This blog will be different than normal because it's not about Chandler. It does affect our family and I want to remember the day so I am writing about it.
The goal of a parent is to raise their child. We want to raise them in the way they should go. We want to teach them how to grow into an adult, become independent and go out on their own. I've realized today that even though your child reaches that goal, it's heart wrenching to let them go. Tonight, we said goodbye to Caleb. He will be heading to Parris Island, SC to Marine Corp boot camp tomorrow afternoon. This has been something that Caleb has wanted to do since he was about 12 or 13 years old. I think back to Caleb's birth and honestly, it doesn't seem like it was 18 years ago. The time has flown by. He has grown into an amazing young man. He has experienced a lot in his 18 years. Most of the hard times have been in the past few years. Losing his older brother/best friend, Chandler, has been the hardest. But, he remained faithful through it all. He has continued to stand firm in the midst of the trial. He is more mature and wise than most his age. He amazes me! He is loving and compassionate. He is a leader. He is funny and he is fun to be around. He is a great brother. He is a loyal friend. He can hang out with people of all ages. He can sit and play with a baby and he can also sit down and talk with someone much older and he will enjoy it. He is also a great boy friend. I've seen him with his girlfriend and he knows how to make her feel like a queen. He is an incredible son. I look at him and I just beam with pride. I am blessed to be his mama!
Tonight, after he was checked into the hotel by the Marine Corp, we were able to go visit with him for a while. So, we picked his girl friend, Sarah, up and arrived there about 5:00. We took him to dinner and then went back to the hotel. We went to the pool area and let Corben and Carlie play. We just sat around the pool. For the most part, we let Caleb and Sarah sit away from us and spend time together. As long as I was in the same room with him, I didn't mind. Sarah makes him the happiest and I wanted him to be as happy as he could be for his last few hours that he had with us. At about 8:20, we had to say our good byes. I tried to be so strong for Caleb. I cried but I didn't lose it. I didn't want to make it any harder on Caleb than it already was.
After we got home, I found Carlie with a flushed face and red eyes. She had been crying. Then, I found Corben on his bed crying. So, we all cried together. After our time together, I went to take a shower and have my own time so I just cried in the shower for a while. It's going to be so different around here. Chandler is in heaven and now Caleb is grown and he is spreading his wings. Our family has changed a lot in just a few years time.
But, we will get through this. We will miss Caleb terribly. But, it's going to be all worth it when we get to graduation and see him dressed and marching with his platoon. He will be beaming with pride at what he has accomplished. I can not wait!!
