My nephew was sworn into the Navy a few months ago, and has been working hard at getting ready for his departure ever since. He is scheduled to ship out this week, so today we had a family get together. Yesterday, my mom and I went to the party store to see if we could find some decorations. We came across a whole wall of nautical themed decor, which we were thrilled about. Then we had to decide what not to buy because once you see it all, you want it all. My sister got the place all decorated this morning before he arrived. We prepared his dinner request – crab legs and salmon. I made some cupcakes with the Navy symbols and motto. My nephew read the cards and we all got a little teary-eyed. It was a combination of pride, sorrow, and excitement. I mean, I know kids are supposed to grow up and go their own way, and we are so happy for them, but it is always difficult. We talked to both my brothers via Facetime before my sister and nephew headed home. It was a great day to celebrate the young man he has become, the good decision he has made, and the future he has ahead of him.

I Found God today celebrating the young man that my nephew is and looking towards the future he has.