Yesterday I got a text that said..."I'm happy here. I'm proud that I'm in the Army". That first made me happy but, then I had to analyze that simple comment. I had to question what had happened to cause that comment. Nothing was the response. I kept digging and the more I dug, the sadder I became. To the point that I boo hoo'd for quite a while. What hit me was the fact that my little boy was no longer my little boy. He has grown and matured into his own man. He told me that it was going to be weird coming back home. Now, I can take that one statement many ways. But, I do understand what it means. He's learned that he can make it on his own and although I will always be his mother, he can do without some of me. I guess that sorta hurts but, it's part of your children growing up. I want them to need me but, I also want them to not need so much. Seems sorta stupid but, hey, it's how I feel. I realize that when I bring him home in September, that he won't be in my house for very long. I know that he will need his own space and his independence. And, being in the parent's house is not going to be what he needs. I always knew that when Cody left home, he would never be back. I have told Tommy that so much and he always told me that he would come home. But, it's not the same. Now, his coming home is mainly to visit. I know that before, he was anxious to get back to his friends and his own lifestyle. I know, all parents experience this 'empty nest syndrome' in some form or fashion
Then, when I talked with Cody Saturday night, he was frustrated...or maybe we should say mad. They were getting smoked quite often because of a few other people's stupid mistakes. There were some guys that had gotten alcohol and had gotten caught. In the Army, they all pay for one's mistake. They had random drug/alcohol screens, had locker checks that morning, and had to suffer the consequences. Also, today, a couple guys left base to get tattoos and did not return for roll call. The whole platoon payed the price for these guys also. They were supposed to get an off base pass next week and that was taken away. They will now be in lock down all weekend. I know this is so frustrating to the ones that are trying to do right. It makes those think that it really doesn't matter because they have to suffer right along with the troublemakers.
This made me mad that my son was having to go through this. I didn't sleep much last night thinking about this and the true meaning. I came to the conclusion that no punishment is too great when you are going about life in the right way. I know Cody is there for a reason and I feel like God has led him here and we may never know the purpose but, there is one. I think about God letting His Son die on the cross for my (and your) sins. Wow...He paid the ultimate price for our stupid mistakes...before we even made them. This really hit me. I'm bellyaching about a little punishment for minor things and God's Son DIED for mine. It kinda sheds a different light on Cody's situation. If Jesus could bear our sins, I do believe that Cody will make it through this minor punishment. He's strong and has the Saviour on his side. There may be someone there that does not and Cody's strength may be what they need to see. I just keep praying that Cody stays strong in his faith and serves God in all he does. I pray for him and his platoon daily and encourage others to lift them up as well. Include also Hunter and Clint in these prayers because I know they are probably experiencing the same obstacles where they are.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Starting Over
Since my last post, I've been without internet service so, I've got some catching up to do.
The first few weeks at AIT in San Antonio was a shock. I think Cody was expecting a little more freedom and that didn't happen right away. It was a lot like basic training 2 but, hopefully now things are a little more settled with classes and study time. So far, when talking to him, he seems to be enjoying what he's learned. He's really interested in learning more about the human body and how things work. First part of AIT is basically working toward the EMT certification and then on to the actual Medic care. It's a lot to learn in four months time and will take some major study time. The troop was told that a big majority of them would not make it in the medic field. If Cody puts his mind to it, I know he can do it.
He had a somewhat slower weekend last week because of the Memorial Day holiday. I don't get too many details on what they are doing now that I can. It was a treat to get the phone on Sunday but now that it's readily available (somewhat), I have to text 'call your mother'. haha. But, isn't that how it goes?
Oh, now Cody has a new address so here it is....
PFC Boykin, Cody
E Co 232 Med BN (platoon 1)
2950 Koehler Rd Bldg 1350
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234
Also, Clint Brown's address...
RCT Brown, Clinton B 9270
Kilo Company 3RTBN PLT 3058
Box 16335
Parris Island, SC 29905-6335
In case you forgot Hunter Brown's...
