January 7, 2020
Two Cadet Homecoming!
On January 4th, a beautiful day with misty rainshowers threatening the gorgeous parade ground at Camp Blanding, I watched both of my cadets march in their pass and review (ceremony parade at the end of the 2019-2020 winter encampment). I almost cried two years ago when it was just Christina. As I watched this day, I was overwhelmed with pride and a bit of anxiety.
Kimberly is twelve. My spunky little fireball has taken her future by the horns the last two semesters and spent her twelfth birthday, as she’d planned it for almost two years, attending her first Civil Air Patrol meeting as a cadet. I’m not sure Mom (me!) is ready for her to take on so much independence just yet. I’m missing my snuggly, grinning, dog-wrestling toddler who used Sheba as a pillow-pet before we knew those toys existed.
Christina was OIC of food services. (In English, your know, civie-speak, please?) That means she was the basically the kitchen manager for encampment. I’m sure it was far more detailed and with at least some oversight, but that’s the break-down bare-bones version of her staff role this time. I’m sure, based on these pictures, that she is fairly comfortable giving orders.
Moments like this both amaze me and, honestly, almost scare me.
How can my babies be so mature already?
How did 16 and 12 years flash by?
Life goes by so quickly. I’ve learned to just release and enjoy. Watch them grow and smile as they fly. I love learning the young women they are becoming! Thank you, Jesus, for the opportunity to be a mom. Thank you for Christina and Kimberly and for the time I’ve had with them. I pray for them daily.
I pray as they soar. I pray they keep their eyes on you, Jesus, reach for the stars, determine to achieve what appears impossible, and reach down to help others on their climb.
I’m sure that’s just the misty rain in my face… or are those bits of joyful tears?
Parade is done, rain begins to fall, and we wait in the van for the cadets to change into civies for the trip home.
Now I get to hear their challenges, thrills, new experiences, friends, and new goals they’ve faced and discovered on the long ride home. Homecomings. I am beginning to understand my parents’ tears on our Christmas surprise (when almost all of us showed up together!)…
Type at you next time,
~Nancy Tart