That is how the call from my son came today, the day we celebrated Alexanders 3rd birthday. I said yes. "This is SR Ryan Etelamaki calling to tell you I will be stationed on the USCG Cutter Boutwell out of California." Then there was a silence. I could tell he was being listened too. I knew the call would be like this but it was much harder than I anticipated. I knew I wasn't supposed to aske questions, just listen. I couldn't help it! I asked, "how are you?" Then he said, " I have to go Ma'am." I told him I loved him and the phone went dead. I have spent another day with a lump in my throat and tears streaming down my face....
Wow, San Diego. It's a long way from home. The weather is in the 70's year round I'm told. Sounds nice. The ship he is going to be on frequents Mexico, Dutch Harbor in Kodiak Alaska, Australia and Japan. There were others too but I can't remember. It sounds like he is out to sea for 3 months at a time. They do several missions including law enforcement, search and rescue and national security. It's an exciting place for a 18 year old to be-but I am feeling sorry for myself, again :(
On a brighter note, Xander had his party today and enjoyed every minute of it. He got a remote control car, train, clothes, boxing gloves, a fire truck and other things. He loved opening gifts and yelled, "WOW!" after every gift. He was so cute! He is tired and crabby and I am tired and sad! We had our last football game last night and the bus didn't get to town until 1:00 this morning. It's only 8:15 but I think it's my bed time.
I'll post birthday pictures soon :)
