Where was I last week?

I’m glad you asked…

Our older son, Eric, has served in the US Army for over six years. Last month he called to let us know he would soon be receiving his first command assignment, leading a Field Artillery battery. Would we like to fly out and attend the Change of Command ceremony?

Um Yeah.

Once the ceremony was officially scheduled–for Wednesday, January 11–we bought airline tickets to fly to Seattle Tuesday the 10th and return on Thursday the 12th. Made reservations at the nearby hotel.

A few days ahead, with distinctly military finesse, the ceremony was moved from Wednesday noon to late Tuesday afternoon. Fortunately our flight was early enough Tuesday that we could still make it… more than likely… if there weren’t any traffic problems between Sea-Tac and Joint Base Lewis-McChord…

So, we did in fact get there on time, even though it meant parking a block away, six minutes before the ceremony was to start, and having to bundle and coax and carry our grandchildren all the way to the building and inside.

Juuuuust made it.

It was worth it, though. The outgoing commander, Captain Fleming, had known Eric since their first field training experience. Fleming spoke in glowing terms about his time leading this battery. The support and guidance he’d received really encouraged me that Eric would be okay taking on this new responsibility.

He spoke of Eric in glowing terms, too, a sure way to win this mom’s heart.

I’m so proud of Eric and Heather, both of whom make significant sacrifices for the sake of our country… and for each other.

Thanks for reading,
Jan