PVT 2 Brown, Hunter J RN207
ECO 2 54 INF
8775 Albanese Dr
Ft Benning, GA 31905
Letters and cards are really appreciated from them. It helps to know that people back home are thinking of you and appreciate what they're doing. All three of these guys are super people and have been true leaders. Help out with the encouragement...and to those that have already...Thanks!!
The first few weeks at AIT in San Antonio was a shock. I think Cody was expecting a little more freedom and that didn't happen right away. It was a lot like basic training 2 but, hopefully now things are a little more settled with classes and study time. So far, when talking to him, he seems to be enjoying what he's learned. He's really interested in learning more about the human body and how things work. First part of AIT is basically working toward the EMT certification and then on to the actual Medic care. It's a lot to learn in four months time and will take some major study time. The troop was told that a big majority of them would not make it in the medic field. If Cody puts his mind to it, I know he can do it.
He had a somewhat slower weekend last week because of the Memorial Day holiday. I don't get too many details on what they are doing now that I can. It was a treat to get the phone on Sunday but now that it's readily available (somewhat), I have to text 'call your mother'. haha. But, isn't that how it goes?
Oh, now Cody has a new address so here it is....
PFC Boykin, Cody
E Co 232 Med BN (platoon 1)
2950 Koehler Rd Bldg 1350
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234
Also, Clint Brown's address...
RCT Brown, Clinton B 9270
Kilo Company 3RTBN PLT 3058
Box 16335
Parris Island, SC 29905-6335
In case you forgot Hunter Brown's...
PVT 2 Brown, Hunter J RN207
ECO 2 54 INF
8775 Albanese Dr
Ft Benning, GA 31905
Letters and cards are really appreciated from them. It helps to know that people back home are thinking of you and appreciate what they're doing. All three of these guys are super people and have been true leaders. Help out with the encouragement...and to those that have already...Thanks!!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Reflections
We made it back home Friday night after 12 hours straight driving. Between Shelby and me driving, we made great time. I thought I would write about my thoughts about the last few days so here goes.
There were so many guys of different nationality, beliefs, and all around different values that we met. I was truly impressed by the guys that Cody hung out with. One in particular was Aaron Burgess from California. His dad and little brother were there and we spent some time with them. What impressed me the most was that when we took Cody back that first night, both guys had books in their hands that they were taking to AIT with them. Codys was an Army soldier bible that I had gave him and Burgess' was...another Bible. Wow...that brought a tear to my eye to think that out of 240 men there, Cody had made friends with a fellow Christian. Birds of a feather...
On the last day, we stayed around to observe the end of day rituals. The guys had roll call, dropped for push-ups, repeated cadences, etc. That was really cool to see. But, I also counted my lucky stars for the kind of man that Cody had become. There were men there that had wives, babies, small children, girlfriends, and other family and friends visiting. It was so sad seeing the faces and hearing the cries of the small children that didn't understand daddy being left behind. The babies didn't seem to notice mommy crying because daddy couldn't come home with her.
There were pregnant wives/girlfriends clinging on like their life depended on it. Grown men crying because they were sacrificing their families for OUR COUNTRY. I was so thankful that Cody had held firm to not have a girl left behind. He had said that he didn't want to have someone back home missing and waiting for him. The important women (you know who you are) needed to be able to go out and have a good time and not worry about him. He would be back and if a relationship was meant to be, it would happen at that time. Now was a time for him to focus and dedicate to being the best soldier he could be. For this I thank God that he is going into this with all his heart.
But, no matter how much I enjoyed my time with my family and getting to see my son, I am so glad to be home. They always say that there's no place like home.
I thought it was kinda funny when we got out to the hotel and the manager told us that the next day was supposed to be hot and humid. Well...we told him that we were from Mississippi and we were ready for anything. The wind blew...constantly! The temp got up in the 80s and there was humidity (at least that's what they were saying). Poor Burgess and his family were talking about how miserably hot and sticky they had been all day. We never broke a sweat! Burgess will be spending 5 months in Georgia...we told him to get prepared for a long miserable summer. If Oklahoma was bad, just wait for the Southern summer! California must have wonderful weather all the time because they said that they had never experienced this kind of humidity! Wow...I can't imagine.
