28 days and couting

Can you believe it? In 28 days my son will be a United States Marine. Can you believe how time has flown by? When I let go of my little boy on July 23 I thought that it would be an eternity until I saw him again. I never realized how fast the time would fly. I would like to ask each and everyone of you to pray especially hard starting October 11 - 13 as this is when Matt and his fellow recruits will go through the crucible. What is the crucible, you may ask ... well ... The Crucible emphasizes trainee teamwork under very high stress. Matt and his other fellow recruits will only get eight hours of sleep during the entire 54 hour exercise. They get two-and-a-half MREs and they are responsible for rationing out the food to themselves. Then they are put through tough physical activities like road marches and night infiltration courses. They march about 40 miles in those 54 hours. Once they have finished, they will have successfully earned the title of United States Marine. Here is a prayer that I have found that I have already sent to Matt. I am hoping that he takes it with him when the embarks on this journey. A mom's crucible prayer When you awoke this morning to begin the crucible, Did you know I walked every step with you that was possible? When you humped all those miles over rough terrain, Did you know I was by your side again? When your rations were low and your belly was hungry, Did you know that I wished it wasn't you but instead it was me? When your feet ached and blistered from stress, Did you know that I was carrying you deep in my chest? When you were tired and sore and almost ready to fall, Did you realize I would have carried it all? When you had little sleep and your eyes were red, Did you know I would have given you my bed? When you had to push and pull for that extra mile, Did you know that I was so proud and so tall with such a big smile? When you went to boot camp, I went to one too, It is the one where mom’s worry over all you go through. I couldn't eat dessert, knowing that you had no treats, I felt guilty for wanting a pedicure, when you had tired feet. I anguished over every tough moment, I thought you had,I cried when I missed you, I cried when I was sad.I cried over your letters, that declared your love for "MOM" I cried over thinking about the day you would come home. I cringed if I thought someone was yelling at you Even though I knew it's what they do. I lost sleep just wondering how you are. I prayed and thought and even wished upon a star. Now you’re almost through and soon you will be one of THE FEW THE PROUD, a new Marine! I get an honor too, for going through the boot camp for MOM'S I get to hug and hold you in my arms. I get to see how handsome you really areI get my bright shining star No I don't get a medal or a pin to wear I don't get to sport that awesome Marine hair My reward is one that can't be seen It's called "Being the Mom of a U.S. Marine" ! SMOOCHES~