Graduation

On October 24th Mike had his Pass in Review at Great Lakes. I was able to ride up with his parents to Chicago. We stayed in a hotel Thursday night and were off to the graduation at 7:30 am. Finally, Liberty was called for the recuits and I had to make my way through 1,005 sailors to find mine. The ceremony was amazing; nothing like what I've seen before. There were so many there in uniforms (besides the recruits). Mike had to leave us quickly to report back for his bus ride to the airport. Colleen, Jim and I went to McDonald's and then we too were off to the airport. We met him there and then spent some time in the USO at the airport. We then had to say our goodbyes so he could catch his plane to Mississippi for his A-School.

It was amazing to be able to see Mike again. He lost a lot of weight and behaved like a sailor, but it was still the same personality behind it all. It was a huge relief to be able to spend those few precious hours with him. He now has his cell phone and his laptop with him. I've been talking to him all througout today and it's been wonderful! I never get tired of talking to him. He'll complete A-School in January. We are already planning for the next time we'll be able to see him.