"I will be strong and courageous. I will not be
terrified or discouraged for the Lord my God is with me
wherever I go" Joshua 1:9
Before my son left for Boot Camp in July 2019, I gave him
a dog tag with this verse on it. Little did I know that
this verse was as much for me as it was for him. I've
always supported our military and been appreciative of
the sacrifice. I realize now I had no idea what that
really meant until I left the room after his swearing-in
and he walked into his new life. What I know now is that
when someone joins the military it is truly a family
commitment and our military families deserve to be
supported, encouraged and appreciated for the sacrifice
they are making to allow our service people to do what
they do.
The emotional and informational support I received from
Marine Parents while my son was in Boot Camp was
priceless as are the connections with other military
families. Knowing to some extent what he was
encountering each day, that my emotional roller coaster
was normal and that he was/is well trained had made this
journey bearable. In some strange way, I will also say
easier. While I trust in God to take care of him and His
will be done, I also know the Marines have prepared my
son well and the military brotherhood is a blessing for a
lifetime. I've met wonderful moms, dads, sisters,
brothers, etc of other Marines and they are the
framily..... friends that become family.
I am proud to raise money for MarineParents.com so they
can continue their mission of assisting military
families. Six months before my son left for Boot Camp he
cut his long hair and donating it. He also raised $3000
for the American Cancer Society in memory of his Grandma
Toodles. My goals are to also raise $3000 to honor my
son and his commitment to service.
