captain my captain

today was a big day for our family. after what has been a long, sometimes difficult journey, chris has become a captain. i am so proud of all he has accomplished. it is strange to think that we have been on this journey together since he was a lowly airman.  he was honored in a ceremony on the base where claire, his dad and i placed his new rank on his uniform. i have had the pleasure of placing three different ranks on that uniform throughout his career as an officer, but this is the first for his dad. it was special. his dad is obviously very proud of his son. his pride gleamed through as he looked at chris' ribbons on his uniform, as he spoke of chris' military accomplishments and his childhood. again, this was a special day. claire showed her love and admiration for her daddy. she  couldn't understand why he wouldn't sit beside her or pick her up during the ceremony, but as she cried when i pulled her away, that love and respect for her daddy was witnessed by all. it really was such a classic military family picture. the daddy's duty rises above. kind of sad, but this was definitely a great day. chris made a great speech tying his wit with a message about his appreciation for us and the ever present dark cloud that seems to hang above as we progress through life. everyone laughed. it was good. he presented each of his family members with a special gift. he gave claire and mya "daddy bears," which claire is especially fond of. they are bears dressed in an air force uniform. pretty cute. i think flowers are a waste most (not all) of the time, so he gave me a card instead. chris used to write me such sweet, loving cards, but i haven't gotten one in awhile. he finally stepped it up and showed me that he still has the touch. it really was a special day. congrats captain (and NO i will not salute you).