We said our goodbyes and watched the troops go up to their barracks. Went to bed preparing to return home the next day. Cody was sceduled to leave for the airport at 7:30 the next morning for a 9:45 flight out to Dallas. To my surprise, he text me that plans had changed and he was leaving at 3:30. The next morning, thinking that he was well on his way, I was called and told that he had been at the airport since 4:00 and the plane wasn't leaving until 9:45. We delayed leaving and went to spend time with him at the airport. When it was announced that the 9:45 flight had been delayed until 10:30, we decided to go on. His flight was postponed 2 more times and finally got off at 12:45. He arrived in San Antonio around 4:30 and is now at Fort Sam Houston.
When I spoke to him today, he said that he thought he was going to like this...Females were there! Oh no...now I have another thing to worry about. Haha. I'm anxious to see what goes on during this time. He's in reception period until Sunday when they will be moved to the AIT site and begin his studies. 4 months to go...I'll keep you posted.
There were so many guys of different nationality, beliefs, and all around different values that we met. I was truly impressed by the guys that Cody hung out with. One in particular was Aaron Burgess from California. His dad and little brother were there and we spent some time with them. What impressed me the most was that when we took Cody back that first night, both guys had books in their hands that they were taking to AIT with them. Codys was an Army soldier bible that I had gave him and Burgess' was...another Bible. Wow...that brought a tear to my eye to think that out of 240 men there, Cody had made friends with a fellow Christian. Birds of a feather...
On the last day, we stayed around to observe the end of day rituals. The guys had roll call, dropped for push-ups, repeated cadences, etc. That was really cool to see. But, I also counted my lucky stars for the kind of man that Cody had become. There were men there that had wives, babies, small children, girlfriends, and other family and friends visiting. It was so sad seeing the faces and hearing the cries of the small children that didn't understand daddy being left behind. The babies didn't seem to notice mommy crying because daddy couldn't come home with her.
There were pregnant wives/girlfriends clinging on like their life depended on it. Grown men crying because they were sacrificing their families for OUR COUNTRY. I was so thankful that Cody had held firm to not have a girl left behind. He had said that he didn't want to have someone back home missing and waiting for him. The important women (you know who you are) needed to be able to go out and have a good time and not worry about him. He would be back and if a relationship was meant to be, it would happen at that time. Now was a time for him to focus and dedicate to being the best soldier he could be. For this I thank God that he is going into this with all his heart.
But, no matter how much I enjoyed my time with my family and getting to see my son, I am so glad to be home. They always say that there's no place like home.
I thought it was kinda funny when we got out to the hotel and the manager told us that the next day was supposed to be hot and humid. Well...we told him that we were from Mississippi and we were ready for anything. The wind blew...constantly! The temp got up in the 80s and there was humidity (at least that's what they were saying). Poor Burgess and his family were talking about how miserably hot and sticky they had been all day. We never broke a sweat! Burgess will be spending 5 months in Georgia...we told him to get prepared for a long miserable summer. If Oklahoma was bad, just wait for the Southern summer! California must have wonderful weather all the time because they said that they had never experienced this kind of humidity! Wow...I can't imagine.
We said our goodbyes and watched the troops go up to their barracks. Went to bed preparing to return home the next day. Cody was sceduled to leave for the airport at 7:30 the next morning for a 9:45 flight out to Dallas. To my surprise, he text me that plans had changed and he was leaving at 3:30. The next morning, thinking that he was well on his way, I was called and told that he had been at the airport since 4:00 and the plane wasn't leaving until 9:45. We delayed leaving and went to spend time with him at the airport. When it was announced that the 9:45 flight had been delayed until 10:30, we decided to go on. His flight was postponed 2 more times and finally got off at 12:45. He arrived in San Antonio around 4:30 and is now at Fort Sam Houston.
