Dixie's - Heart and Soul: Just a few of my thoughts

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I'm a 40 something single mother of 2 - Matt, a United States Marine, who is married to the most beautiful girl in the world, Ashley and Kaitlin 14 going on 21, need I say more... two grandchildren, Tyler and Jordyn who is the applie of Mimi's eye... I have the most wonderful man in my life right now. Tony is my true soulmate. I am so happy with my life.... it can't get any better than this!

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Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Just a few of my thoughts

As this will be my final post for the week, I thought that I would give you a few of my thoughts over these past 13 weeks. We are off the Parris Island Wednesday morning around 3:00 am ...

Thirteen weeks ago I sent my only son off to boot camp. I wasn't sure who was more afraid, me or him. I've cried many days, from loneliness, worry, fear, pride, anticipation, heartache and love. They say a recruit goes through a transformation, from young child, to young adult. They are stripped to the core and rebuilt, with confidence, courage, dedication, strength, commitment and honor. All the things a parent spent their lives teaching, the DIs just fine tune them.

As a mother, the strings are pulled taunt and stretched to the limit by forces of life. Do we really ever let go of our children? I think not. The bonds of love are strong!

During these 13 weeks, I also have gone through a transformation, even if it was involuntary. I have learned I do not have control over all my son chooses in life. I have learned that I will have to step back and let him soar. I have learned I can hide my fear well, and that there is no end to the pride I can feel. I have learned that the future is God's, and though I may not always understand it, I accept it.

I can’t imagine what Matt has gone through in his head in the past 13 weeks; how he felt, what he thought. The loneliness, despair, deprivation that he must have felt in the beginning.

Matt could have chosen many paths; keg parties, football games, technical school or just working with no future plans or worries about tomorrow. He chose the most difficult route of all and this says volumes about his character. It is a testament to the positive factors that have affected his life and his ability to shun the negative and accentuate the positive. He is an extraordinary young man. I am so proud of him.

Matt, like all of the other men of Echo Co., is of a generation that has been privileged, given a great deal, exposed to so many secular influences, not known for their study of American history or their appreciation of what this country represents, how it has survived and the sacrifices men and women have made to make it the greatest country on earth. I use to be afraid that Matt would never understand his heritage. I now know that something clicked in him and he did understand that some must wear the uniform, face whatever they must in order to insure our way of life. The Marine Corps will leave an indelible mark on him that will last until the day he dies. He will pass that along to the next generation. Matt will someday look at his son and wonder the same thing I did; does he understand the meaning of this country, its’ history, how special the USA is in the history of western civilization. I believe his children will. He will pass it along.

Matt will be different when he returns. The changes may be subtle, quiet, and hard to define. He will be even more introspective than he was before he left. He will think about what he went through and wonder about his fellow Marines that shared his time in Hell and believe me that is exactly what he went thorough. It will be hard in the beginning for him to adjust to his old life while he is home. He now has a second family that means a great deal to him; that can share what he went through and with whom he can identify.

My son is now a United States Marine. My cup is overflowing with joy and pride. Matt has taught me a very valuable lesson in patriotism. When he first told me of his plans to be a Marine, I questioned him; “Why would you want to do that. We are in a terrible conflict right now, plus the military is for people that can't afford an education on their own." I now understand why Drill Instructors refer to some civilians as "ignorant" civilians. I prayed a prayer of ignorance and ask God to forgive me for being so blind to the calling of a warrior. I am so proud of Matt. His commitment and follow through with this plan is incredible to me. . He was born to be a Marine.

OOH RAH
Proudly Brought to You by Dixie 8:15 AM


Comments on "Just a few of my thoughts"

 

Blogger Vinny "Bond" Marini said ... (10/16/2007 9:14 AM) : 

Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful

And as someone said in an email

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-RAH!

have fun darlin' and let us know when you are back...

LOVES YOU MY SUGARBABY!

 

Blogger Schmoop said ... (10/16/2007 9:21 AM) : 

Have a good and safe trip. And enjoy your times together. Cheers Dixie!!

 

Blogger Maggie Moo said ... (10/16/2007 10:10 AM) : 

This was such a wonderful post to read-Dixie, I'm proud of you too, for being able to hide your fear, for allowing him to grow up and for being there when he needed you.

You're a great mom, and I'm sure Matt is just as proud to have you as you are to have him.

Have a safe trip.

 

Blogger Desert Songbird said ... (10/16/2007 10:19 AM) : 

Aw, Dixie, the tears are flowing dosn my face right now. I'm so happy for you and for Matt. But you know, you planted the seeds in that young man; he made the choices he did based on the foundation YOU gave him. Remember that.

 

Blogger Sandee said ... (10/16/2007 11:28 AM) : 

We know it was hard for you too Dixie. I'm so proud of you and Matt. What a wonderful post this is. Just wonderful. I love you girlfriend. :)

 

Blogger Cinnamon Girl said ... (10/16/2007 1:22 PM) : 

What a lovely post, Dixie. It is the truth, it takes a special person to join the armed forces particularly at times like this. I think they deserve so much credit for being able to see the much much bigger picture.

