Our mom would have been so proud.

Yes, they sure do.

Let me tell you...

Anxiously awaiting the first sighting of Our Marine during the 7:00am motivational run. 

About you to be released for a five-hour on-base family day,

which means we're about to get our hands on him!

...a million emotions sparked:

overwhelming tears, 

love,

joy.

I couldn't get enough of him. 

I kept hugging him, holding his arm, grabbing his shoulders.

He said he didn't mind since he hadn't had any physical contact in three months.

So I kept at it.

We were all enamored, really. 

Blown away.

Honored to call him Our Marine.

The chivalry was unparalleled. 

It made me want to stand a little taller. 

So proud. Just so incredibly proud.

Our mom would have cried all four days, I'm sure of it.

* * *

I can hear her now:

"I knew it. I just knew you were going to do something great with your life; you just had to discover yourself. I knew you had it in you. You're inspired, dedicated, sensitive, caring, strong, disciplined, polite, loving, and my son. I've always believed in you, Cody. I never doubted you for a second. You make me proud."

* * *

I wish she could have been there.