Semper Fi

Here I am with my sons, all of whom are Marines. I have spent many restless nights and days worrying about their safety and through it all I have remained clear on one thing. That is, that you must support your children in whatever positive avenues they chose in life. The amazing thing about the Marine Corps is the unmistakable transformation that each and everyone of them go through from the moment they decide to join the service until the day they graduate basic training. You see your sons who will always and forever be your children, but after the training they emerge these strong, willful individuals you hardly recognize. They are no longer your little boys that have spent endless nights playing ball, laughing, having fun with their familly and friends, trying to beat the next level of whatever video game they are challenging or waiting for you to come rub their backs while saying their prayers, give them a kiss good night...tell them you love them for the last time of the day and as you leave their room you look back and smile, turn off the light and to yourself you say a prayer to keep them safe. They no longer answer with long annoyed tones, "Mam"...they are tall and intense...they are strong and confident...they are men. They come to you with smiles you have seen thousands of times, but with a new strength...a new brand of character. They are Marines. I promise you will never be prepared for this transformation, but at the same time could not be more proud. With watery eyes you look on as they march across the parade deck with a sureness that you have never seen before and you know from that moment their world has changed, they will never be the silly little boys that on some level you wish they would stay so you can protect them. You know they are about to embark on a new world filled with many things, peril comes to mind. You only want the best for your children, you always have, but you know it is time for them to shine...all you can do as a parent is know they love you and let them go. I do not agree with this war...I have been told by friends this is not a war, but I know in my heart with each life that is lost...with each moment of suffering this is a war and there is no turning back. Please say a prayer for my sons and for every man and women who is serving their country in the way they see fit.

My regards...