Ship Date

Well, after saying goodbye a hundred times and feeling like my cheeks were salt basins here I sit to update all the inquiring minds (our friends and family) about Patrick's adventures. Everyone who knows Patrick, knows that he comes with a story and adventures. Things are never cut and dry. So, of course I have one to tell.

Monday was the day we took him to have one last "test" and then to dinner with the family and off to the hotel to spend the famous night before MEPS. We had already cried all weekend, had a wonderful time of prayer and celebration at the church. It was an incredible send off. Can you dehydrate from crying too much?? hmmm Anyway, we find out at the 11th hour that we can spend the day (Tues) with him at the MEPS office, take pics of his Swearing In Service and say goodbye as they take him off to the airport. Did I mention that the chairs are hard and it was a 7 hr. wait? Ok, so we cried again and said goodbye. We waved as they drove away. I had a lump in my throat the size of Texas!

Around the time he should have been boarding the plane my phone rings. Ok, 3 guesses but the first 2 don't count! Yep, it's Patrick saying his flight has been cancelled. Could we bring him and the 4 other stranded Navy recruits some clean clothes, toiletries etc. By this point I am three sheets to the wind physically and emotionally and can barely see straight. But it is Patrick. Of course we would come! Nathan and I gather up a goodie bag and head to the Charlotte hotel again. We ate dinner with him and had another nice visit before saying goodbye. Now instead of tears there are smiles wondering what he will need next and if he will really be on a plane tomorrow at 12:20! Yeah, there was still a knot in my stomach as I realized soon I wouldn't be a phone call away when he needed something.

So there you have it....
until we hear from him today that he got on that plane!!