It was a year ago this week that T. Garrison Sanford went to join the Marines. It was a sad time for our family yet in the sadness we also saw joy and waited expectantly for his graduation from Boot Camp.
No one will ever be able to explain the emotions that were going on that day as we stood in front of this sign. We all had smiles on our faces but what was going on in our hearts was the total opposite of happiness. We were losing a brother...
Goodbyes were so hard for his beloved parents. Many, many tears were shed on his behalf.
Three long months of waiting and praying he was alright. Then the time finally came! Our whole family jumped on a airplane and flew off to California to watch Garrison's Marine Graduation. What a sight it was! Rows of expectant Marines waited on the parade deck, for that infamous last command they would get from their Drill Instructors.
Father and Mother reunited with their son. Only he is not a little boy anymore... he is a Marine. A part of the Few and the Proud. He has grown in ways that even they will not understand. But under his uniform his heart is filled with joy at seeing his beloved parents again. The boy-ish smile returns to his face as this joy seems unable to contain itself.
Now our family has the honor and privilege to call our brother a Marine. As he serves his country the way only a man called into the Military can. We sit at home and wish him well with all the love and joy our hearts can fathom. Garrison has grown up in so many ways and the military may take him to far away lands that we have only seen pictures of. But one thing will remain forever, his love of the Lord our God and our love for him.
Congratulations PFC Sanford! You have accomplished a whole year in the Marine Corp. which is something to be very proud of! You will always be in our hearts!
Love you Garr!
Your forever proud sister,
Meli
Thank you Meli,I am proud to have you as my little sister, you have become a very Godly young lady.
ReplyDeleteMy Love to all,
Garr
We are pleased that Garrison is following the Lord's calling on his life. Thinking back to a year ago, we are reminded that last December was a stressful time for dad and mom during Boot Camp. Somehow we thought the second time would be easier. (After living throught it with Josh almost three years prior.) As we experienced the journey, the Lord was always faithful. He helped us all along the way. We were blessed by His faithfulness. Posted by Blogger Bob!
ReplyDelete