Proud

One mad dash this early early this morning....
after a late afternoon call yesterday....
After being rescheduled a few weeks ago, N was bumped up
rather suddenly to ship out this morning....
So, my Sis and I hopped in the car, and
off we went to visit him one last time and
be there to see him swear in.

He was excited.
Not nervous at all.
Can't say the same for Sis.
Although.
I am extremely proud of her.

"Inspected" and registered.
Bar code and all

The officer swearing in gave a very nice speech.
I must say, every one at the MEPS
(Military Entrance Personnel Station)
were very nice, polite, and accommodating for the families.
Made sure everyone had a good view of their recruit and got into the room.



The Oath of Enlistment (for enlistees):

"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

If you know my nephew's story, you know this is a big deal.
This kid had been through hell.
He has come such a long way this past year.
My prayer that he find what he needs have been answered.
My sister is one of the strongest and bravest people I know.
I have never seen N. so excited, anxious and motivated to do something in his life.
He jogs, now, does push ups and chin ups.
He has worked hard to get here.
and I am so proud of him.

To also be in a room full of what I will call our "babies" ,
they all seemed so young,
who are swearing to follow the direction of our president no matter what,
defend the constitution and lay their lives on the line
vol-un-tar-ily folks,
was humbling.
Not sure how I managed not to cry.
That girl in the front was leaving her baby for 14 weeks to enlist.
I wish I could have discovered all of their stories.
The other marine swearing in with N was from Allentown and was 25 years old.
Not fresh out of high school. Making this decision as an adult.

New Recruit and proud of it.

Proud mom.
She deserves so much credit for all she has done.

Aunt who will do her best to send cookies and not worry too much.
Who deserves no credit at all except
to be able to be part of this step in N's life, and show her support.

Godspeed sweetie.
I wish for you great things.
I know you can accomplish anything you truly set your mind to.

Ooo-Rah!!