John, I am so sorry for stirring such deep emotions.  Yes, father's spend so much time at work to make a living for our family's that we don't get that time.  But, she has made a great decision, very mature of which you can be proud.  She will do well, but concerned if you'll recover.    At least, she is not headed to a war zone.  That's great.  

This last week is full of many symbolical events for our family.

This morning we are about ready to head out to the last Sunday Mass as a whole family before she ships out. She his leaving our town early Sunday morning next week, so today is our last Mass, I know we may be getting overly sentimental through all of this, but hey, mama and dad just can't help ourselves.

Just enjoying the last few hours with my girl right now. I asked her what she wanted tonight for her dinner, the last home cooked meal she'll have for a few months, she wanted Dad's chili and cornbread! So I'm cooking! Love her so much.

In a few days this will seem like life for her.  At the time it sucked, looking back this is about how I felt. 

 

For those who have served imagine this:  Going through Boot Camp at our age.  For the sarcastic ones like me, OMG.  Reminds me of the movie, Stripes.

 

 

 

Mama and me were in San Diego all day yesterday, watching our soldier make her way through the Entrance Processing center and finally swearing her allegiance to our nation as a US Army Soldier.
She is in the air now, powering her way through the sky to Ft. Jackson SC. Where she'll do her basic training. I miss her, we all miss her. darn! That childhood was just way too fast, it's not fair. But, I could not be more proud!

I am completely happy for her, you should of seen her yesterday, beaming from toe to top, so happy and excited for herself. That made me and mama happy.

 

Image below is mama, our daughter Private Tiffany Morris, me, and my Cousin and Vietnam Veteran Andy Mordente. So fitting to have my cousin there!
Tiffany is sworn in, and we are standing with our new soldier. Thank you for your service daughter!

Your family loves you!

 

 

10 hours ago, John Morris said:

Tiffany is sworn in, and we are standing with our new soldier. Thank you for your service daughter!

Your family loves you!

And your extended family here loves and thanks you too!

 

2 minutes ago, Cal said:

And your extended family here loves and thanks you too!

Very sweet of you Cal, thanks for that.

Hearty congratulations to you all. Looking forward to further reports from the field as she progresses.

The next few weeks will be hard for the family, and you know your daughter will very quickly be feeling homesick.  Congratulations to you all. In the weeks to come, your little girl will quickly develop into a strong independent woman. 

4 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Hearty congratulations to you all. Looking forward to further reports from the field as she progresses.

I'll have to start a new topic, "Basic Training". 

13 minutes ago, John Morris said:

I'll have to start a new topic, "Basic Training". 

Do you think she'll have an opportunity to talk with family. It was eight weeks before we got near a phone. 

1 hour ago, Gene Howe said:

Do you think she'll have an opportunity to talk with family. It was eight weeks before we got near a phone. 

Gene, red phase is 3 weeks, no phone calls. Letters are fine if she has time, we'll send letters, but we wouldn't expect any from her. White and Blue phase, they have access to a phone on Sundays. 

7 hours ago, John Morris said:

I'll have to start a new topic, "Basic Training". 

Would be good.  I have my son plus two other "sons" I seem to have adopted currently in Merchant Marine Academy, West Point and Navy OCS training.

 

Entertaining stuff they send me.  

 

Now can you imagine US going through Boot Camp at our age and with our respective wits?  

 

Yeah, kinda scary!!!!   

John, you and your family are in our prayers.