Week Zero

Tuesday, Aug 5th 2008
Today my son opened a new chapter in his life.

It seems like yesterday when Cody was this cute little boy dancing to the sound of his grandpa's guitar with not a care in this world. I would have never dreamed 18 years ago the time would have gone so fast. My mother always said to enjoy the time when they are babies because once they go to school time will pass you by.

I am so proud of Cody. He is handsome, smart, athletic, and an over achiever in everything he sets his mind too. He has and continues to make me proud to be his mother.

Today I believe was the hardest day of my life. To see that young little boy take those first steps into adulthood.

When we arrived at MEPS in Indianapolis (about 8:00am), Cody was there going through the final processing before his departure to Lackland Airforce base in San Antonio, TX. Each time I heard "shipper Shreve" (what a label), it made me proud to have a son willing to put his life out there for his nation. When they called us back to witness him being sworn in, it was moment never to forget. The boy that is leaving me today, will come back a man! We sat around with him until his bus arrived at 12:00pm. When I saw the bus pull up, reality sucker punched me right in the gut. To see him walking down the side walk heading for that bus tore my heart in two. As I headed home, a piece of me was missing. How in the world do these other military moms do it?!

Being the typical (i hope) mother, I got online to watch his plane make it's way to Forth Worth, TX. I was somewhat concerned as Texas was being threatened with a hurricane. But I believe Gods protection is on Cody.

I think the difficult part for me is the unknown. What is he doing? Who is screaming in his face? Is he wanting to come home? Is he ok? Are they breaking his spirit? The list goes on. It is also very difficult to know that there is no communication with him for atleast a good couple weeks if not more. The only thing I can do is pray that God give him strength and peace during this time as well as his family.