When I spoke to him today, he said that he thought he was going to like this...Females were there! Oh no...now I have another thing to worry about. Haha. I'm anxious to see what goes on during this time. He's in reception period until Sunday when they will be moved to the AIT site and begin his studies. 4 months to go...I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Family Day and Graduation
Well, Family Day finally came. We were supposed to be on base for a 10 oclock Demonstration. I'm sitting at the hotel around 8 just waiting. I have butterflies in my stomach just waiting to see my son. It's been a long time (to me). We finally decide to leave around 8:30. I know an hour and half early. But, I guess we need to make sure we can find the spot. We get on the base and follow the directions (I think). Pull into the first parking lot and there are no cars. We think that we are doing great. We are the first ones here. A soldier walks by and we ask him if we are in the right spot for graduation...nope. We're on the wrong side of the base! You would think that the people at the gates would have told us this. They asked if we were here for graduation and just let us go right in. This gate was on the opposite side of the highway, not like it was just the wrong side of the base!
We finally got to the area that we were supposed to be in and had to stop at a stop sign and let soldiers pass. Boy, Tommy got impatient! He started fussing that they just kept coming and looks like they would let us go ahead...like we were the only ones on base trying to find out soldier!Ha. We had to wait until 10 for the activities to start and at straight up 10, the music started and just to the right of us up ahead we heard the troops marching and chanting. Oh, the butterflies just started fluttering!! They set off smoke bombs and the troops had to march through all this smoke...hey, I'm trying to see my baby! The battery of guys lined up across the field from us. We knew Cody was in the second row, 4th person. Mallary took lots (and I mean lots) of pictures of the guy in the 2nd group, 2nd row, 4th person. I told her that it was not him but she argued with me...Never argue with Mama when it comes to where her baby is! I had found him and...yep...it was him. I asked him is he scratched his back and did some other movements and he said "how'd you know" Mamas just know...
After the demonstrations, where they did an enemy capture routine, showed us combat fights and other manouvers that they had learned, they dismissed back to the bays for instructions for the day. We marched behind the troop and they lined up in formation yet again. I found my boy and when they were told to go up and change for the day, I grabbed him and had to get my squeeze on. I turned around and there was Mallary with tears streaming down her face and she grabbed hold of him and wouldn't let go. Shelby was right behind with the same intent. Tommy didn't force his way throught the crowds to get to him in time. Oh, and Mallary was so persistant in getting to him that she actually shoved this older guy completely out of her way!!! Such force!
I felt like forever before the guys finally came out and boy were the hugs intense when they did appear. We met several of his platoon buddies and their families. Took lots of pictures (all posted on facebook).
Since Cody has had Army rations for the last 10 weeks, whatever he wanted, he got! We started out at Pizza Hut where he enjoyed himself. Went to the mall and hung out with some of his buddies and their families. Then back to the hotel for a little rest and computer time. He hasn't had his computer until this time. We went to Longhorn for steaks later that afternoon. He had to be back on base at 8:30, so we went on early and hung out at the PX and back at the bay. It was hard to let him go back, but I knew we would be together again the next day.
We got to the hotel right before a major storm hit. The lightening was spectacular!! We were awaken around 12:30 with hail hitting the window. Sounded like someone throwing rocks at us but, we were on the 3rd floor so, we knew that wasn't possible. The storms were gone when we got ready to leave the next morning.
Now, we are at the Graduation site and there are crowds of people waiting in line. Of course, we were an hour early here too. We were waiting on the doors to open, and when they did, Mallary shot out like a rocket!!! We were one of the first in line. When we got down to the front row, Mallary and another Mom were into a word battle!!! Mallary was telling her to go find her another row because this one was hers and she wasn't budging! Tommy sat inbetween these two and he told them both to 'shut up' several times...I made Mallary and Shelby swap places in order to put some space between them. Burgess' dad and brother ended up swapping with the lady in order to put a little more space between them. After all, Burgess' family knew this lady and Burgess and this mom's son are both friends with Cody. We had even hung out with this group the day before...not today. haha
Funny thing about that fight, the soldiers were seated in the rows next to us. I looked over, and 7 people away...there was Cody. He heard the whole thing and couldn't even laugh!! How's that for control?
I was so proud of Cody. He graduated in the top 10% of the class! What an honor for him. After the ceremony, we had to sign them out. The Drill Sargent started a clipboard around for us to sign and this is where I got into it with another mom...like mother, like daughter... The clip board was with the lady beside me and another person put her hand on it and got it as soon as the one before signed. Well, I put my hand on it as this lady was signing. The lady beside me looked and told me that she had been standing there first. Huh!! NO...She had not...as I so politely told her. I got the board next!!! She placed her hand on it while she fussed the entire time I was signing and when I got done, I passed the board right on over to Burgess' dad!! There, fuss now lady!
