I’ve been gone for a week! It’s amazing- the time just flew by. On Saturday, April 7th, my 12 year old niece flew from Oregon to Ohio (her first time flying…and by herself!). The reason: BCT graduation for her mom, in South Carolina.
After flying here, she was able to spend a day here with us and then we took off for my sisters house in Dayton, OH. It was the first time my niece met her other aunt and cousins. I always love that. We got to her house on Monday night and then woke up early (I think my sister let me “sleep in” until 5ish) to be on our way to South Carolina.
It was a long but uneventful drive. RR (my niece) slept most of the way down. I stayed awake the entire 9.5 hours. Usually I don’t sleep on trips when I’m in the front passenger seat. We drove through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and finally, half way through South Carolina. Three of those states were new for me!
The hills of Tennessee are beautiful! I wish I had taken some photos of them but nope, none. I did take a lot of other photos- four of us did 
Here are some of the photos (and there won’t be that many):
1) 3 sisters together for the first time in 22 years; 2) crazy kids; 3) my purty niece; 4) Graduation Day- Charlie Company
On graduation day we adopted one of my sister’s ‘battle buddies’ and bought her lunch. In the above photo (bottom right), she is the first row farthest soldier. My sister is right behind her. If you are on FB, you’ll probably see some photos that I’ve been ‘tagged’ in- those are the photos from this trip. I think my other sister got tired of tagging me after 35 photos 
This trip was the farthest that RR has ever gone. She did very well. It’d been 11 weeks (or so) since she’d seen her mom. It will be 7 weeks (or so) before she gets to see her again. Sacrifice. Not sure I could do it…
Puts a lump in my throat. Here’s just two soldiers who are ready to take on anything.
RR went home this morning- again she flew alone. She’s a pro now And that’s why I’ve been absent this past week. If I had the choice, I’d do it again
And that’s why I’ve been absent this past week. If I had the choice, I’d do it again 
What a fantastic trip, and what a celebration, too! I don't know if I could make the sacrifice your sister and her family are making. They are very strong and courageous. I know you are proud.
ReplyDeleteI don't sleep on trips when I'm in the front passenger seat, either. :-)
We can't thank the soldiers or their families enough. I can't imagine the sacrifice or courage. Please pass on to your family my thanks and appreciation. Our country can't hope to deserve their dedication.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful trip. Sacrifice... nope definitely not an easy road to travel for anyone involved. Thanks to your sister, her immediate family, and her extended family.
ReplyDelete