Saturday, December 13, 2008

The Soldier I Carried

I don't even know where to begin about what I experienced over the last few days, in seeing my son graduate from his Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA.
I guess I'll start by posting The Infantryman's Creed - as I saw my son recite this creed at his Turning Blue Ceremony on Thursday, I saw that it was more than just something he'd memorized - it was coming straight from his heart. My heart was so overwhelmed with pride not only as a citizen of this great United States of America, but moreso as the BLESSED Mom of this soldier, that I once carried in my womb.
"The Infantryman's Creed"
I am the Infantry.
I am my country's strength in war, her deterrent in peace.
I am the heart of the fight - wherever, whenever.
I carry America's faith and honor against her enemies.
I am the Queen of Battle.
I am what my country expects me to be -
the best trained Soldier in the world.
In the race for victory, I am swift, determined, and courageous,
armed with a fierce will to win.
Never will I fail my country's trust.
Always I fight on - through the foe, to the objective,
to triumph over all.
If necessary, I fight to my death.
By my steadfast courage, I have won 200 years of freedom.
I yield not - to weakness, to hunger, to cowardice, to fatigue,
to superior odds, for I am mentally tough, physically strong,
and morally straight.
I forsake not - my country, my mission, my comrades,
my sacred duty.
I am relentless. I am always there, now and forever.
I AM THE INFANTRY!
FOLLOW ME!
When I was carrying this baby, I heard the Lord speak to me saying, "He will be more of a blessing to you than you can ever imagine or hope for". All throughout my son's life, I have seen this promise fulfilled over and over again; this past week, I saw it fulfilled in ways that I cannot express in words.
My emotions right now are at an all time high. I keep reliving these moments of seeing my little boy become a strong man of integrity, honor and courage - ready and willing to serve this great country in whatever call is given to him. I have shed many tears over the past few days; tears that only a mama can understand.
Here are a few photos of our time at Ft. Benning - some are a little blurry, but are clear as a bell in my mind.

This is at the Turning Blue Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008. This was the first time I'd seen my son or held him in almost a year.

This is his father pinning on his blue cord - a sign that he is now qualified to be an infantryman in the U.S. Army. As I touched his face, it took me back to the moment they brought him to me after his birth, and the first thing I did was to touch his face.

Dude's father, Dude, Bill(my hubby) and Gina, his stepmom, as they were bringing out all his gear, to go home.
Dude's little brother, Harry - we were at Red Lobster, and he was posing "like a soldier".


Gina, Dude, David and Harry

"The Guys" - Bill, Dude, David and Harry

Me, Dude, Gina and Harry


Dude and his little brother Harry, who wasn't real fond of getting his picture taken.

Kennel Field, Fort Benning, GA. This is the emblem of the Infantry, and all the flags represent where the soliders have come from to train here.

Dude's unit, as they marched past us at Graduation - December 12, 2008. I of course, had to be front row, and yelled out "I LOVE YOU DUDE" as he marched past me. After the ceremony, I asked him if he'd heard me, and he said, "Yes Mama, I heard you".

Bill, Dude and me after the Graduation Ceremony. I look like the Michelin Man! :) We had on about 3 layers of clothes, and wrapped an Army blanket around our legs and were STILL freezing!


This is the Soldier I carried - David Thomas White, Jr. - a promise fulfilled by God.

The Lord is faithful, and He has been so very good to me!

8 comments:

GoldieLoo Woodworks said...

Janelle you must be so very proud, your a great momma with a brave good son.I thank him for serving our country.Hugs~~Pam

Sharon Stevens said...

Great photos! Thank Dude for serving and protecting our Country!! He is a brave man.

btw how come we haven't exchanged blogs?? HUH???
Hugs,
Sharon
Mustardseed

Country*Road*Primitives said...

Wonderful pictures!! Please tell your son that we appreciate all that he is doing and that we will pray for him Janelle xox

The Olde Prim House said...

You are a wonderfuland proud mother! You can see it in the pictures. Your face glows! I'm so thankful to your son! Britt

Lily said...

God Bless and protect you all! Love, Lily Belle...

bayrayschild said...

Janelle, I feel you sister.

As I was reading your words and thinking of all of our brave men and women who give their lives for us, the tears are just flowing.
Thank you Dude!
I'll be praying for you!
Thank you Janelle for sharing with us all.

Hugs, Audrey

Farmhouse Blessings said...

Janelle, I found myself getting all teary eyed just looking at your photos. I felt the love of your "mother's heart" for that precious boy of yours. He's beautiful.

Know that I appreciate him and everything that he stands for.

With care,
Lea

Cookie said...

sissy, I love this post!
Please make sure and thank Dude for giving up his home and life here in the states to go and protect us! It's no wonder at all that you are so proud - and rightly so.