Pre-deployment party

Last evening hubby and I, along with our son Dan, attended a pre-deployment party for Matt, the son of friends of ours. Dan and Matt have grown up together ~ they went through elementary school, middle school and high school together.  Even played football together!  They've remained friends even though both have gone a different route in the adult world.  Seeing all the "kids" together brought back memories of the innocent days of their growing up.  They have grown into such wonderful adults and even though they are all busy working to make their place in the world ~ they will always have a special connection with each other.   

Matt has chosen to serve our country ~ the most selfless act of courage and bravery.  Our friends, his parents, are so very proud of him!  Although, I can't begin to imagine how they are feeling knowing that soon they will say "goodbye" to their oldest son for a period of time.  Matt will be deployed on May 10 for Afghanistan.  When Matt was in college he began his journey with ROTC and has advanced to 1st Lieutenant in his division of the US Army.  He has always shown great leadership skills ~ one of my favorite memories of Matt was when he gave the 8th grade graduation speech. before his peers and their families.

There is no one that will miss him more than his loving family ~ but there are so many others that have watched Matt grow and love him.  There is no act greater than serving our country and for that we "thank you" Matt!   We wish you to be safe and to always, always know that you are loved dearly.  Know that you will always be in the thoughts and prayers of many.  When your duties are finished in Afghanistan and you return home ~ there will be just reason to have another party ~ one of celebration on your return to your family and all of your friends back here in your home town ~ Lombard.  

Be safe....