My nephew joined the Navy via the Delayed Entry Program several months ago. Since then, he has been working hard to get ready and has questioned his decision from time to time. He has been heavy on my mind and in my prayers. He stuck with it and saw it through. He reported to his recruiter yesterday and went through the final medical exam and swearing-in today. Then he “shipped out”. We talked to my sister – his mom – this evening. It has been a roller coaster ride raising her only child on her own and now seeing him off to the military. She was, of course, very emotional. I was weepy also when she told us that as he was leaving for the plane, he turned around and said, “Bye, Mom!” A heart tug probably all mothers can understand. I sent him a final text of encouragement that I hoped he would read before they confiscated his phone and was elated when he called tonight. His plane had landed and he was in the USO awaiting the bus to take he and 20 of his new closest friends to the base. It was a 30 second conversation, but it was so good to hear the confidence in his voice as he begins his new adventure. He made my heart happy.