Cody, I am so proud of your accomplishments. You have proved that whatever you set your mind to, you will do. I am so glad that you are enjoying the field that you so unwillingly (or fate placed you in)had to go into. You have always been a leader and a take charge kindof person. You will do so well as a combat medic. You have always taken care of others. Right now, I need you home to help 'take care of someone else'. That person really needs your advice and concern that only you can provide. You know what I mean... You have always been one that they look up to and can talk to when there are problems. Well, there are problems that need only your advice... And thank you for always being here for them! I know you are only miles away but, when we get you back here, spend as much time as possible nurturing in only your way.
I am so looking forward to August being over. I wish I could just blink and it was be gone. I don't mean to wish my life away but, it's just the way I feel. This has been such a long time to be gone. I know that in the near future, you will be gone for a much longer period of time. I know you are being prepared to go overseas and I realize that you are ready to take that step. It will always scare me to see you and your buddies go over. I'm just so darn proud of your willingness to serve this great country. All of you soldiers are the real heros. I love you so much and can't wait to wrap my arms around you again...
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Another Reality Check...
Well, I headed to bed early tonight and as always, I get a call from Cody. I know not to try and go early. We chatted for a while and then he tells me that Hunter B got his call today. He is being deployed to Camp Shelby and then on to Iraq. BAM! A ton of bricks hit me hard! I know that this is what they are training for but, I just thought that it would be a little while before they would have to go. And as Cody explained, this is what they have been trained to do and they look out for each other. They are a family unit and will do everything to help each other out. That is good to know but, these are still our children and it is so hard to let them go. They are truly men and will be out protecting OUR FREEDOM. They are truly brave men and will do our United States proud.
Hunter, I know you probably do not read my blog but, I wish you the very best and pray for God's hedge of protection to be around you at all times. You go out there and do the best you can and I know that will be great because you have always given your all. You have made your family and friends so proud of all you have accomplished. This time will seem like eternity but, we will be welcoming you back here with great pride in saying that we were there when he was making us proud on the ballfields too!!! I love you and wish you godspeed. You will be hearing from me while you're gone...you can count on it!!!!!!!!
Hunter, I know you probably do not read my blog but, I wish you the very best and pray for God's hedge of protection to be around you at all times. You go out there and do the best you can and I know that will be great because you have always given your all. You have made your family and friends so proud of all you have accomplished. This time will seem like eternity but, we will be welcoming you back here with great pride in saying that we were there when he was making us proud on the ballfields too!!! I love you and wish you godspeed. You will be hearing from me while you're gone...you can count on it!!!!!!!!
Friday, June 26, 2009
The heat is on...
It's been a long summer and it's just started. I've been concerned about the triple digit temps that Cody is having to endure. I know that we all are going through high temps and we just have to drink lots of fluids and keep cool the best we can. But, after talking to him on Thursday night and finding out that they have had 2 soldiers die this week from the heat, I have just had some added worry to this mama mind. The soldiers were from another company but still, they were someone's child. From what I understand, they got up every morning and drank an energy drink before PT drills and passed out. Neither were able to be revived and died. How stupid can someone be??? Very...There are so many young (and older) people that rely on these energy drinks and don't realize that the just dehydrate you in the long run and that leads to major complications. The best thing for your body is just plain old water. Occasional gatorade is good, but water is what your body truly needs. The group at Fort Sam Houston are talking about going to reverse schedules where they will sleep during the hottest part of the day and do the drills and classes during the nights. I know this will be tough to get used to, but due to the excessive heat, it appears to be a good decision. Just a little over 9 weeks left...thank you God!! I really don't want to wish my summer away but, I do wish to get through this heat and get my soldier boy (man) back home. I am going to treasure that fellow like I've never treasured him before. I am so proud of him and all he stands for. He has grown so much since he's been gone. He has matured into a very strong and intelligent man. His values are shining through. There have been some trying times for him out there. So many temptations and aggrevations from some of the guys out there. The lack of discipline has been a real eye opener too. So many of the recruits are really not there for the right reasons and it is showing.
