Happy Birthday, LCPL Dark Prince
July 10, 2008|
My darling son,
Where you are, it's your birthday and you've turned 22. I don't know where the time went. When did you get so "adult"?
I remember the night before you were born. I knew you were coming and had your dad come home from TBS. We had BBQ. I threw it up. Gross, right? Funny the things that you remember.
I won't bore you with the details of labor. One day, you'll be in your Dad's shoes and you'll know. We'll share a beer, you and I, and talk about it as we celebrate the arrival of your first child and my first (gulp) grandchild.
The thing that I want you to know is, Dark Prince, that your birth changed my life in so many ways. You changed my life for the better, in case you don't understand. You made me grow up. As a matter of fact, we kind of grew up together. I wouldn't trade one day of that growing up process. Even the difficult days were better than not having you around. I don't think I tell you that often enough. I'll make sure to do better with that from now on.
I remember what a great baby you were. You were always so happy in the morning when I came in to get you up. You'd bounce around your bed and smile like the world was perfect because Mom was right there. I miss those days. Your smile really hasn't changed in all of these 22 years and I miss it too.
You used to be in hog heaven when I'd put on "Wheel of Fortune". Twice a day, you'd squeal with glee. I don't know if it was Vanna White or the spinning wheel. It really doesn't matter now. Whatever it was made you very happy. When you were happy, I was too.
We went through Dad deploying many times over the years. I know it wasn't easy for you any more than it was easy for me or your sisters to have Dad gone. We all got through it. And now it's you deployed and Dad is the one that's home (well, not now, he's off on a trip and won't be home until Saturday). He misses you too. It is kind of weird.
Sometimes, I get frustrated because I don't hear from you very often. I know that you're busy. I wish I heard from you more though. I know that you count on me to just "embrace the suck" like I have done with your dad.
Deal. I will do that. I will count on you to call me when you actually can. Okay?
So, happy birthday, Kiddo. Stay busy, keep your head in the game and come home safe and sound. We're halfway there.
I love you.
Mom
I'll say it.
Call. Your. Mother.
And Happy Birthday.
Posted by: HomefrontSix | 07/10/2008 at 20:40
Sniff...
You forgot to give us a kleenex alert.
Posted by: Sarah | 07/10/2008 at 21:47
That was really beautiful, SFW.
Posted by: She of the Sea | 07/10/2008 at 22:03
That was really beautiful, SFW.
Posted by: She of the Sea | 07/10/2008 at 22:04
That was really beautiful, SFW.
Posted by: She of the Sea | 07/10/2008 at 22:06
I read this and it hit me that one day it will be me... I agree this was very beautiful. And Happy Birthday to you son!
Posted by: tad's tibbit | 07/10/2008 at 22:30
I wish a very happy and safe birthday to Dark Prince and a hearty congratulations to the proud and brave mom.
This post, so raw and honest, really got to me.
(And, yes, call your mother!)
Posted by: LeeAnne | 07/10/2008 at 23:00
In the words of my 3 babies, who I am fortunate enough to still have at home...
Happy Birthday to you! cha-cha-cha
Happy Birthday to you! cha-cha-cha
Happy Birthday LCPL Dark Prince cha-cha-cha
Happy Birthday to you! cha-cha-cha
And Happy Grow Up day to you, SFW, as it was on this day, 22 years ago that you learned what responsibility REALLY was. My oldest turned 11 just 2 days ago. I'm having a hard time accepting that I'm the proud "owner" of a "tween"! I can't imagine having a marine!
Posted by: Shanna | 07/11/2008 at 01:39
happy birthday DP. and hey.... call your mom.
SFW - a post that kinda talks about kids and parents in uniform is over at parentszone... Mind if I link to your post too?
LAW
Posted by: liberal army wife | 07/11/2008 at 06:12
Awwww...
You know what cracks me up, though? I have this picture in my head of one of his guys reading this, and his whole unit bugging him, "Dude, CALL YOUR MOM!"
Complete strangers in the DFAC, "Did you call your Mom yet?"
And the Dark Prince wondering how on earth you DO that! :P
Posted by: airforcewife | 07/11/2008 at 07:20
Beautiful post!
Happy Birthday LCPL Dark Prince!
Posted by: Elisa | 07/11/2008 at 08:31
AFW - yeah, I like that idea!
LAW
Posted by: liberal army wife | 07/11/2008 at 08:33
Happy Birthday, DP!
Beautiful post, SFW!
Posted by: Marine Wife | 07/11/2008 at 10:02
Happy Birthday, LCPL Dark Prince! I'll be drinking a beer for ya later on.
Oh, and CALL YOUR MOM!
Posted by: MaryAnn | 07/11/2008 at 11:24
Here, here, I'll drink a beer in your honor LCpl DP. And I won't bug you to Call Your Mom, because, I mean, really, it wouldn't do any good to say Call Your Mom, because you already know to Call Your Mom whenever you get the opportunity, so I won't bug you about it. I'll just say.....
Happy Birthday, LCpl ET....um, DP!!
0>;~}
Posted by: DL Sly | 07/11/2008 at 11:54
Don't they grow fast? Wasn't it just yesterday that they were all home and running thru the sprinklers?
Capture the memories, look at some old pictures and raise a cold one in honor of his birthday.
Hope you hear from him soon :)
Posted by: Laura, a Military Mom | 07/11/2008 at 12:48
AFW, I agree with you! :)
SFW, this was such a beautiful post I had tears just reading it. Happy Birthday to LCPL DP. Wherever you are, may you be safe and have a good day. :)
Posted by: Penny | 07/11/2008 at 15:24
Happy belated birthday to your son. That was a moving post.
Posted by: Just a Girl in a Port | 07/14/2008 at 20:40