Chad - Update 1

Well, Chad's last deployment is currently underway. He has arrived in Afghanistan (specific location classified), but not to his final destination yet. He should arrive there in the next couple of days. He has been traveling to this location now for 5 days now. He is extremely tired and ready to get on a routine. I've not spoken to him personally, but thank goodness he has been able to contact Katie and she has been wonderful about making sure I know what she knows. He will be deployed for 7 to 9 months and once he returns to CA he should only have about 3 to 4 months left on his contract. At this time their plan is for him to get out at the end of his contract and for them to settle down in or near NW Arkansas. That time can't get here fast enough for me. Those who are family and/or have been in our lives since Chad was born it's amazing to see the transformation of this little curly headed baby boy to the fine young Marine he is today. He has made us so proud and continues to amazes us at this dedication and commitment. I guess all that training in boot camp and SOI is truly showing through. Most days when I think of him or see or talk to him I still see that little curly headed boy. I totally get the commercials where the dad is handing car keys to his daughter and she is around 6 or 7 years old when he looks at her and she is really 16 or 17. I so see that with Chad every time I see him. I guess as parents we always will no matter what. Imagine how cute he looks at 6 years old wearing his dress blues. :) I know, right? I really am that ridiculous with him. Regardless where he is or what he is doing, like most parents, he is constantly on my mind. Not always with worry, just never absent from my thoughts. He has done amazing things with his short life and had major milestones. I was reflecting back that he turned 21 years old in Iraq and will turn 23 years old in Afghanistan. That certainly doesn't make for the best birthday, but he is doing a wonderful job and no one can ever take this experience and training away from him. He will be in Afghanistan for at least 7 months and then return to CA where he will then finish out his 3 to 4 months remaining on his contract and then finally home. It's fun to listen to him making plans and talking like such a mature adult. I have to remind myself many times that he isn't that little curly headed boy or the teenager that face planted off stairs while wearing roller skates or the pre-teen that felt a fish (in his defense he thought it was a snake) tickle his leg while fishing with BoBo and ran out of his shoes and left all his fishing gear floating in the water, but rather a young married man who happens to be a Marine. I love you Chadman and you make me proud every day. My prayer for you has always been that I hope you dance. No matter what son, dance when you get the chance. Love, Mom