On another note, Cody is doing great with his medic training. His grades are super and at one point, he said he ranked 4th in the group. Of course, when I told
Tommy about this, his comment was..."Why can't he be 1st?". This is typical Tommy...he has always pushed our kids to be the best at whatever they did. Sometimes I thought he pushed them too hard but, all three of them have said that they appreciate the pressure that he placed on them. That pressure made them what they are today. If you're not #1, you lose...Runner up means nothing. So, Cody, keep pushing for the best. I know you can do it. You just have to give the extra mile. Oh, and watching House is not the same as studying...haha You KNOW what I mean!
Cody, I know you read this blog and I just want you to know how very proud I am of you. I know I tell you often, and I will continue. You are doing a wonderful thing by volunteering to serve our country during this difficult time. There is a war going on and that has strenghthened your desire to be a soldier. You and your buddies are great men and are setting such a good example to other people. You will make great leaders in your future and I can't wait to see what this future holds for you, Hunter, and Clint. Again, I am so proud to have been a part of all of this.
I Love You and miss you bunches!!
On another note, Cody is doing great with his medic training. His grades are super and at one point, he said he ranked 4th in the group. Of course, when I told
Tommy about this, his comment was..."Why can't he be 1st?". This is typical Tommy...he has always pushed our kids to be the best at whatever they did. Sometimes I thought he pushed them too hard but, all three of them have said that they appreciate the pressure that he placed on them. That pressure made them what they are today. If you're not #1, you lose...Runner up means nothing. So, Cody, keep pushing for the best. I know you can do it. You just have to give the extra mile. Oh, and watching House is not the same as studying...haha You KNOW what I mean!
Cody, I know you read this blog and I just want you to know how very proud I am of you. I know I tell you often, and I will continue. You are doing a wonderful thing by volunteering to serve our country during this difficult time. There is a war going on and that has strenghthened your desire to be a soldier. You and your buddies are great men and are setting such a good example to other people. You will make great leaders in your future and I can't wait to see what this future holds for you, Hunter, and Clint. Again, I am so proud to have been a part of all of this.
I Love You and miss you bunches!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Missing the Peacekeeper
Well, I've realized that the Peacekeeper in the family is being missed terrible right now. I've told how Mallary and Shelby fight but, for the past couple weeks...OMG has it been terrible!!! They cannot even be in the same room without words flying. Now is the time that we realize that Cody has always been the one that has brought peace and contentment to our family. The girls absolutely adore him and they just can't seem to get along without him. He 'plays' with both of them in a different way. He can pick and fight and laugh the whole time. They seem to enjoy every minute they are together. Right now, that 'glue' is missing. I am so hoping that this next few months passes so quick...
On another note, to help decrease the fighting, Mallary has gotten a job at Macon Medical. Maybe with her time being occupied with a job, she will be so worn out at the end of the day that she won't be so hard to live with. These two girls won't even get in the pool at the same time. So, now Shelby will have her swim/lay out time after her class and not have to deal with the criticism.
But, one day, I know they will get along and actually love each other. I remember not really liking my sisters and I got over it. Now, they are my best friends. So, hopefully, they will be too.
Oh well, needless to say, we are so ready for Cody 'the peacekeeper' to return home. We miss you babe!!
On another note, to help decrease the fighting, Mallary has gotten a job at Macon Medical. Maybe with her time being occupied with a job, she will be so worn out at the end of the day that she won't be so hard to live with. These two girls won't even get in the pool at the same time. So, now Shelby will have her swim/lay out time after her class and not have to deal with the criticism.
But, one day, I know they will get along and actually love each other. I remember not really liking my sisters and I got over it. Now, they are my best friends. So, hopefully, they will be too.
Oh well, needless to say, we are so ready for Cody 'the peacekeeper' to return home. We miss you babe!!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Reality hits
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.
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.
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.
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