 

Blogger katherine. said ... (10/16/2007 6:19 PM) : 

when my daughter was born her father gave me a framed drawing with the caption..."we give our children two things...one is roots the other is wings"

You have done both Dixie...and your son...and everyone whose life he touches are blessed.

have a really WONDERFUL time....take lots of hankies and use waterproof mascara!

 

Blogger Tug said ... (10/16/2007 8:25 PM) : 

Wow. You made me cry.

He chose the most difficult route of all and this says volumes about his character. It is a testament to the positive factors that have affected his life and his ability to shun the negative and accentuate the positive.

His character...the positive factors...that comes from you my friend. You absolutely should be very proud of him; but while you're at it - be proud of you, too. It's most definitely deserved.

Many MANY ((hugs)) and prayers go out to both you and Matt. May God bless you both.

 

Blogger Gail said ... (10/16/2007 8:52 PM) : 

Congratulations my dear friend...

And many more to Matt.

The world is blessed to have a strong Mama bear like you.

And we're all blessed to have a person as honorable as Matt fighting for our freedom...

Safe trip -- I know you'll float the whole way there!!

Kisses

 

Blogger Travis Cody said ... (10/16/2007 9:47 PM) : 

I can't add anything to what you've written here. Matt has joined the list of my heroes, and so have you.

Well done my dear.

 

Blogger Theresa said ... (10/17/2007 8:24 AM) : 

Say Thank You to your son when you see him for me. Beautiful post.
No wonder you are such a proud mother.

 

Blogger Charles Gramlich said ... (10/17/2007 9:45 AM) : 

Well said.

 

Blogger Angell said ... (10/17/2007 10:34 AM) : 

You raised him that way Dixie. Be proud of yourself as well as of him. Because I know he's proud of you.

Enjoy all the time you have with him.

Luv you honey.

SMOOCHES.

 

Blogger TopChamp said ... (10/17/2007 5:11 PM) : 

CONGRATULATIONS Matt & Dixie!

 

Blogger Unknown said ... (10/17/2007 6:59 PM) : 

We're proud of him too..and of you for raising him!

 

Blogger Linda said ... (10/17/2007 7:53 PM) : 

I salute both you and Matt as you are both truly amazing people who have made some amazing transformations in the past 13 weeks.

Enjoy these moments.

 

Blogger Semper Fi Mom said ... (10/17/2007 9:54 PM) : 

Congrats to Marine and to Marine Moma!!! I'll be thinking about you tomorrow when you finally get your hands on that new Marine. Can't wait to hear all about it.

 

Blogger Amazing Gracie said ... (10/18/2007 4:03 AM) : 

Man, your post took my breath away!
What a beautiful, beautiful post! I wish all young people could read this and realize how important they are to us but unfortunately, a lot of them haven't been given the blessing of parents that care and nuture them as you have your Matt.
I am so very happy for you! You met a challenge head on and have emerged victorious and blessed!!!
~~~Blessings~~~

 

Blogger Unknown said ... (10/18/2007 12:18 PM) : 

Hey Dixie-
I'm crying all over my keyboard over here.

Before I met my boyfriend, I didn't really understand much about the military. This past year has taught me so much, and everything you wrote rings true for me also, even though I'm not even a mom. I'm proud of your son too, just as I'm proud of my boyfriend and my stepbrother!

Congratulations, Dixie! You've got a Marine now!

 

Blogger JAM said ... (10/19/2007 11:13 AM) : 

God bless and protect you and your son.

He'll always be a Marine.

I'm greatful to men like your son, they pay a price that I didn't have to. I came of age afte the draft, and though I came very close to joining the NAVY, I decided to go to college instead. I'm glad I made the choice I did, but sometimes I wish I had served in the military.

It drives me nuts to hear politicians of all stripes refer to elected office as "public service."

Your son is a public servant, no elected politician ever was or ever will be when compared to serving in the military.

Again, God bless you both.

 

Blogger Beth said ... (10/19/2007 6:01 PM) : 

Have a good trip, and congratulations! My nephew has been home for 3 weeks!

 

Blogger Meribah said ... (10/19/2007 6:50 PM) : 

From the sounds of it, you have raised a wonderful young man who appreciates everything he has been given. I'm so glad that you get to see him soon! Hope y'all have a great reunion. Hugs!

 

Blogger Julie said ... (10/20/2007 12:41 AM) : 

Oh Dixie! Biggie hugs going your way. I've been thinking about you ever since you left...wondering what you're doing. This has to be way more then cool can ever be!

Love ya Dixie Darlin!

 

Blogger Unknown said ... (10/21/2007 4:24 PM) : 

Wow! I got goose bumps just reading this story. Your pride overflows and is something to truly celebrate. What an incredible journey you both are on.

 

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