My son came home this weekend after 10 days of field training. I have watched him mature so much in this last year. He rarely makes excuses, follows thru on committments, does very good to excellent work, no longer a slob, and expects the same from others. The last part is important. Why? At his age many to most are still immature, they lack focus, they are irresponsible. Its as though the pin feathers have fallen off and left a man. He makes mistakes, we all do. But, he is working hard to be his own man while still including, loving and respecting his family and friends. What more can a parent ask for?

I am so proud of him and the man he is becoming.

He's going to a training that should lead to a promotion to corporal. I admit I don't know all the ins and outs but he wants to advance in his career and do well. I am especially proud of this because he did not get any of the 3 jobs he was supposed to get. And, he wasn't very please with what he got. He could have been like so many people and been angry, resentful, disruptive, etc. but he has been making the best of it and that is leading to jobs he does want.

The only bad news for me, though not to him, is that his unit is deploying in August instead of July. Sounds good until you find out this is because the area he will be going to his much more dangerous. He has promised me he is taking his training seriously and absorbing as much as he can to be ready. I will be doing alot of praying.