My Peter Pan is growing up..

[sydney]

I knew this day was coming, but I'm still not sure I'm ready for it.

Taylor has been in the delayed enlistment program after deciding to join the Air Force last spring before he graduated. He wanted to make sure he got one of several jobs that he really wanted. In the meantime he's been working and taking classes at the community college. Well, his recruiter called him and said they have his top pick available and he'd leave to basic training in a couple weeks, so he took it. (He'll be done with his two fast track classes he's in right now that week.)

I'm extremely proud of him and excited for the new adventure he's embarking on. He plans to take the college credits he already has, the ones he'll gain in basic and tech school, and then keep taking classes while he's in the next six years to complete his degree. He's going to put in for bases in the southeast because he says he wants to stay relatively close to family, but he knows he could end up overseas and that's ok.

As his mom I'm also sad to see him go. I know he's prepared to go out into the world, and when he makes mistakes he'll learn from them and bounce right back- that's just his personality. I will miss him being around, doing things with him, and I feel like the four of us are so close because we don't have any other family close by, so it will be a big deal missing him. I don't even know if I want to still do our Nov. Disney trip if he can't get off to come.

Thanks for letting me vent and send some pixie dust and prayers if you can for my boy, who I know will never really grow up!

[Dave]

Congratulations to Taylor for getting his choice of jobs. I know it's hard for parents to see their children leave home, but going in the military is an honorable thing to do. Being from a military family, I'm sure he knows what to expect. Basic training is a different kind of life, but it doesn't last for ever. While I was in college, I also signed up for the Air Force delayed enlistment program with a guarantee of going into the advanced commissioning program. One of the best decisions I have ever made. I made captain on the fast track and really enjoyed being in the Air Force.

Based on what you have posted about him, I have no doubt that Taylor will do well. Sending all the pixie dust I have.

[ilovdisney]

I just saw this. WOW when did he grow up. Good choice Taylor with the AF. I hope you get the DS that you want. Somewhere inFl would be nice....for your mom and Disney. Patrick sounds just right. pD for basic and some for mom.

[ilovdisney]

Hat Sydney have you heard from your baby yet. How is he doing?

[sydney]

Thanks for asking! Actually, that assignment was taken back a week before he was to leave, along with four others just from his recruiter's squadron- his recruiter said he's never seen that. Taylor was very disappointed, but God works in mysterious ways. He has a new assignment that he just signed the contract for Wed. and will be leaving for basic in May. This job is both intelligence and IT and will really be more adaptable outside of the AF, so he's even more excited about it. His other tech school would have been in Texas, but this one will be in Mississippi, so about half the distance for us to visit. He also gets more college credits for this one. His recruiter had him meet yesterday with an Airman who just got back from tech school for the same job and is visiting family here, and that gave him a lot of insight. I think it's going to work out great!
On another note, his job that he gave two weeks notice to took him right back and has him working, training new people, and even filling in as manager on duty at their location and several others till he leaves. It'll keep him busy since he can't take any more classes. He also said he'll need extra money in tech school. Apparently the Airman he spoke to said the beach is walking distance from base and the food is amazing!

[Dave]

I'm glad it worked out in Taylor's favor. Intel and IT are great fields. It sounds like he will be going to Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. I was there for some of my Officer's Training and Electronic Warfare Officer school. It's a really nice area with great weather and a lot to do. Still sending Pixie Dust to him and all of your family.

[ilovdisney]

Glad things worked out better for him. Sounds like he will be very happy.Smart young man to save his money, food is everything for a teen who will be working hard. enjoy your time with him.

[susanm]

CONGRATS by getting into the field he wants will make it a wonderful experience for him