He Did It!

Well, it's official. Chris became a United States Marine at approximately 9:00 a.m. yesterday morning. That is when his Drill Instructor presented him with his Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and congratulated him. Then he and his new "brothers" got to eat the biggest -and probably best - meal of their lives. Brad and I are brimming with pride. The next step is Graduation Day on the 27th.

OOOHRAHH!

Week 12

Happy Easter to all. Well - two more weeks to go! Today, the Company is traveling back up to Camp Pendelton to complete the Crucible - the last test before the recruits become Marines. Tomorrow, Chris will face the Confidence (Gas) Chamber. The guys have to go into a brick room with gas masks and then the gas is released. They then must "sweep" their masks several times (they are well trained on how to do this by now) and then they have to take them off and remain in the room for a short while. I'm sure it feels like an eternity to them. They they are allowed to leave the chamber and go into the fresh air. It basically empties their whole head of any sinus stuff. One Marine who had a bad cold was quoted as saying "I wish I could go into the Confidence Chamber right now. That would clear me right up!"

The Crucible begins on Tuesday, at about 3:00 a.m. The Crucible is a 54 hour test of everything they have learned up to this point. They must work as a team to overcome obstacles and situations that they may one day face in real life as a Marine. They hike approx. 40 miles, only eat 2.5 MREs (Meals Ready to Eat or backpacking food) during this entire time and only get 8 hours of sleep. It is a true test of their stamina, courage and leadership skills. Upon completion, about 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning, they experience the Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony where they will receive their Marine emblem from their Drill Instructors. This is the moment they become Marines! After the ceremony, they are treated to the biggest all-you-can-eat meal since they got to Boot Camp called the Warrior Breakfast. Ooorahhh!

The picture above is from the platoon video shot on April 10, 2009. The first glimpse of my baby in three months! It's not very clear because it was shot with my cell phone camera from my laptop screen. You can get a better glimpse of it at www.recruitparents.com - click on Photos/Videos (on left), Golf Company, and then 2155. He's on the top row, 5th face you see.

Next week, they get sqared away with their uniforms, paperwork and final medical exams. Thursday, the 23rd, we get to go spend the day on the base with him and then Friday, he graduates! So cool!

Did You Know

I didn't write this poem but it sums it all up perfectly.

Did You Know
by Janet Butterworth-Caldwell
When you went to boot camp, I went to one too.
It's the one where moms worry over all you go through.
I couldn't eat dessert, knowing that you had no treats.
I felt guilty for wanting a pedicure, when you had tired feet.
I anguished over every tough moment, I thought you had.
I cried when I missed you, I cried when I was sad.
I cried over your letters that declared your love for "Mom".
I cried over thinking about the day you would come home.
I cringed if I thought someone was yelling at you
Even though I knew it's what they had to do.
I lost sleep just wondering how you are.
I prayed and thought and even wished upon a star.

When you awoke this morning to begin the Crucible
Did you know I walked every step with you that was possible?
When you humped all those miles over rough terrain,
Did you know I was by your side again?
When your rations were low and your belly was hungry,
Did you know that I wished it wasn't you, but instead, it was me?
When your feet ached and blistered from stress,
Did you know that I was carrying you deep in my chest?
When you were tired and sore and almost ready to fall,
Did you realize I would have carried it all?
When you had little sleep and your eyes were red,
Did you know I would have given you my bed?
When you had to push and pull for that extra mile,
Did you know that I was so proud and so tall, with such a big smile?

Now you’re almost through and soon you will be
One of The Few, The Proud, a New MARINE.
I get an Honor too for going through the boot camp for Moms.
I get to hug you and hold you in my arms.
I get to see how handsome you are.
I get my bright shining star.
No, I don't get a medal or a pin to wear.
I don't get to sport that awesome Marine hair.
My reward is one that can't be seen.
It's called "Being the Mom of a U.S. Marine."