I have seen my youngest son! Glory Hallaluajah!  This morning I attended the Motivational Run for my first glimpse of Slim in three months.  The women Marines came first and then the honor graduates and then my son’s platoon.  And there he was.  30 pounds heavier than when he left. All muscle.  I saw the graduates leaving the motivational run, and I shouted his name loud.  From behind I saw him break into a grin.

 

I have spent the last week preparing to be here. A week ago today CC had a heart procedure that has left his right leg - the leg they saved 40 years ago - so bruised and swollen that we are fools to be here without a wheelchair.  It just has gotten worse and worse in the last week. The simple procedure that wasn’t supposed to challenge this trip at all has had me wondering if we would make it at all.

 

 We are packed with a picnic for 15 people. I have done fly bys at The Reporter trying to get it all done even though I am missing day after day of work.

 

But now we are here. CC is in more pain than I have seen him in all the years I have known him. Fortunately his son will be here to help him out and I will be able to pay attention to Slim.  JS will be bringing shrimp salad and a screened in tent.  Granddaddy is coming with KFC. I have sandwich material.

 

We are leaving in 15 minutes for the Eagle Anchor and Globe Ceremony and then we get 5 hours with our son.