A Month of Gratitude, Day 24

Friday, December 31, 2010
Even though it's New Year's Eve, I'll be going to bed early this evening - I have to get up at 3:00 a.m. in order to ensure the Smart Sailor makes it to the Airport in time for his 6:00 a.m. flight back to Naval Training Center, Great Lakes.

The Smart Sailor is the last of the guests to make his way home, and in a way the most melancholy. I am incredibly proud of my Smart Sailor, and delighted that he's conducting his adult life in a way that reflects a dedication to honor, courage and commitment. And yet...I do miss him, and passing the torch to my adult children has resulted in a confused panoply of feelings including pride at what fabulous human beings they are, regret that I didn't do a better job as a parent, and terror that I cannot protect them from what they might face in their adult lives. It's the natural order of things*, however, and my joy far outweighs my fear and regret.

Today, I'm grateful that my son has found his way to an adult life where he belongs, where he can be proud of his vocation and his service, and where his unique talents and abilities will be leveraged not only for his benefit, but for the greater good.


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*Stupid natural order of things.

2 comments:

Anne C. said...

I'm guessing you mean that it's the most melancholy for you. Is he excited to get back to his studies?

synce = stupid "hip" respelling of the preposition

Janiece said...

Anne, he is excited, yes. His turn to be melancholy is yet to come.