My summer consisted of several very fun memories, but there was one particular trip that stood out to me:
My trip to Chicago to see my friend john graduate from boot camp was long awaited, and when it finally came all my worries about his journey were put to rest.
The flight there was smooth, my only complaint is that it was open seating, so my mom (who I decided to bring along for moral support) and I were not able to sit together on the plane. My nerves grew when we had a layover in Nashville, as I was so anxious to finally see him again after three months of only communicating by snail mail.
I didn't know what to expect the next morning when I was sitting at his PIR. As soon as he got liberty I raced my way down the bleachers to find john, avoiding falling on my face since I was in heels. The sea of white-hatted sailors rushed towards the crowd and I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to get to john as fast as I wanted to. But then I saw his face.
I climbed down the remaining four bleachers and reached my arms for a hug. He looked healthy and happy, and I was so thrilled to see him that way. After we hugged I backed away, giving space for his mom and dad and grandparents to hug him as well. My head was spinning with joy, and with the commotion. There were so many things to be said, yet I stood there, absolutely speechless. I was just looking at him, smiling.
The weather outside was awful; the sky was gray and rain poured down from the heavens. It was such a happy day with such miserable weather. The rest of the day was a blur, we were all exhausted from lack of sleep and we were all scrambling to get a word in edgewise. We mostly listened to stories that john had, but when there was a pause in his breath, everyone spoke up to fill the gaps. After 8 weeks of only writing letters, there was a lot to be said.
The day following John’s graduation was a much better day. We all went out to breakfast, and then spent the remaining part of the day at Six Flags Great America.
It was so funny how serious john was, and I suppose he has to be when he is in uniform. I suppose I would be, too. I think that is why he seemed so different, because he and I are usually big goofballs together.
We had to take john back early again that night, and only had a couple hours with him on Sunday morning. Before my mom and I had to fly back to California, we spent the time at the Navy Exchange store buying souvenirs to take home.
I stayed strong when I was saying goodbye to him, and we hugged for what seemed to be too short of a time, but was probably longer than I realized. I got into the taxi and we pulled away. I hate saying goodbye. Just hate it.
Sadly, John wont be home until April 2010. I feel sad every time I think of that, but I hold on to hope that he will for sure come back to California. I pray for his safety and guidance while he is in a-school, and I look forward to the next time I get to see him.
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