The Wheels on the Bus
January 4, 2008|
16 years ago in the fall, I walked my little boy down to the bus stop for his first day of kindergarten.
He had his backpack filled with all the things the school said he should have. He had his lunch box packed with goodies (all nutritious). His double crown had been tamed, at least for the time being, his clothes were clean and tidy and his shoes were tied.
I will never forget the catch in my throat as he tried to get on the bus and he couldn't quite get his foot on that first step. He's gotten on many buses since that day and he can certainly reach the first step now.
Today, he got on another bus. I didn't walk him to the bus stop, didn't pack his lunch and didn't tame his double crown. He is more than capable of doing all of those things even if he doesn't do them.
Today, he got on the bus that will take him to Lejeune and then he'll go to another base for more training. He'll get about a week of leave after that and then yet another bus will take him to an airplane that will take him to the sandbox.
I just realized how much I hate buses.
*hugs*, SemperFi Wife.
Posted by: Marine Wife | 01/04/2008 at 08:17
SFW - You are such a courageous and dedicated wife and mother. I saw a youtube video the other day from a soldier about how he felt when coming back from Iraq. The one line in it really stuck in my mind. It said that the only thing more difficult than being a soldier is loving one.
I miss my hubby so much every day and worry constantly. Saying that, I look at my daughter and know that I am not that strong to handle her doing the same thing. Kudos to you for your strength and courage to support your son in doing what he chooses to do because you instilled in him those deep moral values and commitment to serving others. What a wonderful mother you must be!
Posted by: SeabeeSeniorWife | 01/04/2008 at 08:18
While reading your post I started getting teary eyed. **BIGHUG** for you. I am at Lejeune if he ever needs anything.
Posted by: ammowife | 01/04/2008 at 08:23
sending hugs and strength
Posted by: dizzylizzie | 01/04/2008 at 08:27
Awwww.
You made and raised a wonderful, honorable family.
I'm so blessed to know you.
Posted by: airforcewife | 01/04/2008 at 08:59
darn it, that made me teary...
A thank you to you and yours that continue to honorably serve
Posted by: awtm | 01/04/2008 at 10:23
darn it, that made me teary...
A thank you to you and yours that continue to honorably serve
Posted by: awtm | 01/04/2008 at 10:23
Heart-wrenching post. You've done your job, and because of that, I know your son is more than prepared to do his.
Posted by: Andi | 01/04/2008 at 10:27
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the - Web Reconnaissance for 01/04/2008 A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day...so check back often.
http://thunderrun.blogspot.com/2008/01/web-reconnaissance-for-01042008.html
Posted by: David M | 01/04/2008 at 10:55
Aww... ::HUGS:: !!!!!!
Posted by: Penny | 01/04/2008 at 12:57
Aww... ::HUGS:: !
Posted by: Penny | 01/04/2008 at 12:58
That image of him not quite able to reach the first step...and now... isn't it amazing how time slips by?
Good job to a great mom!
Posted by: wendy | 01/04/2008 at 14:21
I remember thinking, when our son called from Germany to tell me that his unit was deploying.. How can this be? He's my baby! he's my little boy, the one I made hold my hand crossing the road... Time flew so fast, and while I was so proud of him, I still had that mommy instinct.. to protect him. This one, SFW, is almost harder than a spouse deploying. You and I did, at least, understand the military and how it works, the vocabulary and the uncertainties. does that make it easier? I don't honestly know.
LAW
Posted by: liberal army wife | 01/04/2008 at 16:45
Wow. I'll just ditto AFW - you made and raised an honorable family. Can't be easy but I am grateful that families like yours exist.
{{{hug}}}
Posted by: HomefrontSix | 01/04/2008 at 17:20
Mom's like you, mom's like mine, who step aside to allow a nation to send their children into harms' way, have earned blessings that only the Almighty can bestow. The very act, that quality, forms the bedrock of defining who we are as a people.
Me and mine, join those of the nation, as we stop, take off our hats, and honor you son as he moves forward, for us and his country.
He goes with out prayers and our gratitude.
Toad
Posted by: Maint Toad1 | 01/04/2008 at 22:51
SFW, I also have tears... tears for you as a mother sending her son to the sandbox... and tears (of pride)for your son for his strength and courage to commit himself to the "ultimate duty" of his life.
My prayers are with your family and your son in this new chapter in your lives.
I will definitely look at my son's school bus a bit differently now. But this is a good thing - it will help me remember those who have "stepped on the bus to the sandbox."
Big hugs to you and yours.
Posted by: Joan D'Arc | 01/05/2008 at 23:44
The quiet strength that has shaped that little boy into the man, the Marine, comes not from Lancelot, my friend. It comes from you. And soon you'll re-discover -- as with that first day of school -- that buses bring them home as well as take them away.
Posted by: Sly2017 | 01/06/2008 at 16:45
You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din...
Posted by: Tracy | 01/06/2008 at 20:08
As I tucked my three boys into bed last night, I thought of you. It's hard for a mother to imagine letting go that way. They seem so small and they grow so quickly! The time we share with them at home is so short and fleeting.
We'll all keep your son (and his remarkable mom) in our thoughts, hearts and prayers!
Posted by: GBear | 01/07/2008 at 05:07