From The Past: October 22, 2007

My day started off well enough. I took Jesse to school for her dad. Once Ashley was gone, I wrapped our recently purchased Christmas presents for her.

I had just picked up one of Andrew’s gifts to wrap when the phone rang. It was my mom letting me know the Marine recruiter had called Andrew and informed him that he would leave for Louisville at 3 PM. TODAY.

Tomorrow he will travel by plane for South Carolina. From there, he will travel by bus to Parris Island.

Andrew joined the Marines back in early August, I believe. He was actually supposed to leave a month ago, but then they kept him here because something with his job wasn’t ready. He signed on to be an MP and he doesn’t want anything less. They’re really pushing for infantry people, but Andrew stuck to his guns and held out for the MP (Military Police) position.

For the next three months he will be in basic training. He will then attend schooling for another three months. I am upset they notified him at the last minute that he was leaving; however he was scheduled to leave next week as it was.

I know his eyes won’t have this same innocence when he returns:

It was raining when he left:

He will not be here for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. I have cried off and on all night. I feel good knowing he should be safe for the next six months though because they won’t send him oversees without schooling him first.

Before he left, my aunt called and told me that Sydnee had both her catheter and NG Tube removed. I hope they let her eat something.

Mom had to visit UK this evening for platelets. Her phone call was another opportunity for the tears to flow. I never heard anything else, so I assume she is okay. She has a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, so I will try to let you know any details I find out.