Christopher has been getting a LOT of mail lately. A lot. Taking the college exams has brought letters and applications from schools all over the US. I think it's been fun for him to see the different schools and to look around at his options. I think too it is nice to be courted from universities who believe you have something to offer.
Checking the mail has never been Christopher's job - or at least not for a long time - but I notice that he takes it on some days. I would too if I were getting the volume of mail he does (and junk mail does not count!).
So one day, he placed one of his letters out on the counter for me to see. This is the no warning part again. I'm not even sure how it hit him when he saw it. I don't guess he saw it coming either.
Should have I known that this was coming? Maybe. My reaction? If you know me, I'm sure you can guess. Tears. I'm just not ready to believe that my "baby" is almost 18. I remember when he was little (2ish) and I met a woman with "older kids" and feeling sorry for her as I didn't then realize that all the fun kept going and didn't stop when they were little. (Oh, and the older children were the ripe ages of 5 and 7! What a silly thought it seems now - but perspective will do that for you!)
The draft. Did I even know that they still did this? I know it's an honor to serve our country, but I'm still not ready for my son to be in that position, kwim? And I don't like thinking that I'll get to see that same letter 3 more times. I'm sure I'll cry each time too.
Time to count my blessings. I'm so thankful to have Christopher as a son. I'm thankful he is healthy and strong and has lived a good life. (This really hits home when we are studying in the colonial period where the life expectancy was much, much shorter!). I'm thankful for the fine young man he has become and I love being his mom!!! I'm thankful to live in American and thankful for the men and women who have fought for our freedoms. I'm thankful to serve a loving God who holds us all in His hands.
Blessings
Leslie
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I wasn't very happy to see that letter either. My son will never have to serve because of his medical issues but it still was a shock. I seemed to spend that whole year being shocked over and over again. Thinking of you during this time of growth.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Dawn
Leslie, I remember that day too! It was like a knife in my heart. It's so hard to think of our little boys as being old enough to be counted for military service. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteWarning, Christopher will begin to get other mail soon too. The credit card companies think a young 18 year old headed to college is prime pickins' .
Oh, friend, I so identify with your feelings and emotions on this one. I'm so prone to hold on tighter still through all these new changes and milestones, but as you said, I know our loving God has our sons safely in His hands. They are growing and maturing and spreading their wings just as He designed. I join you in thanksgiving for the remarkable young man Christopher has become. And I'm thinking of and praying for your heart amidst the continued newness and change. Love you, friend.
ReplyDeletewow -- i still have a way to go but this breaks my heart, I CAN UNDERSTAND!!! my dad retired from the national guard 2 years ago after coming back from Iraq... service men are wonderful but to think they are our babies makes it totally different!! xoxo God will take care of all our worries, we just have to remember to turn them over to him!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteMy son received the same letter a few days ago. I was sitting at the kitchen table with his grandmother and I was suddenly overcome with fear and sadness. . . My baby!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Mrs. White