“I’m gonna be a NUKE!!!!”

[IndianaBounsMom]

Was the voice mail message left to me from my step son on Tuesday, January 11^th. Oh how I hated that I missed that call, but the voice mail he left me made my heart smile. “Ms. Paulie, I passed my test! I’m gonna be a NUKE” my step son excitingly yells into my voice mail. “Call me back, I might miss your call I’m going to be helping my grandparents. I love you Ms. Paulie! THANK YOU for everything you’ve done for me!” (A voice mail message I will not delete from my phone)

 

Tears fill my eyes as I recall the moment of listening to that voice mail and hearing the excitement in his voice. My stepson was 8 going on 9 when he came into my life. During the years since I’ve watched him find his self, become a man and struggle with that life changing decision of what to do after high school. College or enlistment?  The decision to enlist was one made of his own accord, and the pride my husband and I share for him is overwhelming. His personal need to serve his country is commendable, to say the least.  

 

I digress…….. In the interim of missing my stepson’s call and returning it, I got a call from my husband, “Have you talked to Thad?” my reply “I missed his call and was about to call him back.” “Call him, then call me back” my husband remarked.

 

Needless to say my conversation with my stepson was emotional, exciting and prideful!

He proceeded to tell me that he had the opportunity to stop off at him mom’s office to share the news, personally with her. What a wonderful mom/son moment. I’m personally grateful they were able to share in this moment.

 

I was the third person who was given the exciting news, Mom, dad then me. The boy knows his chain of command. LoL! :-D

 

After hanging up from my stepson, I returned the call to my husband. “Did you talk to him?” My husband asked. “Yes’ I replied. “I’m SO proud of my son, he has become a man overnight, one of which a father could not be more proud of!” I could hear my husband’s voice crack as he went on to tell me about his conversation with his son.

 

I can not even begin to express how blessed I am to be a part of this! With my stepson’s blessing, I am able to embark on this next step in his life with him, which is truly an honor.

 

He signed his contract this past Friday, and will be heading off to Great Lakes Naval base for basic training this October, then off to nuke school, a schooling that will require all of his time, attention and focus. I have personally seen the drive in his eyes, the drive that will give him to tools he needs for success.

 

Congratulations to you, my dear Thad! And THANK YOU for allowing me to journey this road with you. 

[Anti M]

My nephew is an EM2 nuke... it is a tough program.   Very exciting that your Thad qualified.