Arriving in the early am darkness, the three of us drove onto the Island. Twelve weeks ago, we said goodbye to our son. The only contact since that day were handwritten letters, sometimes barely legible, and two phone calls. One telling us he had arrived. Another on Liberty Sunday after he had earned the title of United States Marine.
It was family day. We had made the flight to Charleston, SC, rented a car, and were anxiously awaiting the motivational run. Equipped with signs to cheer as our youngest son’s platoon ran past us, we parked and walked to find our spot. As the sun came up, families, friends gathered to line the streets. We heard them long before seeing the platoons running in cadence with their drill instructors. Knowing his platoon was close we watched. We waited. She saw him first, “He’s carrying the flag! He’s carrying the flag!” It still amazes me that she recognized him and I didn’t. This young lady whose heart must have been beating fast. This young lady who loves our son. As he ran past carrying the flag, I was still looking for him in the sea of faces that all look alike at this point. His dad assures me.. yes, he was carrying the flag. So I wait .. and as they run past again, I yell his name loudly! I see you buddy.. we are here! 
After the motivational run, we get our first chance to actually be with him.. to spend the day on base together. All gathered into the same building, we wait on the bleachers as each platoon marches in and then are dismissed. Family members head for their sons and daughters. These new Marines scan the crowd searching for their loved ones. As the three of us approach, she leads. But as we get within hugging distance.. she hesitates and looks around for me .. to let me go first. That moment will always be priceless. Hugs, tears, so glad to see you. Let’s go see the Island.
Family day – a chance to see the barracks, sand pits, eat a picnic lunch together, visit the museum, give him a pair of contacts, take pictures and listen to him chatter. Good stuff.
Graduation day is tomorrow, so we leave the island with plans to return tomorrow joined by big brother, his wife and our new Marine’s best friend. This time he would leave with us.
We gathered again the next day, inside because of weather. Quite an impressive ceremony, time after to meet the drill instructors, then gather his belonging and ‘get the heck off this island.’
Dinner together at a Vacation Rental By Owner home, an afternoon movie, chilling out with family and a flight home the next day. Sometimes our adventures are led by our hearts. And some places we visit to cheer a family member’s accomplishment. Parris Island was made just for that.
Until next time,
Beverly Alice
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