See ya later, alligator!

Mom and Matthew

Ali and her Mom, Kim

Ali's Dad, Biaggio and Matt's Grandma Page

Matt's Dad, Steve and his other awesome Mom, Kelli

Matt's other "Dad", Billy

We had a great visit with Matt before he left for his deployment overseas.  I had a wonderful time getting to know Ali's family and visiting with Steve, Kelli and Page.  Billy was a trooper driving through horrid weather to get me to Lawton.  There was a lot of food to eat and lots of laughter.

As Matt was going over my "duty assignments" during his absence, I could not help but marvel at what a responsible, mature young man my son has become.  He held it together and made sure that each one of us got to spend time with him.   We had a great time laughing and telling stories during meal time.

And then, it was time to say goodbye.  I have "sent" Matt off several times.  During summers in high school, I  sent him to Ruidoso to work at the racetrack.  I sent him to Texas A&M to attend college and he graduated in 2009.  It was so different this time, because it was the U.S. Army sending him overseas...not me.

I did not cry and I did not say goodbye.  "See ya later, alligator!"  was what I whispered in his ear as I hugged him.  

I received notification that he arrived in Kuwait yesterday and is waiting for his Visa to cross over to the United Arab Emirates.  

As mothers, fathers, stepmothers and stepfathers, we raise them the best we can and leave the rest to God. 

I have a feeling this is going to be a very long year.