Graduation!

Today was the day.

Brandon graduated Basic Recruiters Course.

My dad and my brother Aaron came with me to graduation this morning.

Just another thing I am going to add to my list of "Things I Am Going to Miss" - making my family members go places with me so I don't have to go alone. Even though this was an exception because they actually wanted to go to Brandon's graduation.

I love the Marine Corps traditions. I love that everything has a procedure, a special way of doing things. Just like the ceremony at the Marine Corps ball, this graduation had me mesmerized. The Chaplain's prayer, the wordage and inflection of the Marine presiding over the graduation, the way the Marines walk, shake hands, and take their certificates. 

The guest speaker's message was moving. In the beginning of his speech, he asked all the spouses to stand up and had everyone applaud them. Then he continued by dedicating the first 10 minutes of his speech talking to the spouses. He began to explain that the spouse were the rock of the Marine Corps and the glue to their families. He spoke about the hardships of recruiting duty and although the Marine spends many hours away from home, his heart is always there. 

It really hit home for me. I had a little nervous-I-can't-do-this-military-life-breakdown back in the spring when Brandon's orders were cancelled. I lost it. I had no control over the situation and I couldn't do anything about it, so I fell apart. And the worst part is that I blamed Brandon, when it wasn't his fault at all. After my temporary insanity, I swore to myself that I would never be like that again. That I was just going to enjoy the ride and make the best of whatever comes my way because I can't do anything about military orders. It was refreshing to hear this man speak about the importance of strong military wives and it reminded me that if I am having a hard time, Brandon probably is too and we need to rely on each other to not only survive recruiting duty but to actually continue to live and enjoy our lives. So even though the closer we get to moving day and the more sad I get, I still have to be strong.

My best friend once said to me, "Get it together, Gini!" (when I was having a moment) and I think I will be telling myself that a lot over the next 3 years.

The speaker went on to talk about Recruiting Duty and the professionalism and integrity that the Marines must adhere to. By the end of the speech, 

my Dad leans over and says, "This guy makes me want to join the Marines."

What a great speaker.

They began calling up the names of the graduating Marines. It was interesting to hear where they were all going. A few got RS San Diego...those lucky guys.

The ceremony ended with a prayer and a song - the Marine Corps Hymn.

I always get an overwhelming feeling of patriotism and pride when I hear that tune. I don't know what it is about that song, but man, it just gets to me every time. 

I know I have been emphasizing a lot lately how proud I am of my husband, but I just cannot help to continue to do so. Brandon has really stepped up his game and I couldn't be more proud of the Marine,  the man and the husband that he has become. I know he is going to make an awesome Recruiter and I can't wait for him to go out there and shine.

It has been nearly 6 1/2 year since Brandon first stepped onto MCRD San Diego (before he even knew me!) and stood on those yellow feet during Boot Camp......look at him now. 

I am so proud.

Oh, and by the way, during the graduation ceremony, I got an email saying our begin packing day is August 31...that's tomorrow! Luckily when the lady called to do the walk thru of our house, she had it changed to Tuesday. I definitely was not ready to move tomorrow. Not at all.