The whole point of our adventure was to get my hands on Christopher for REAL!
Family Day is the Thursday before graduation where the soldiers are allowed to have visitors for the first time and spend the day with them around base. WITHOUT a battle buddy and/or Drill Sgt. A big deal.
We don't look tired of each other yet, do we?
Chris warned us about the scary people in round hats!
Actually, he really liked his Drill Sgts and has a lot of respect for them.
When I asked Chris if he cried or ever wanted too?
He replied, "Not until Family Day when Annie and Geoffrey jumped over the fence and came running on to the field to greet me!"
First thing after a few hugs...Hamburgers!
Christopher received a special acknowledgment, being chosen as
Soldier of the Cycle for his company,
by his peers and Cadre.
Quite an honor and we are very proud!
We made it to him!
And more importantly HE made it through Basic!
Of course I made him show me his muscles back at our hotel.
He did not approve this posting, but I don't think he has access to my blog yet!
There is so much to tell about this experience. I sometimes find it difficult to express that which is so close to my heart, publicly.
When our kids first started school we told them, that the most important grade ontheir report card was for deportment.
Attitude, citizenship, what ever. It has been called different things at the different schools they have attended.
It has always been most important to me that my children are contributing to the bettering of those around them, not just getting ahead.
Wouldn't every parent rather have a kind "C" student than an "A" student who is self righteous or judgmental?
Now, I don't think the two are counter intuitive, you can have both. I just always wanted my kids to know that being important is not the same as being noticed.
When Christopher mentioned he was nominated for this award, I was so happy for him.
He hasn't had a lot of experience in being recognized for his abilities.
As his mom, I've known they were there,
I'm just not sure he ever knew, really knew what he was capable of.
We fasted and prayed as a family that Christopher would get the Drill Sergeants he did.
They helped him find the best parts of himself.
I am so grateful to them.
They decided that Christopher, among his entire company, best exemplified the Army values:
Loyalty
Duty
Respect
Selfless Service
Honor
Integrity
Personal Courage
The ultimate Mother's Day weekend!
10 comments:
What a wonderful experience! I'm so glad you were all able to go. It's great watching them grow up - and I can see quite a bit of his grandfather in him :)
What a great post! I think he probably learned all those great qualities from his great parents too!
Your pictures made ME cry! So happy for you! I totally agree with that being a "C" student Versus an "A" Student thing.
Congratulations Christopher!!!
okay, OF COURSE he won that award...carolyn is right... you have raised him right. how very, very proud you must be. good work, mama.
second, you are adorable and lovely and beaming.
third, and please don't take offense, your hubs is a cutie!
fourth, what is in store for christopher now?
and finally, please share as much as you feel comfortable sharing... i want to hear all about it. you are such a beautiful, supportive family. you should be SO proud.
Congratulations Christopher! (And to the rest of the Beckstrands who survived the road trip....)
I didn't feel like crying until I saw the picture of you hugging Christopher. What an accomplishment. We're proud of him, too.
We saw the linguistic place in Monterrey.
And I agree with Carolyn about have great qualities because of his parents.
That photo of you hugging him sent me over the edge. I had to cry at that one! I'm so happy for you and for the great son you've raised. I have so much respect for him and your parenting OF him!
Happy mothers day to you!
Wow! It is so good to know that it all pays off... you know? Maybe we don't actually have to drug them to get them to behave after all. He did this all on his own. I am proud for you.
That is so great Harlene! He's so handsome and now taller than all of you :D
You're sucha great mom!!! What a well deserved day for you :)
GO CHRIS!
Awesome, you must be so proud! Congrats to mother and son on a job well done!
I loved this line, "I just always wanted my kids to know that being important is not the same as being noticed." a priceless understanding.
Precious moments!
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