He's out of Isolation July 24, 2020

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 What a whirlwind the past few weeks have been. June 12 graduation, followed by parties, work, and preparation for the Army focusing on July 6. That day came and went with tears and smiles. He made it. The long journey of childhood to teen entered a new phase to manhood. We knew that our boy needed to mature and the military would help him become the man he needs to be. Off he went with visions of basic training in his head.  Tuesday July 7 we got a final text at 10pm that he was almost at Fort Benning. We thought that would be our last contact for a few weeks. On Wednesday July 8, I sent him an I love you text that I assumed he would see in a few weeks. The evening of Thursday 7/9 I was shocked to see a response to my text. Although he tested negative for Covid he was near a positive and had to go to isolation so he would have his phone for the next 14 days. Those days were beautiful. We talked on the phone at least once a day and snap chatted often. God provides what we need, when we need it.

During those first few days of waiting, I refocused my energy on my younger children. We went to the river together and I threw my phone to the side. Actually I think I was smothering them. My need to make up for the mistakes I made with AB were overwhelming the younger two. They were like, "Mom we know you love us. It's ok."Is it always the oldest child who is tough? We make mistakes and feel regret because we didn't know how to handle a strong willed child. Artillery boy had exuberance, endless energy, and a radar for the dangerous. My frustration as I realized I could not control this kid just about put me in the mental institute. Looking back through pictures from his childhood, I see every memory in an instant. His childhood had ups and downs like any other. He is a good boy and will be a good man. 

Thursday July 9-Thursday July 23 Artillery boy was in isolation amid rumors that Covid had gotten so bad that they were going to send the recruits home. Yesterday, Thursday 23, he told me he had another plan figured out. He would go to Arkansas, pronounced R-Kansas, to attend welding school and make $4200 a week. I reminded him of why he joined the military-he didn't want to go to college but also he wanted to gain the skills the military could provide. The rumors really got into his head. So after all the quiet down time, he is on the move. Yesterday 7/23 at 4:30 he moved to 30th for reception. My prayer is that he will move to basic by next Friday. He has a different timeline in his head that brings him home for Christmas but he understands he has to do what must be done. It's hard to think about him struggling with the waiting, but it will build patience. 

We are ready for the next step whatever that means. Hopefully we will hear this weekend what the plan is for him. 


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