“Justin has decided to join the military; we have an appointment to talk with a recruiter tomorrow.” I reread my son’s text. Justin is my first grandchild. He is tall, handsome and strong, but at 18, still a babe in the woods to me. He graduated high school last spring and has been faced with choices of where he should direct his life. Justin moved to his mother’s home in Long Island, NY at age 2. His father, Keith, saw that he made regular visits throughout the years, but it was not the same as watching him grow up to be the young man he has become. He moved south to live with Keith and finish high school.

  Now, decision time is upon him. It was his choice to join the army and I came to agree with him. Justin has since reported to Ft. Gillem for his physical and orders of where he will travel for boot camp in March. I think of all the families who let their loved ones go out into the world in this manner. We can only protect them from so much, for so long.

  Justin did call me himself with the news that he was going to Ft. Sill. He was surprised when I told him that I once lived there, a long time ago, during first grade, while my father prepared to ship to Korea. Justin will follow some of my military footprints!

  My memories came pouring out of me. I never dreamed I would be taken back to days gone by when the military life was all I knew. What do I remember of Ft. Sill?  Bomb shelters made terrific playhouses, dug out of the earth in backyards with large pull up doors, much like the one in “The Wizard of Oz,” which I would not see until the next year. Our shelter held supplies meant to help us survive in the event of an attack. As children we used rations and soda crackers spread with mustard as our play food, though I’m not sure that we should have! I vividly remember the sandspurs everywhere. I was not allowed to run around barefoot  (though I couldn’t have anyway, because the spurs covered the ground. At the end of the day, my mother would pick them off my socks. My brother, Paul and I had a Favorite TV show, “Howdy Doody,” where we submitted our coloring talents to be hung on the fence to display for all the viewers. I do remember we were so excited and proud when our works were selected. More than likely, we each had our metal can of Mickey Mouse drinks that tasted awful, but we never admitted that to anyone as we thought the drinks were special due to their namesake.

  Justin’s tour of Ft. Sill will be quite different than mine, but I like the fact that he’ll be where I once was. I am glad I didn’t understand the meaning behind the bomb shelter in which I innocently played. I do know the Army will teach Justin much he has yet to learn of life. I will pray he encounters no harm and comes back to us wiser than he left us. I wish this for all new, young soldiers; be safe, make careful decisions and do your best.

  I was happy living the army life on posts, meeting new people and  changing houses often. I never thought I’d live in my current home long and it’s been 44 years. I remember moving in this house and thinking, ‘we’ll be moving somewhere new in a few years.’ I just expected it. During my youth, I thought I would grow up and join the army, I knew no other life. That was a good part of my life for which I am thankful. After my father’s retirement, we moved to Chamblee, Georgia where I attended high school and met friends I could keep and love forever! I have experienced the best of both worlds. I believe if we follow our instincts and the paths put before us, we will come out in the right place at the right time.

  All you new soldiers heed my words and remember that you have your family’s love with you wherever you travel. This experience will enrich your lives. It isn’t easy, but not all of life is! Love to you and yours and much love to you, Justin!

  Jimmie retired from Henry County Senior Services in Stockbridge, where she managed Hidden Valley Senior Center and resided for 38 years. She uses her newfound time writing and enjoying life!