graham and me.  Then, I ran to him and said, "Just one more kiss goodbye....I love you, honey."

Up he climbed.  I continued to wave, flash the I love you sign, holding back my tears.  I was not going to bawl right there.  I wanted Graham to be assured that I am going to be alright. 

He had told me in the waiting area that he asked some of his guy friends to be sure to check in on me, make sure I was okay and if I needed anything in his absence. So, I know he has me on his mind. Sweet of him.  But, that is like Graham.

I watched until his ride was out of sight, heading for the airport to take him to his new home away from home. The Army has him now. Take good care of my boy, Army. 

I love you, Graham.

A lot of change, memory making, sad reminders and emotion this past few days.  God's mercies are new every morning.  I'm so thankful.

Love you all...thanks for praying for my guy, Graham.  And for me.

Gayle