It was a young man looking clearly into my eyes this morning.
Back from a successful 3 months at boot camp, being forged into a United States Marine. Completing a month off to see family and friends over the holidays. Now having the final Dad-breakfast of this chapter of his young life, before heading out tonight for advanced training and a career going who-knows-where in coming years.
It was a young man across the table. So short a time ago, a little tow-headed boy. Now, a strong-jawed Marine, quite a sight when in his dress blues. We looked into the future together, with both confidence and excitement.
For years, we held him close…with the ultimate parental goal of finally letting go.
And as we had a last talk to cap off this stage of the father-son relationship, it was a young man who was thinking responsibly. Aware of his duties, and of the needs of others. Someone for whom I always felt deep love, but now, another, very profound sense was emerging.
Respect. Mutual respect.
This boy had given us a run for our money. Growing him up was definitely not a trouble-free process. There was heartache and grief. But underneath all the teen folly, a young man was lurking, ready to shed the cocoon and fly.
We’re at the launch pad, and this one is fueled up and ready to go. It’s lift-off time. My heart is oscillating wildly with more emotions than I can even identify. My keyboard, even now, is stained with tears.
Go, David - Go. May God bless you.
Love, Dad
What a moving post, and close to my heart, as my 11 year-old son has started to talk about wanting to join the military. He’s got a few years yet until he’ll be doing anything but being a pre-teen, but the mere thought of him going into the military has already filled me with a mixed sense of pride and dread.
Good luck to him, and to you–sounds like you done good in the dad department!
I have experienced what you write about, Steve. Waves of emotion were welling as I read this. Parenting is an amazing process, isn’t it? I’m convinced that it isn’t supposed to be easy growing them up and that teen rebellion is as much for them as it is for us to become willing to let them go. The most fascinating part is how much their lives help us to learn about ourselves and this wonderful journey called life.
A Dad at the Parenting Launch Pad: [link to post]
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RT @JeanneMale: Parents of teens and young adults will relate to or feel relieved by this blog post by @swoodruff: [link to post]
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Parents of teens and young adults will relate to or feel relieved by this blog post by @swoodruff: [link to post]
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A Dad at the Parenting Launch Pad: [link to post] RT @swoodruff
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As one with a towhead whose growing up has thus far not been “a trouble free process” either, this post gave me relief and hope. Thanks - and congratulations.
By chance fell upon your blog today, and to see this, a story about your Marine.
I was in the USMC from 1986-92. In many ways, such a defining point in my life. I have never, ever, forgotten what it meant for me to become a Marine, and it is such an emotional thing for me to talk about, I doubt I’ve ever fully been able to share how I feel, even with my wife. I see a flag, I cry. I see a Marine, I cry. It is crazy, because the Corps certainly did not develop me into a hyper-emotional person. It is just that my respect and deep appreciation for the Corps, and the things I associated with it (Integrity, Courage, Honor, Strength) are so deep, it makes me emotional.
Best to your family and your boy, your Marine. Undoubtedly he will serve honorably and continue to make you very proud.
Semper Fi.
Dale Dickenson
Portland, OR
Corporal, Military Police, MOS: 5831, USMC 1986-92
Http://www.pdxpapablog.com
Dale, thank you for your service, and for your most encouraging comment. It’s an honor to hear from you and to read your heartfelt words…