My Son, My Hero, My Marine

Seth graduated from the Marine Corp Bootcamp on May 17, 2002. It was one of the most proud moments in my journey as his mother. He had done something for the first time, that I myself could not have done. He thrived in bootcamp, completed his training without one complaint, and learned more about himself in those thirteen weeks than in all of his previous years. He learned that he had what it takes to become One of the Few, One of the Proud.

This photo shows Seth leading his squad, prior to graduation. Every one of the young men seated approached me to say that he was a good leader. We found out later down the road that Seth had completed his basic training and part of the School of Infantry training with a fractured femur bone. We knew he had a injury, but thought it was a pulled ligament in his upper thigh area, later it was confirmed as a healing fracture. The doctor who found this was amazed that Seth had been able to continue with his training with this type of a injury. He not only continued, he succeeded.

First Hugs!

We as mothers, raise our children with the purpose of them one day leaving us to start their lives as adults. However, the one thing that never changes is the bond that was created along that journey. Notice the lady standing in the background, to the left? She understands.

No matter the 17 year age span between my boys, they are brothers in every sense of the word. Nothing tells a story better than a picture. I think this one says it all.

Seth and his Aunt Darla.

My sister moved from NYC to California prior to Seth starting bootcamp. She has been there for Seth during the times that I have not been able to be there. I appreciate, and love her more than words can say.

Seth, home from bootcamp. The smile says it all!

Seth during his training at 29 Palms. It is in the middle of the desert in California. When he first called me from his new home base his comments were, "Mom when you think of California, do you not think of beaches and palm trees? Well we don't have any of that here!" It was the first complaint he had voiced to me. For a 19 year old kid at the time, I can understand his disappointment.

This is Seth(right) and one of his best buddies and roommate, Zack. These two can now say they have been to Iraq together and back. I am sure that the bond that has been forged between them, will never be broken.

A dear friend of mine snapped this photo of Seth the night before he left for Kuwait. He left on the 29th of January, 2003, Seth turned 20 years old on the 30th of January, 2003. He is a member of the 3/4 Battalion, Lima Company. They were on the frontlines fighting in the war with Iraq.

I found that I had never really known a mothers worry until my son was in combat. I am elated to say that he is back in Kuwait now. After two months of no showers or hot chow, he has now had both. Hopefully he will be back in the states soon. I cannot wait to put my arms around him and thank God that I can.

3/4 Battalion lost two of their Marines during the war. Others were lost from other units. My thoughts and prayers go out to those families. Your's and your child's sacrifice will not be forgotten.

In Rememberance of those not coming home