Shipping Out

We spent as much time with Cass as a family that we possibly could during those 8 days before he shipped out.  He juggled his time between us and his friends.   Then on the 19th (my birthday), the recruiter came to the house to pick him up to take him to check into the hotel at 3:00 p.m.  He was not shipping out until the next day but they want everyone there the night before.  Luckily, he got to come back home after checking in but had to be back at the hotel at 11:00 p.m.  We did the best we could with the time we had left.  Cass said his goodbyes to his friends.  Pat and I took him back to the hotel that night.  Bruno went along with us. As I stood there trying not to cry but with tears in my eyes...Cass assured me that this is what was best for him.  I told him, and I believe, that I know that is true but it is still hard to let him go.  

The thing is that I do not worry whether or not he can get through basic training and his advanced training.  I know he can and I know he will.  He has the strongest resolve of anyone I know.  Plus, he is so damn stubborn!