It just hit me....

Last weekend my family and I moved in with my parents before I report to Basic Training for the Navy on July 1st. And this past week it just hit me....I am leaving in less than 30 days to go to a place I have never been, to do something I have never been, and to be something I have never been before!! It is kinda scary. I have never been without my family before, never slept away from them, and I have always been able to be there for them. A freedom that I often took for granted. And now that I am coming closer to my time it is becoming all so real to me. It is hard to express in words what I feel....Happy to finally be apart of something (career wise), excited for something new, Sad to miss out on so much of what will happen with my daughter and family, Sad to not live so close to family, thrilled to see new things, experience new places, and to have opportunities knocking at our door. It is all so bittersweet!!
Being in my parents home again is surreal and kinda strange. I feel like a kid at times watching TV with my dad. Nothing in particular, just being in a familiar place and remembering that the best times that I had were bonding with my father in front of the TV. We had some good ones in the garage or on outings. But, those were usually kinda rare. I am also taken back to my childhood when I talk with my mother in her kitchen. Just talking about anything. That was always the place that I seemed to open up to her the most. The real difference is that I have a family of my own and I can see my parents watching me with them and it almost seems as if they are going back in time with me. When we all used to be younger like my family is now. Maybe to what used to be. Wishing to be there and that time would stand still to allow those great moments to last forever. Isn't it odd that our greatest moments aren't always the ones that we are in. But, the moments that we reflect upon that make them great. I also have some sad moments too...It is one of those "It just hit me" moments. When I realize that the time that I have now with my parents may be the most I get to see them and be with them before this next step in life. As I leave the "nest" again.
Our daughter Kirsten is so sick. She has been running a fever for days. And at times completely inconsolable. I have found myself crying with her wishing her pain would stop. And then I find her, the woman that I love. My wife, my best friend, right there to comfort our daughter which in turn comforts me. It is in moments like these that I realize how blessed we are and how successful we will be in a new place with only each other and no immediate family to fall back on. She is a rock and a wonderful, loving person. I am grateful that God gave her to me, blessed my life with her. She has brought me so much. From my Step-son Brandon to our Daughter Kirsten. What joys they are in my life and what great teachers they are to me. I hope that I have not bored you to death. If you have enjoyed reading please let us know we would love to read your comments or critiques if you have them.