I have a new Navy daughter!

[Lisa in Michigan]

What a wonderful end to a week that started out so bad. First there was the funeral of my brother-in-law then a desperate phone call from my son. I had sent him a package with his birth certificate, his dad's and my wedding rings, and a letter to the happy couple. On Wednesday, he still hadn't gotten the package. I went to our post office and was informed the package had been delivered to my son's base on Monday. Upon checking, the package was no where to be found. I was more concerned with the birth certificate. He needed that to get married. My son however was more upset over the missing rings. I agreed they were priceless but I told him "They are just things honey. People are more important and you will have a wonderful life together with or without those rings." What happened next will always remain in my heart and remind me my son is never alone. The Navy is part of his family now and like family, they come together in a crisis. His sponsor got on the phone to the courthouse in the county my son was born and managed to get another birth certificate overnighted to the base. Problem solved. He could get married. But my son was still distraught over the rings. When his CO found out what had happened, he got involved and that one little package became a priority on base until it was found. My son called me the next morning and said "I'm on my way to pick up the package."

I got a call at 5:30 tonight. I heard "Hi mom" on the phone from my son and another "Hi Mom" in the background from my new daughter. I did get to speak to both of them and gave them my congratulations and wishes for a lifetime of happiness. I am so happy for them but also sad that I couldn't be there for the big day. They only have the weekend together. She will be headed back to her base in Oklahoma on Sunday and he will remain at his base in Texas. It's a 3 hour drive between bases so I'm sure the gas stations will benefit each weekend until they can be together. It could take up to two years. But for this weekend, the happy couple will be enjoying a small reception given by her family who live in Texas and tomorrow will be going to Six Flags for some fun.

Oh, and the rings? The ones that symbolized 20 years of happiness between me and my son's dad....well they fit the new couple perfectly!

[Cyndy]

Lisa, what a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.

[Kimberly Rad Bryan's Mom!]

That is such a very cool story!!! You must be so proud!

[Angie (aka navy mom x 2)]

that was a awesome story and my personal

[Lisa in Michigan]

Guess I should have mentioned I lost my husband to cancer when our son was 14. That is why he was so distraught over the missing rings. He said "No, mom they aren't just things. They were yours and dad's rings" But they are where they belong now. On the fingers of two wonderful Sailors.

[Kim]

Cograts. What an awesome story.

[Frieda]

Oh my goodness, Lisa, what a beautiful story, what a beautiful gift to your son and new daughter and aren't they the most fortunate couple to have a wonderful mom like you! I have tears of joy running down my cheeks for all of you. Congratulations to all of YOU on this wonderful and blessed Union !!!

[LynnDear]

That is a great ending to the week that your family had and a brand new beginning for the new couple. Now I see why he was so upset about the rings. I am amazed at all the wonderful people that helped this wedding occur. The Navy really has become another family. And your attitude, and love, and strength is shown in everything that you write.

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

Ah geez Lisa, I wasn't even at the wedding but I'm crying happy tears for our newest bride and groom.

You have welcomed your new daughter in law with such open arms, I'm sure that will help the new couple get off to a great start. I love that they were able to use such special wedding rings for their marriage. What a beautiful way to bless their marriage.

[Vicki French]

Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful, beautiful story! Congratulations on gaining a daughter (and my condolences to the family on the loss of your brother-in-law.)

[Rose R]

Lisa that is such a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it. It is good to have such a happy event follow such a sad one. So sorry over your loss, and sharing your joy with the new couple!