It was December 14, 2012. My baby's 21st birthday. I knew something was up with him. He seemed unsettled. He had been wanting a motorcycle which had me worried. Ha. Silly little worry. I thought he might want to quit college and go to work...he had been wanting a new truck. "Mom, I want to talk to you about something...I'm not exactly asking your permission, but I need your blessing".
"I want to join the Marines."
And, in that one little moment, my life I dreamed of that is sure to change, flashed right before me.
"Wait, are you sure you didn't just quit school, buy a motorcycle, get drunk, and get a girl pregnant? Because I'm okay with having a grand baby".
You're laughing right? If you know Kirk you are. He will be a senior in engineering in May. He's made the Dean's list every semester. He found a church before he ever started college and now works there to support himself. I hardly know any of them, but I'm positive they have welcomed him, loved him, and become his extended family.
Kirk had already talked with a recruiter. He promises he had given it a lot of thought. He had researched things, and felt he was called to do something with his life. After much prayer, he was ready to join. I should just stop the story there. What more could I ask for? Of course I want him to do whatever he feels led to do with his life. I want him to travel, face challenges, and be strong. He will always have my blessings...and through faith, I believe God works everything out for our good: even when we make the wrong decisions. Especially when we make the wrong decisions. He's waiting to bless us...those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
It's April now. I can confirm it's possible to laugh and cry at the same exact moment. I've prayed, cried, researched, and am certain it's the right decision for him. Sometimes it's easy to talk about it, and other times it takes my breath away. I cannot comprehend not seeing my baby for so long. Just during Basic Training we cannot communicate at all except by mail. He will leave on a plane with the clothes on his back and less than $20.
May 20, 2013. The last day I will get a hug for 13 weeks. There better be some Drill Instructor to give him a hug for me...LOL, being facetious of course. There are a few books I'm reading about what happens there, and oh my goodness. Every American Christian should read these books. It's kind of like visiting St.Jude. It should be required. I cannot believe I've never really understood and had compassion for the military (and their moms!) until now. It will bring you to your knees and make you patriotic like never before.
So here goes this journey we call life. I'm soaking up every minute I can with Kirk and his brother. J.T. just finished college and will be moving out soon. My luck, May 20th :) We hang out, watch movies, eat, and they fish a lot. Kirk was out for Spring Break this week and J.T. was home so they had a great time together. Fishing, shooting, sleeping late, dirt roads, ...all things for a good country song. Maybe I should call Kenny Chesney :)
So, here we go. You don't know what you're getting USMC. Recruit Allen is one-of-a-kind. Train him hard and take care of him.
I think I'll close each post with a verse or something that has inspired me this week. There is a book we're reading (kirk and I) called "Fearless" by Eric Blehm. There is a scripture this family uses for the Adam Brown Legacy Foundation. 1Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace (who imparts all blessing and favor) Who has called you to His own eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen and settle you.