We fed Cody good againg and visited a Museum. Cody said something about just hanging at the hotel so, that's where we are now as I'm blogging. Bless my sweet son's heart, he is sound asleep on the bed. Poor thing hasn't had much sleep lately. He had forewatch last night again.. I am enjoying the sound he makes when he sleeps and being able to glance over and see his precious face!! Oh what bliss...
We have to take him back tonight at 8:30 again and he leaves for San Antonio at 7 AM. Things will be more lenient there and he will be able to call home more often. That makes me feel better and I know that after making this first 10 weeks, the next 12 will go fast too. He has matured so much in this little while and I am anxious to see the transformation in September when I go out to see him and BRING HIM HOME!!!
We finally got to the area that we were supposed to be in and had to stop at a stop sign and let soldiers pass. Boy, Tommy got impatient! He started fussing that they just kept coming and looks like they would let us go ahead...like we were the only ones on base trying to find out soldier!Ha. We had to wait until 10 for the activities to start and at straight up 10, the music started and just to the right of us up ahead we heard the troops marching and chanting. Oh, the butterflies just started fluttering!! They set off smoke bombs and the troops had to march through all this smoke...hey, I'm trying to see my baby! The battery of guys lined up across the field from us. We knew Cody was in the second row, 4th person. Mallary took lots (and I mean lots) of pictures of the guy in the 2nd group, 2nd row, 4th person. I told her that it was not him but she argued with me...Never argue with Mama when it comes to where her baby is! I had found him and...yep...it was him. I asked him is he scratched his back and did some other movements and he said "how'd you know" Mamas just know...
After the demonstrations, where they did an enemy capture routine, showed us combat fights and other manouvers that they had learned, they dismissed back to the bays for instructions for the day. We marched behind the troop and they lined up in formation yet again. I found my boy and when they were told to go up and change for the day, I grabbed him and had to get my squeeze on. I turned around and there was Mallary with tears streaming down her face and she grabbed hold of him and wouldn't let go. Shelby was right behind with the same intent. Tommy didn't force his way throught the crowds to get to him in time. Oh, and Mallary was so persistant in getting to him that she actually shoved this older guy completely out of her way!!! Such force!
I felt like forever before the guys finally came out and boy were the hugs intense when they did appear. We met several of his platoon buddies and their families. Took lots of pictures (all posted on facebook).
Since Cody has had Army rations for the last 10 weeks, whatever he wanted, he got! We started out at Pizza Hut where he enjoyed himself. Went to the mall and hung out with some of his buddies and their families. Then back to the hotel for a little rest and computer time. He hasn't had his computer until this time. We went to Longhorn for steaks later that afternoon. He had to be back on base at 8:30, so we went on early and hung out at the PX and back at the bay. It was hard to let him go back, but I knew we would be together again the next day.
We got to the hotel right before a major storm hit. The lightening was spectacular!! We were awaken around 12:30 with hail hitting the window. Sounded like someone throwing rocks at us but, we were on the 3rd floor so, we knew that wasn't possible. The storms were gone when we got ready to leave the next morning.
Now, we are at the Graduation site and there are crowds of people waiting in line. Of course, we were an hour early here too. We were waiting on the doors to open, and when they did, Mallary shot out like a rocket!!! We were one of the first in line. When we got down to the front row, Mallary and another Mom were into a word battle!!! Mallary was telling her to go find her another row because this one was hers and she wasn't budging! Tommy sat inbetween these two and he told them both to 'shut up' several times...I made Mallary and Shelby swap places in order to put some space between them. Burgess' dad and brother ended up swapping with the lady in order to put a little more space between them. After all, Burgess' family knew this lady and Burgess and this mom's son are both friends with Cody. We had even hung out with this group the day before...not today. haha
Funny thing about that fight, the soldiers were seated in the rows next to us. I looked over, and 7 people away...there was Cody. He heard the whole thing and couldn't even laugh!! How's that for control?
