You Are So Going to Rock This

It's time to post the next series of photos.

I'm waiting for the right mood.

The right words.

A neutral feeling about the event.

Which is not ever going to happen

*************

Report time was 9:00 for Nathan's squadron for boot camp.

We had to stop at Walmart for paper clips.

Because of the staggered times,

everything seemed very orderly and calm.

Unsurprisingly, the line moved very quickly.

USAFA (You Sa Fa) folk were everywhere; smiling, welcoming,

handing out water, spraying sunscreen.

We followed. We just kept following the line

of kids with black backpacks;

some with parents, siblings, girlfriends.

Some with just an escort.

I had thought about this line.

It felt like it would be long, loud and seem to take all day.

Like waiting in line at Cedar Point for your favorite ride-

feeling nervous and excited, knowing it's all going to be good.

It did not take all day.

It was the fastest line I have ever experienced.

I knew there was a briefing for parents.

We were directed to this white tent.

I didn't bother taking pictures of the big brass speaking.

Time stopped as soon as he suggested

what a honor it was for each cadet to be there

and rattled off impressive stats about the Academy that I already knew.

Time stopped just long enough to revisit 

the disbelief and humble pride

that "we" really, really did it.

He did it.

Then big brass mentioned how well our kids

would be taken care of.

He wasn't supposed to do that yet.

I was thinking of at least an hour long briefing.

Maybe a break for lunch.

Time raced. Fasterthaniteverhas.

Hearing the suggestion to give our last goodbyes and kisses

was like the throes of labor.

What can you do?

What can you do

but let nature take it's course,

knowing that there is promise in pain

and that much pain = much loved.

And so the next phase of the journey began.

I will never forget what he said.

Or the look on his face.

And mine.

And the pain.