August 30, 2009

  • A commitment.....

    I know the last post was about my kids, but I thought I would post again about one word:  Commitment.    Indeed my kids are my pride and joy.  When my son was a little boy we were at the Willow Grove air show just spending a hot June day walking around.  We walked past a few vendor tables and then came upon the Air Force table.  My son stopped, looked at the uniformed soldier and moved on.  The same thing happened with the Navy table and then the Army table.  The last table was the Marine table.  A very well built Marine was standing there with nothing on the table but a bumper sticker.  Next to the table was a stand where you could do a pull up.  My son paused, looked at this Marine and stared right into this guy's eyes.  The Marine said to him, "Son, if you can do 5 pull ups, I will give you a t-shirt."  My ten year old took the challenge and completed it.   It was then, that I knew there was no going back.

    Being in the military is such a commitment not only by the individual, but by the people that surround him or her.  Granted, it is not easy on the associated loved ones, but it is the least we can do for what they give up.  This weekend, my husband and I will drive to North Carolina to see my son again.  Yes, I was there last month.  And yes, it is a long drive.  Could I come up with other excuses not to go?  Sure.  If you are not involved with someone in the military, you don't understand what they give up for us.  So, is it an inconvenience?  Yes.  But I would drive to the end of the earth for him no matter how tired I am. 

    Jason had a short leave before leaving for North Carolina in May.  At that time, he tried to re-connect with friends and family.  My daughter and I l were lucky enough to spend a few days with him in the beginning of the summer up at our cabin.  Wanting to squeeze every last minute with him, I closed the studio for a few days and we spent a few days just "hanging". 
    Here is a photo I took of both Ashley and Jason while fishing on a quiet lake the night before the rest of the family came. 
    Will my butt hurt from the 9 hour ride.  You betcha!  Will my legs hurt from sitting that long?  Yep!  But it is all worth it to see his smile.  Will I cry as I drive away?  Without a doubt.
    Commitment:  Thank you Jason.  I understand even though some do not.