Pride

It has been an incredible few weeks and there is so much to write about that I'm reminded once again why I should update my blog at least a few times per week (versus a few times per month!).

You may be wondering about the title of this particular blog, PRIDE, but as I thought of the perfect title it was the one most prevailing feeling over the past few weeks, so I deemed it most appropriate. Pride in my daughters, pride in my country, pride in my city, pride in my family. In a world that tends to be hung up on negativity and as we are deluged with stories and images of pain, suffering, crime, it feels good to be able to highlight the positive.

Brooke started school last week and has approached this year with a drive and determination that is admirable. Instead of slacking off or coasting through her senior year, she has decided to get the most out of the year. Between taking the EMT program at the community college and trying out for and making the swim team, she is on the go from early in the morning (has to be at the school at 5 am every day for swim practice) through late at night. As if swimming, EMT, pre-calc, an on-line course, hockey, and Navy meetings weren't enough, she also starts a new job this week. We are so impressed and proud of her focus and dedication!

This was the week we've been waiting for as D and I traveled to Great Lakes Naval Base to see Brandy graduate from basic training. It was very disappointing that only the two of us could go, but due to the high price of airfare, there was just no way we could purchase tickets. We flew into O'Hare on Thursday afternoon and drove about 45 minutes north and found the hotel with relative ease. After a quick dinner at Giordano's, we turned in early knowing we would be back up very early on Friday to drive to the base.

Brandy had warned me about the traffic back-ups trying to get into base on graduation day, so I was pretty tense until we made it through the line, security, and a packed parking lot and made our way to the hall. As we entered the hall, we found the section designated for her division and found seats square in the center. Time seemed to move so slow waiting for the ceremony to begin - and it was so hard to believe I was finally going to be seeing her! After a seeming eternity, it began with a state flag ceremony which was pretty cool. The divisions were introduced and entered the hall in numeric order. 310, 311, 312, 313.... I'm waiting, camera on and ready to go... 314, 315.... 316..... and yes, 317! As I strained to see her division entering on the other end of the hall, I worried that I might not be able to find her. But as they turned the corner and started marching toward us, there she was, right in front, holding her division flag. It was definitely Brandy.

She looked awesome in her uniform, the shortest one in her division, holding a huge flag, all business and focused on the job at hand. They marched past us and took their place in the formation and she stopped right in front of us. As the ceremony progressed, I was curious about the officers (I think they were officers!) marching up and down the rows of sailors, looking at each of them, resembling secret service agents. It wasn't long before their job became evident, as sailors started to get dizzy, with some even fainting. With the first sign of wooziness, the "secret service agents" would swoop in and remove the ailing sailor, amazingly before most hit the ground. And there was Brandy, right in front, full dress uniform, holding this huge flag.... oh no, what if she fainted? I watched her start to sway a little, lean back, shift her foot and tried to remind myself that she had years of practice in marching band. She could do this. And she did! No fainting for her!

As a final step, the commanding officer inspected the new sailors and then their liberty was announced. Brandy broke away and practically ran over to us. That was one of the best hugs I have ever received! And yes, I started crying.... tears of relief, tears of pride, tears of happiness. She looked amazing and strong and grown up and so adorable in her uniform. (although I'm not sure "adorable" is what the Navy is going for...). After a few pictures outside, we got in the car and she headed for her first taste of freedom in 7 weeks. We went to Portillo's for lunch and my heart wanted to just about burst with pride as she walked in, dressed in her uniform, carrying a pride that emminated from her. A customer walked up and thanked her for her service to our country. What an amazing moment.

We brought her back to the hotel and she filled us in on everything she had experienced, taught us how to fold towels and t-shirts and explained all of her new lingo. She said it went fast and it was a great experience, one she will always remember. We had to bring her back early that night because she had watch and it was so hard to drop her off after just getting her back with us. But with plans to meet up first thing in the morning, we watched her walk to her "ship". (Which actually isn't a ship at all, but a brick dormitory that they call a ship... ha ha)

Bright and early Saturday morning we were back on base, waiting for her to meet us. After a big breakfast at IHop, we drove into Chicago and headed to Navy Pier. (Oh, and you may have noticed a theme here with the food - Portillos, IHop, etc - man, can that girl eat. I have never seen such a little person eat that much food! I think she ate more than Devin!) At Navy Pier, we decided to go on the Spirit of Chicago lunch cruise - the same one the girls and I went on a few years ago when we were in town for State Wars. Brandy was, of course, the star of the show, not only dancing to the Cha-Cha Slide, the Electric Slide among other songs, she was selected to "act" out the part of Lola to the song Copacabana. It was hilarious!! The Navy obviously didn't rob her of her "Brandy-ness". After dinner at TGI Fridays (yes, the third LARGE meal of the day), we once again brought her back to base.

Today, Sunday, was the best day of all. We met her at 6:30 am and brought her back to the hotel for breakfast and then went back to base for church. Brandy has served as the Master of Arms for the church since arriving and was very excited to have us experience one of the services. What an incredible experience. The chapel, which is very large, was full of young men and women, some recruits, some recently graduated sailors, celebrating Christ. With hands in the air, voices singing out His praises, it was a sight unlike any I have ever seen. These incredible young people had not only devoted their lives to defend our country, they were also fully devoted followers of Christ. The chaplain asked for a show of hands how many were occasional church goers (Christmas and Easter), there were a couple of hands. Monthly church-goers? a few more hands. Weekly church-goers? Majority of hands. What a sight! Praise God! We prayed for all of them, for those effected by hurricane Gustav, and for those soldiers and sailors overseas fighting the war. I was overcome with pride for these incredible and brave men and women, so young and yet with so much clarity on their faith and their dedication.

After church, we tried to catch a movie but couldn't find the theatre so we opted for bowling. We had a great time and Brandy challenged me to a game in the bowling alley arcade of her choice. I said yes, without giving it a second thought. Her grin should have been a clue... as she brought me over to the Dance, Dance Revolution contraption. Yep. I did it. DDR. Not only did I do it, so did Devin! (Pictures to come!) Our last dinner was at Giordano's, Brandy's choice, and I tried to
just enjoy every last minute. But suddenly the weekend was over and it was time to drop her off for the last time. Despite spending most of the weekend laughing and joking, I couldn't fight the tears when it came time to say good-bye. It seemed like we had just arrived and I got to see her and hug her and now she was getting ready to leave us. But this time it wouldn't be 7 weeks, it would be two and a half months, or maybe longer. Our next visit would be over Thanksgiving.

As emotional as it was, it was such an incredible weekend and I loved every minute of it. Brandy's excited to see her sisters in November and is especially anxious to get Brooke ready for her boot camp experience. It is so important to her that her sister is happy and successful in her military career and as their mom, I love seeing the camaraderie and mutual respect that has developed.

Outside of all of these happenings with the girls, we were also blessed with getting our house (FINALLY!!!) last week and much more important than a house, being blessed with a brand new member of the family!!! More details to follow in another post... Will also post pictures of the weekend as soon as I get them uploaded!