I really do LOVE the adventurous life that the military provides. Mostly, I love learning about other people. I think I really am a voyeur. No, I'm not peeking in your windows, but don't let me into your house unless you are OK with me looking through your scrapbooks, your library and your music collection. I love things like "This American Life" on Public Radio, or E! True Hollywood Stories (even though I really, mostly could NOT care less about celebrity, I am interested from a real-life, human-interest perspective). I'm especially, hopelessly captivated by Cinderella stories, especially when they belong to people I know.
I don't know how it is possible to be sailing around on cloud nine, while simultaneously feeling like climbing into the fetal position under the covers, but here I am. I am about to close the door on one of the most amazing experiences I've had in my life.
The high point was Monday, during graduation, watching 15 Sailors and 1 former Marine receive their Associate Degrees (to add to the 19 that received diplomas in June). The low point is this afternoon, saying goodbye to the people I've worked with the past 2 years. Even though we only "work together" over the phone, through email and conference calls and in person 1-2 times a year, I still have grown so close to these people. They are wonderful. Even though I am so excited about Japan (and over the moon to be back on the same landmass as Cliff) it is SO bittersweet. Yes, we will stay in contact, but it just won't be the same as being in "the trenches" as a Site Director. Even though it was part time, I still felt fulfilled "full time" having a part to play in helping service members down the path of their educational journey (could that sound any sappier?...but it is true!). I wish I would have had someone like me to hold me by the hand and walk me through the process like this. Maybe it would not have taken 20 years for me to get a degree!? (Seriously...high school: Class of '88...College: Class of '08. Hmmm.)
I'm playing the images of yesterday and today over and over in my mind....
Watching each individual crossing the stage at graduation (reflecting on all they did or sacrificed to reach this goal): Cloud Nine!
Replaying "closing the door" today, as I sent the official party back to Indiana: Where's my blankie?
What really bites is that over the next 6 days, I'm going to do this over and over again, as I say goodbye after goodbye. I'm not entirely sure I'm going to survive this. My husband is promising me that from the moment I step off the plane, it will be worth it. I'm holding onto that promise, even as I think there can't possibly be any more tears inside me. I'm also trying to guess what that "open window" will be. I have some ideas...
9 comments:
Chin up, Carrie. I love you and I'm proud of you.
Love, Mom
Thanks, Mom! I love you too!
Carrie . . . i just finished a book and this was near the end, and about the main character:
"He (or she) was now forged and tempered - all the clay and filler and alloy burned away . . . someone with tales to recite, advice to give and a place to fit him (or her)."
I love that word picture and am sure you would appreciate it also. You have a writer's touch. There is a book in you somewhere, of that I am sure . . . . and a little afraid. You and your brothers, as kind as you are, would never submit my name to a "Father of the Year" competition. You are so gracious to all within your circle of influence.
Your adventures are part of why I put one foot in front of the other each day, as necessary to me as the mountain air I am blessed to breathe. Am I proud of you? To be sure. Moreover I am grateful and uplifted.
Love, Dad
You'll have a blast, Carrie. But I'm being a little selfish here, don't forget about little, lowly, 'ol me in the good 'ol U.S. of A. Hope to see you when you come Stateside.
Stay in touch,
The Troublemaker
HOW could I ever forget the lovely Lisa Lamont? Impossible, I say! I don't suppose I could convince you to come ride one of those freaking elephants with me, could I? I know, I know...it's not exactly "the shore." Am I pushing my luck?
Dad...you have SUCH a way with words. I LOVE that quote, too! Word pictures, as you say, just get me going...you'll have to tell me about it.
I sure do enjoy writing here...but a book? Surely you are biased!
Great literation, I think you have found your next calling as a writer. We had a truly amazing time and you have been an extraordinary colleague!
God Bless you, Cliff and the kids!
Matt :)
HI Carrie. Where were you last night not to receive my phone call? You plan the trip to Thailand and I'll join you. Although, it could be a toss up as to what is more pretentious. Surely, you jest about pushing your luck. Don't be a gloater w/all of your Asian adventures.
Jeff says that when you go to Thailand ask for girl #17 behind the window.
TTFN,
Lisa
Lisa, is this a personal recommendation from Jeff, or a friend of a friend?
Matt, you are too kind. As I've said before, thank you for believing in me. It was a great ride and sometimes I still can't believe they let me do it! I will always preach VU!
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