Clint leaving for the Army

As a mother I am having very mixed emotions today.  My youngest child, only boy, Clinton, left to join the U.S. Army.  This is not something new or sudden, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with.  I guess I would feel the same if he was heading off to college like so many others are doing this week.  He is moving on to the next step of his life.

Clint taking the Army Oath.

Last Wednesday:

We celebrated by taking Clint, his girl friend, Chyanne, Nancy (my girl), her boyfriend, Andy, and John and I, out to Clint's favorite restaurant, Red Lobster. 



Me and Clint

Clint and Chyanne

Nancy and Andy

John and Me

Nancy put together a scrap book of old photos for Clint.  She then wrote different experiences they had together, some funny, some serious, some just remembering the good times spent together.  I thought this was the sweetest thing that anyone could do for him.  I know that he will treasure it forever.

Last night (Sunday):

 Nancy and I took Clinton to Raleigh for check-in at MEPS.  After check-in, they told him he had until 10:30pm to report back.  We decided to go out to dinner to spend a little bit of time together.

Nancy and Clint

Being silly

 

Looking good.

Then we still had time before he had to report, so we decided to head to down town Raleigh and go bowling.

Clint and his style

Andy keeping score - Yes, this bowling alley is old time.  You have to score your own!

Clint making up his score.

Me looking tired and Nancy looking beautiful.

Like Mother, like Son.

After a number of games, we had to head back to the hotel, so Clint could report in.  It ended up being a really good night.  We then hugged and said our good-byes.  

This morning the new recruits left on a bus for Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where he will be in Basic Training for about 9 1/2 weeks.  Then onto Ft. Lee, Virginia for another 13 weeks and then to Ft. Benning, GA, for his final training.  I know that time will pass quickly and he will come back a man instead of the boy he is now.  But, I will miss him more than he will ever know while he is away.