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Thoughts on Today

Let's be clear...I tend to get emotionally attached.  I doubted my ability to drive away from my Honda CRV sitting on the dealer's lot when we bought our van.  I cry when we leave houses behind.  I make blankets with old t-shirts rather than throwing them out.

I also tend to get reflective.

So its no surprise that today I am both.  Today Chad will hand over the reigns of command with words "Stetson 6 out."  If you aren't in the Army, all of this probably seems crazy.  Its a job. Its a position.  What's the big deal?  All I can say is that in the Army, its not just a job.  It really becomes a part of life.  I'm not a commander, I'm not in the Army, but today is a huge transition for both of us.  Leaving an FRG is a little like handing a child over to someone else to take care of! When you pour your heart and soul into something, its always a little painful to walk away...even when you know the time is right and they will be well cared for!  We have laughed, cried and walked with these dear families through celebrations and heartache.  We share a unique bond that only military families understand.  Saying goodbye...for a sap like me...is tough.

I am so proud of Chad.  I could not be more proud of the man he is and the job he has done.

Chad's commander asked us if we had any family or friends coming in to the ceremony...anyone he needed to recognize.  As silly as it sounds, my first thought was - of course we do.  While our biological family can't be here, I thought - we will be surrounded by family!  The Lord has blessed us with incredible friends here and I am proud to have them by my side today, as they have been over the past two years.

Pictures and video to come!

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