I was so proud of Cody. He graduated in the top 10% of the class! What an honor for him. After the ceremony, we had to sign them out. The Drill Sargent started a clipboard around for us to sign and this is where I got into it with another mom...like mother, like daughter... The clip board was with the lady beside me and another person put her hand on it and got it as soon as the one before signed. Well, I put my hand on it as this lady was signing. The lady beside me looked and told me that she had been standing there first. Huh!! NO...She had not...as I so politely told her. I got the board next!!! She placed her hand on it while she fussed the entire time I was signing and when I got done, I passed the board right on over to Burgess' dad!! There, fuss now lady!
We fed Cody good againg and visited a Museum. Cody said something about just hanging at the hotel so, that's where we are now as I'm blogging. Bless my sweet son's heart, he is sound asleep on the bed. Poor thing hasn't had much sleep lately. He had forewatch last night again.. I am enjoying the sound he makes when he sleeps and being able to glance over and see his precious face!! Oh what bliss...
We have to take him back tonight at 8:30 again and he leaves for San Antonio at 7 AM. Things will be more lenient there and he will be able to call home more often. That makes me feel better and I know that after making this first 10 weeks, the next 12 will go fast too. He has matured so much in this little while and I am anxious to see the transformation in September when I go out to see him and BRING HIM HOME!!!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Anticipation
We left out around 6 Monday night and drove to Pine Bluff, AR. We finally found a hotel around 12 after the first one being totally booked. This hotel was sorta on the pitiful side. But, nowhere near as bad as the one the ballteam stayed in at Ferriday, LA (if anyone remembers that!!). The air conditioner did not work and it was a long 5 hour rest! But, really, who could sleep? We made it to Lawton, OK around 3 on Tuesday but, we had to pass by Fort Sill before we got to our hotel. That was really, really hard. I think I have done good up til now but, when I saw that sign, and thought that my son was behind that gate...I teared up. Now, I didn't cry. That was hard to hold back but, I didn't want Tommy to think I was a total idiot.
Sleep came early Tuesday night. We were all tired from lack of sleep the night before. But, of course we stayed up to see Idol (go Adam). Dark just would not come... It was almost 9 when darkness fell. Just as we hit the pillows, I got a call from Cody. No sleep yet!! He was excited. He was chosen as an honorary graduate. That means that he was selected out of 244 people. Only the top 10% will be awarded this honor. Like I've said before, I am so proud of Cody.
Will add more later...
Sleep came early Tuesday night. We were all tired from lack of sleep the night before. But, of course we stayed up to see Idol (go Adam). Dark just would not come... It was almost 9 when darkness fell. Just as we hit the pillows, I got a call from Cody. No sleep yet!! He was excited. He was chosen as an honorary graduate. That means that he was selected out of 244 people. Only the top 10% will be awarded this honor. Like I've said before, I am so proud of Cody.
Will add more later...
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Basic is OVER!!
Cody called this afternoon with the "I'm done". Wow! Has it been 10 weeks...YES! He is helping his platoon members get their jackets in order for graduation ceremonies. They are having to do a thorough cleaning for the commander's inspection. Hmmm think this cleaning will continue once he comes home??? We'll see.
We are leaving Monday afternoon and heading to Oklahoma. Mallary and Shelby will both be able to go. Thank you Lord!! Mallary will be taking her final on Monday at 3:00 and she will appreciate any prayers put out there!! hint hint. I'm starting to get giddy as a school girl thinking about seeing Cody. Sounds kinda dumb, but I sure have missed that fellow. There's something about those sons! They sure know how to wrap their Mom around their little finger!! But, girls do that to their Dad so...Oh well.
This experience has really made a change in Cody. When I talk to him, I hear a maturity that wasn't there before. I think he appreciates family and home. Things he always took for granted are now things that he can look forward to. I am so anxious to see where this new area of his life will take him. I can't wait to see what is in store for his future. He's gonna do great things. Of course, I'm prejudiced!
Clint Brown leaves for the Marines in a couple days...keep him in your prayers as well as Hunter and their parents. I know how hard it is to have one son away, I can't imagine both. They are great men and will do well. Good luck Brown men!!
