We had to be at a small airport in northern Illinois by 7:30 because our son was leaving for San Diego with his NJROTC unit. The unit was to be ready to leave between 9:30 and 11:30. The plane did not have an arrival time because they fly military transport and when it gets there it is there. The plane arrived at 10:30. The cadets loaded the plane, boarded the plane and by 11:10 they took off. Some of the parents stayed to see the unit off. I missed my son loading his sea bag on the plane and I thought I was not going to be able to say bye. I turned to walk away and someone said to turn around because my son was heading back to the hanger. We walked to each other and he hugged and kissed me goodbye. What a great feeling. When he turned and walked away I started to cry. Seeing your son get on a plane that says United States Navy is very heart breaking and makes you proud at the same time. I know this is not the last time I will see him get on a plane with those words. Yes he is just in Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps but he wants to make the Navy his career as an Officer. This photos shows the unit in formation getting instructions for loading the plane.
After an hour drive home my husband and I did some holiday shopping. When we got home it was time to light the second candle for Hanukkah. This is dinning room table with some of my menorah and other Hanukkah decorations. The menorah I am using was my grandparents and must be over 70 years old.
A while later my husband started to decorate the real Christmas tree in the living room. I will post phots of the tree another day.This is the menorah in the front bay window. The window muntons get in the way but you still can see the menorah and lights.
This the front of our house. Because my husband got sick this is all the decorating he was able do. Santa, reindeers, slay and wreath did not get put out. I will show close up photos another time. The little white patch on the right is all the snow we have left. I sure hope it will be a white christmas here in Chicagoland.
I just got a call from my son they landed, he is the barracks, showered, in a clean uniform and ready for chow. Now I can go to sleep knowing he is safe.
Sweet Dreams Everyone and for those of you just getting up Have a Great Day!
Debbi
2 comments:
Hey,
I have a 21 almost 22 year old son, and I'm sure I would feel like you if he got on a boat and headed out somewhere. My brother is a retired chief petty officer, my dad was an airman, so the military has always been in our family.
I will pray and ask God to comfort your heart during these upcoming days.
I love the way you have blended the celebrations in your family. Really beautiful Menorah table, and so wonderful that you have an heirloom there from your family, too.
My son was in the Navy, but didn't do the career path. After he spent a year scrapping paint on the side of one small ship (and he *chose* that duty station, being top in his class!), he decided that maybe he would not do that afterall. LOL! He loved being on the Lincoln, though - maiden voyage. So long ago now! I loved getting postcards from around the world.
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