It's Official, The Nest is Empty

Sunday
June 7, 2009

Today was bittersweet with both joy and sadness. Thomas left for bootcamp this afternoon which caused emotions to run high for our family. On the opposite side we are so happy for Thomas making a decision to serve his country. Today we officially became empty nesters. A new phase for Gina & I and one step closer to realizing our dream of traveling. I’m not sure how Gina will do tomorrow since this will be her first day with all of her children on their own as adults. We did get some pictures of Thomas leaving. I must tell you that while I was in the Navy I was a recruiter and I witnessed hundred's of goodbyes some good and some bad but today's goodbye was a good one at least while he was there. I could write a book about some of the goodbye's. I guess that could be a topic one day sitting around a campfire with friends.

Thomas with his Recruiter


One Last Family Photo with Thomas as a Civilian

(next photo he'll be a United States Marine)


Proud Parents

As soon as Thomas left I got on the road toward Aransas Pass, Texas. Nicole and Gina went to the store to buy steaks. They decided to have steaks and baked potatoes for dinner. Ashley took a nap and Parker & Shane rented a movie. They all set down and watched a movie, (they didn’t tell me the name of it) and after the movie ended Nicole put the steaks ont he grill since Parker and Shane were glued to the Lakers and Magic basketball game. They all left and went home after the game and Gina called me to let me know that they all left. I finally arrived back home at 10:30. By the time I had the electricity connected to the truck, water turned on to the RV, and the truck unpacked it was after eleven o’clock. I called Gina to tell her good night and that I was going to bed. Now the only problem with a long drive and getting in late is my eyes are tired but my body has all this stored up energy from just sitting for hours and falling asleep is difficult for me. I last looked at the alarm clock at 12:16 so I guess I fell asleep around that time.

All in all today was a Wonderful and Joyful day. Gina and I feel very content knowing that we have raised our children to the best of our abilities and a whole lot of help from God. They are now all on their own and all we can do now is watch them and rejoice with them as they receive the fruits of their labor. This is very fulfilling for us as parents, as I'm sure it is for all parents. However, that’s not to say we don’t long for them to be that small child, totally dependent on us. For us we just get older and they grow up. Well that’s it for the day.

Until tomorrow, Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.