**

... into the wild blue yonder! Flying high, into the sky!

Well, my son has made it official. He is leaving the nest to strike out and make his way in the world. When I picked him up from work tonight, he had an odd bag in his hands. I asked what was in the bag and he proudly whipped out a letter ...






excusing him from work ...






so he could go to New Orleans ...






next Wednesday and Thursday ...






and join the U.S. Air Force.

Me: *?*?*?*

Not that there is anything wrong with that. As a ten year veteran of the Air Force, I am proud that he decided to do this. It's just that it was kind of a shock ... IS kind of a shock to realize that this child (man) who once came to me with everything he needed help with is man enough to think about his goals, make up his mind how to achieve those goals and take decisive, proactive steps to get the process underway. And it doesn't bother me a bit that he didn't tell me until the decision was made ... much. Either way, he knows what he wants, he knows what they will try to do to him and he knows that until he signs the contract, he can walk away. I''m proud and I'm nervous for him (but don't tell HIM that. He might start to think I care about him or something. Pffft!) I can't wait to see him off on this next leg of his journey. I'm proud of you Josh. Aim high! I know you'll make us proud of you. Good luck son. I love you but your grandma and aunt are gonna go batshit! Hang tough, cuz you're the man.