Mixed Messages

Today I was a wee bit sad and yet happy.  I am a woman after all so I am allowed conflicting emotions!

Today my oldest son, Robert graduated from the Baltimore Police Academy.  More than anything I wanted to be there to show him that despite my complaints about his career choice I do support him and I'm damn proud of him.  

First conflicting emotions, now conflicting message to son; not liking the career choice (because mama bear worries) but at the same time so proud of the young man he's become.

I guess about 10 minutes or so before his graduation he received a message that he's being deployed to Afghanistan in a few months.  He's been in the reserves.  Notice I said 'been', as in past tense.  He left the reserves.  However, I guess there seems to be a dispute about that.  We shall see how this all unfolds.

We still don't have an ETA for Heather to return home from Haiti.  I think Robert said they had under 20 patients on the ship now.  Does that mean they will return home just as Robert deploys? 

While I'd LOVE to have the girls here with me, I also realize this has got to be stressful for my young granddaughters when both mommy and then daddy leave them.

Unfortunately I've seen several homecomings where the young children don't recognize their parent or they stand back away from them.  It's heartbreaking to watch the soldier wanting a hug and the child hiding behind the other parent.  It was that very scene my son saw and made him realize he didn't want to be in the military, he wanted to be with his children.  Now this.

Other stuff.   Youngest son, Ryan is testing for a fire department in the Baltimore area Saturday.   My thoughts and prayers are with him.  I'd LOVE to see him get on with a fire department as it's what he does in the navy and it's something he enjoys.

Before I close this entry.  Today it seemed everyone wanted to call me at the very same moment.  I'd go long periods with no calls, then I'd get a call and as soon as I started talking I'd hear the little click letting me know another caller is trying to call.  I don' do the back and forth thing, I'm sorry I find it rude. 

I get off my call and each time I was on a call, I'd get 3 to 5 calls and all leaving messages for me.  When I return their calls, they don't answer.  Later they call back and then of course 3-5 others call during that call. 

This I'm blaming the phone stuff on the alignment of the planets.

My shirt was on right side, my socks matched, clothing wise all was good.  Of course it was because I really didn't go anywhere ... I went out once but I didn't have to get out of my car!

Have a safe and fun weekend!  We are expecting more sunshine here and as a result of that have scheduled two portrait sessions this weekend. =)