We are leaving Monday afternoon and heading to Oklahoma. Mallary and Shelby will both be able to go. Thank you Lord!! Mallary will be taking her final on Monday at 3:00 and she will appreciate any prayers put out there!! hint hint. I'm starting to get giddy as a school girl thinking about seeing Cody. Sounds kinda dumb, but I sure have missed that fellow. There's something about those sons! They sure know how to wrap their Mom around their little finger!! But, girls do that to their Dad so...Oh well.
This experience has really made a change in Cody. When I talk to him, I hear a maturity that wasn't there before. I think he appreciates family and home. Things he always took for granted are now things that he can look forward to. I am so anxious to see where this new area of his life will take him. I can't wait to see what is in store for his future. He's gonna do great things. Of course, I'm prejudiced!
Clint Brown leaves for the Marines in a couple days...keep him in your prayers as well as Hunter and their parents. I know how hard it is to have one son away, I can't imagine both. They are great men and will do well. Good luck Brown men!!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The people you meet
I am getting so excited about going out to see Cody next week. I have missed that boy (man) more than you know. That smile that makes me melt is what I want to see more than anything. That way I know that he really is OK. I miss those little things. The way is eyes glow when he tells his stories, the little curl on the side of his face (when he has hair), hearing his voice anytime I need to...just a few little things I've taken for granted. We are all looking forward to this trip. Just pray for Mallary that her instructors let her take her exam one day early on Monday so that she can go with us. We plan on leaving after work Monday.
I titled this note 'The people you meet' because of people that Cody has come in contact with over the past couple years. As I wrote before, he had gotten to be buddies with Washington State and come to find out, he was a gang member. He has now gone back to his family and home. Hopefully everything will work out for him and maybe he will take a little bit of Cody back with him. As I was talking with Cody on Sunday, I told him about the kidnapping at MSU. This actually took place at his old dorm (the ghetto as he called it). After a while, he sorta laughed and told his story. He and his buddies (Hunter H and Clint) were going to the Sanderson Center to work out quite regular. Here, they made friends with this BIG black guy. They seemed to get along pretty well, as they always do with strangers. It got to be a ritual to go work out with 'Danny'. Well, the kicker is that Danny is THE guy that was arrested for kidnapping, sexual battery, and impersonating a police officer. WOW! Now, I have allowed my son to become friends with gang members and convicts! Haha What a protective mom I've turned out to be! Oh well, all you can do is raise them with values and hope and pray that these values hold firm in their later years. I know Cody is going to be ok because he has proven over and over what a true man he really is. I'm so proud of him and his values that he shows on a daily basis. He's told me about several other people that he is with but, thankfully, the others haven't seemed to be too bad. But, who knows, things may change.
Gotta go on to work now. Just felt that I needed to go ahead and get this little tidbit of information down before I forgot. Post more later.
I titled this note 'The people you meet' because of people that Cody has come in contact with over the past couple years. As I wrote before, he had gotten to be buddies with Washington State and come to find out, he was a gang member. He has now gone back to his family and home. Hopefully everything will work out for him and maybe he will take a little bit of Cody back with him. As I was talking with Cody on Sunday, I told him about the kidnapping at MSU. This actually took place at his old dorm (the ghetto as he called it). After a while, he sorta laughed and told his story. He and his buddies (Hunter H and Clint) were going to the Sanderson Center to work out quite regular. Here, they made friends with this BIG black guy. They seemed to get along pretty well, as they always do with strangers. It got to be a ritual to go work out with 'Danny'. Well, the kicker is that Danny is THE guy that was arrested for kidnapping, sexual battery, and impersonating a police officer. WOW! Now, I have allowed my son to become friends with gang members and convicts! Haha What a protective mom I've turned out to be! Oh well, all you can do is raise them with values and hope and pray that these values hold firm in their later years. I know Cody is going to be ok because he has proven over and over what a true man he really is. I'm so proud of him and his values that he shows on a daily basis. He's told me about several other people that he is with but, thankfully, the others haven't seemed to be too bad. But, who knows, things may change.
Gotta go on to work now. Just felt that I needed to go ahead and get this little tidbit of information down before I forgot. Post more later.
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