A very lonely Thanksgiving (PIC ADDED)

[packerbacker]

I have a granddaughter that graduated from bootcamp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois. She graduated the 23rd, the day before Thanksgiving, but no one could be there to share that with her. That's not a big deal, most people don't have family at graduation anyway. Thing is, while in bootcamp, her younger brother, 17-year-old Matthew, was killed in a fiery auto accident along with 4 others. He was her half brother on her Mother's side and not my blood grandson. She left bootcamp to attend the funeral and, at first, wasn't going to return to the Navy. She was kind of blaming herself because she wasn't close by when it happened. She did decide to return and graduated with her company when she was supposed to. She called us on Thanksgiving from the airport. She had spent the last 12 hours there waiting to take a flight to Texas to attend "A School". I reminded her of the "USO" and she said she would be looking them up in Texas. She wasn't sure how far the base was from the airport and she had a few days before she needed to report. Those few days didn't give her enough time to come home and then go back. Her metal is getting tempered and tested early and I'm VERY proud of her.

 

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[RGINN]

Re: A very lonely Thanksgiving

Hell yeah buddy. As a member of the 'Grandpa Club', I'm proud of that kiddo too.

 

[CaptainRobin]

Re: A very lonely Thanksgiving

There are many of us who appreciate your granddaughter's service to OUR Nation. May she serve well, and be safe.
Robin

 

[FarmerChick]

Re: A very lonely Thanksgiving

I am so sorry for the loss of your grandson.

And she is a trooper for sure. So tragic!

Prayers sent for your family. I hope you all fair well thru this hard time.

 

[packerbacker]

Re: A very lonely Thanksgiving

Oh goodness! I better clear this up. He was her half-brother (same Mom) and not my grandson. I've known him since his birth and we always got him Christmas presents right along with our granddaughter and he called me Papa but we haven't seen him for a number of years. Nonetheless, we were all still shocked and heartbroken and burst into tears when we heard the news but he was not my blood grandson. Thank you all for your kind responses.
btw, her step brother, Michael, is presently at the Great Lakes Training Center. He graduates Dec. 29th. They were there at the same time but never saw each other. They were going to try and hook up at church services but it never happened.

 

[CaptainRobin]

Re: A very lonely Thanksgiving

Packerbacker... a family of Patriots. I regret your loss. I salute your kinfolk who chose to serve OUR Nation. May they be safe.
Robin

 

[Chug And Red]

Re: A very lonely Thanksgiving

Please tell her "Thank you" from Chug and I, we greatly appreciate everything your grand daughter is doing, and same goes for Michael, theirs is not an easy job, especially in this time and age! They are in our prayers to return safely, and soon! Red and Chug

 

[lonesomebob]

Re: A very lonely Thanksgiving

lease tell her that another Great lakes vet says "Hold fast"And thank you for staying in. Bob

 

[fossis]

Re: A very lonely Thanksgiving

May next Thanksgiving be better for all of you.

Fossis...............

 

[packerbacker]

Just received this today and thought I'd post it here.

 

[werleibr]

Just remind her that things get better after "school" and that she will enter the reality and fun of the Military.

 

[packerbacker]

Yep, she has been briefed. She is out of boot camp and now at "A" School. The tough part is over for her. She is VERY smart but had to drop out of college due to lack of funds. Didn't want a huge college loan bill hanging over her head for years to come so she is earning it herself. Just hope she sticks with the game plan.

 

[RON (PA)]

I'm sorry that she was unable to come home for Thanksgiving, we will keep her and your family in out prayers. Please give her a big Thank you for her service to our country. We can all sleep a little better tonight.