1991 was 18 years ago. Seriously?

I hate math but I’m pretty sure that’s right.

Because I’ve been counting the years one by one of this job I’ve been in for almost 20 years.

Longest streak of gainful employment for me.

Raising human beings does qualify as gainful employment.

It feels kind of weird when you work yourself out of a job.

But that was the original goal 18 years ago.

To teach life skills and send them off on their own.

Those precious tiny babies that turned into pesky teenagers.

I never could have predicted that those darling twins would become Soldiers.

Or that their 18th summer would be spent fulfilling 18 training requirements none of which include what most of their friends are doing like going to the pool, the mall, the movies or the beach.

They’ll have to save all that for next summer.

Instead, the gas chamber exercise and proudly declaring, “I didn’t throw up” is a highlight of their summer.

Completing 3, 5, 8, 10 and 15K foot marches…

An obstacle course, marksmanship and throwing two live grenades are things they will forever remember.

I never could have predicted that I wouldn’t be able to talk to them on their 18th birthday.

Instead, I had to send them each a card.

That was really a mini photo album that I hope makes them smile.

With a letter written in the back telling them how much we miss them and love them.

And how very proud we are of the women they are becoming…

Hug your kids for me today and please send up a little prayer for mine…

P.S. The Grunter and Scary Baby are still at home so technically, I’m still employed but I am looking for a job outside the home that will utilize all my amazing people and management skills. Call me if you have an opening. 😉