To my son

Dear Chad, this is for you (although he may never read it). You will understand my heart one day when you are a father and you will be a father one day when the time is right. I love you more than I love myself. It's easy, you are my heart and there isn't a moment in my life that you are not on my mind, in my thoughts, in my heart. With every breath I take I am thinking of you and loving you. You have made me one of the proudest moms in the world. Your service and accomplishments in the Marine Corps are easy to be proud of, but the things that most people may not see or know are the things I'm most proud of. I've always reminded you to live your life as though myself or BoBo were standing by and watching you and you've done that. You have made a few mistakes in life (we all have), but I've never NOT been proud of you. You went to war and are heading back and you do it with such courage that go beyond my wildest dreams. You are a husband now and what an amazing husband you have become. I don't really know where you learned how to be such an amazing husband, but I'm so proud of you. You do your best to take care of Katie and your obligations and you always take a few minutes out of each week to call me so I can hear your voice even if it's for a few minutes. You will understand what that simple little call means to me one day when your child does that for you. I can just think of you at times and my eyes fill up with tears (in a good way). There isn't a moment in my life since I watched you get on that bus in Kansas City that I don't miss you. I've cherished every second we have ever had together and I especially cherish our date nights we use to have. I miss those, but I am so thankful I have those memories. Always make time to have a date night with Katie and one day with your children. Even if it's once a month or once a week. Always make sure you do that. It will mean more to you one day than you can imagine. I am learning how to be me in this "new normal" life without you home all the time. I'm fortunate to have Tebo in my life now to make this transition easier and it helps to know you have Katie in your life so there is someone with you to help you when I can't be there. My heart goes with you to Afghanistan just as it did when you went to Iraq, SOI, & Boot Camp. My heart goes with you always no matter where you are. I will always be here for you no matter what and to give you any advice it would be to continue being the stand up man you are today. You have made me so proud and you continue to do so every day. Before you have children you never really know the kind of love you are capable of feeling. I know one day you will have that feeling and you will know exactly what I am talking about. Thank you for being the wonderful son that you are and I always want you to know how very proud I am of you and always will be. You are not only my son, but you are also my hero. I love you precious son. Always know that! Love, mom