Michael is on his way - Anchors Aweigh

My little boy is no longer little; he's becoming a man. It's pretty hard to see that from my viewpoint, but others can see it easily. He will be leaving on Sunday night to a hotel reserved for those heading off to boot camp. He will be picked up on Monday morning and put on a plane to Chicago, Illinois. He will then be transported to the U.S. Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, where he will begin his career in the Navy. He is so excited and ready for this new adventure. I know he will do great and will come out of this experience a stronger person, both physically and mentally and I hope spiritually. I hope he will remember to pray when he needs to feel those heavenly arms around him. Mine will of course be there all the time. I hope he'll be able to feel them.

Whenever my kids have gone away from home, I have always told them that when they see the moon and stars, to remember that I am looking at the same moon and stars and will be thinking of them. Although I'm ready for Michael to head off on his own, I sit here crying for the loss we will feel here at home. I want him to know that I love him and have taught him everything I know to help him succeed in this world and I hope he will always remember what is important: that he is a special son of a loving and kind Heavenly Father who loves him very much and that his mommy will always love him, forever and ever. I know he will represent me and his family well and will be a great example and missionary to those who he meets out there in his travels.

Michael will not be able to get in touch with us for the first month or so, but I will make sure to update this blog as I hear from him. If you would like to send him your well-wishes, his email is cyprusman08@hotmail.com.

Slideshow of pictures will follow soon!