Justin’s Anchors Away Party

 

Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation.

I'm kind of jumping ahead of other posts with this one but here it is anyway just because I want to and I can.


Justin’s life living under his parent’s roof is very quickly coming to an end.   It can’t go fast enough for him and it can’t go slow enough for his folks.  He’s no longer a tax deduction.  In return they’ll have an extra room and a unused truck parked in their garage.  We also know that a lot of tears will be shed.  Haven’t we been there?

We are only given our children for a very short time.  During this time it is our responsibility to raise them and prepare them to enter into the world on their own.  We all knew the day would be coming for Justin.  He’ll be stepping into this world without us by his side.  Instead the U.S. Navy will be there to guide him.  All I can say is that they better really, really take care of him for us.  We want him back safe.  It may be a sad day because he is leaving but it’s also a day to rejoice because the job is done.  He’s a man now.    He trades in one boss … his mother … for another boss … the Navy.

Thus, on Saturday we went shopping for food and party supplies for the big event.  On Sunday it was time to celebrate and to wish him well. 

Now, of course, it’s not that we’re not going to see him.  We will most definitely see him.  First of all, we plan on being at his boot camp review in October and wherever we can after that.

The goodbyes started during church service by his preacher and congregation.  Then, it continued on later in the day at his house.  He was the cook.  It was his party.  We just cleaned up after him.  I guess some things never change.

Tuesday is the day and it’s no longer just around the corner.  It is here.  He’s waited for this day for almost a year as he enters the Navy on a delayed entry program.

We love you, Justin!  We’re mighty, mighty proud of you.