My Journey began on July 2, 1996, when I left St. Louis, Missouri, going south to San Antonio, Texas, for Air Force Basic Military Training. I will never forget, that particular day was the opening day of "Independence Day", you know, with Will Smith. I thought it very ironic that missing that movie, or postponing my watching of that movie for a couple months, as my first sacrifice for me country. Oh, how honorable, how noble...yeah, right.....
That's all I will get into today. It may take awhile as I describe my 15 year journey; I will reflect on how my Air Force Active Duty status changed to Full-Time Mommy! If you are reading this, chances are really good that you've been there, or you are curious about those who have. Although none of our stories are the same, they certainly bear a similar thread...sacrifice.
Sacrifice comes while serving our country, yet, for me, so much more has come from being a Full-Time Mommy...funny thing is, the rewards (or awards as you'll read about in the days to come), has been the same: Rewards of being there when my children wake, figure out how to sit up, how to crawl, walk, go potty by themselves, talk, reason, have conversations, go to school, paint, draw pictures precisely for me to hang on the refrigerator, spill milk, track sand through the house, leave the lights on, get sick, go to church, ask questions, receive the gift of eternal life, get baptized...need me; oh how those rewards completely outweigh all the sacrifices made...nothing compares.
This journey is not solely for veterans, anyone who has gone from a full-time job to being a full-time mom has a similar journey. So, I hope you decide to join me as I tell about my journey! I would love to read your comments about my journey or reflections about your own journey. Feel free to pass this around to those who you know have taken this journey...it is not an easy one, and it has a very serious need, compatible sojourners. Whether in person, on the phone with occasional contact or over the Internet, we need each other.
