Monday is not
only the 239th birthday of the United States Marine Corps (Semper
fi!), it is also the 20th birthday of our first child (Yay Rees!).
Since my husband was an active duty Marine when he was born on November 10, 1994, he was the subject
of much good-natured ribbing by his squadron: What a perfect devil dog to
command his wife to give birth on the 10th; No one loves the Corps
as much as Howell; Think you’ll make rank quicker now; How come you weren’t at
the ball? While I am crazy-proud that he served for eight years, I am also
crazy-happy that he got out. We esteem the Marines this day, but our wonderful son even more. I would
consider it a great honor if any of my children wears the uniform.
While Rees is not allowed to serve, he has grown into a strong young man who is gung-ho
about his life. He has adopted the military code of
conduct to the best of his civilian abilities. Simply put, it is ~
* Be prepared to give your life
* Never surrender to the enemy
* Always plan an escape from the enemy
* If captured, keep the faith with fellow soldiers
He applies
this to his life as a Catholic, a friend, an employee, and a student. I am crazy-proud
of him.
From the
Marine’s Prayer:
“Almighty
Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of
Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding
me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can
face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect
my family.
If I am
inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist;
if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.
Guide me
with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the
answer to my prayer.”
Happy
birthday to my boy, a good man.
Yikes, I'm the mother of a twenty-year-old!
Love, Allison
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