Wednesday, July 24, 2013

West Point bound

Hey all, thought I'd share some personal news with you this week.

I'm in New York with my husband, Dave and our son, Luke, who is entering the West Point Prep School to prepare to enter West Point. He is my baby boy who is now over 6'7" and has been recruited to play basketball for Army.

Today I dropped him off....here we are at the hotel before we took him for his in-processing. As you can see, he still has his hair.

And here he is at the end of the day right after taking the oath to serve the United States of America in the Army when he graduates from West Point.

 Oh dear will I miss this boy. He seemed to be a bit nervous as in this pic they had just given us 5 minutes to say Goodbye...we won't have contact for the next 3 weeks...though we are hoping for a phone call in there sometime. As they say, no news is good news so we really don't want to hear from him before the designated time.

But because of his tears (I think they were of exhaustion), and because of mine (more like a river), will you lift up prayer for Luke when you read this? And if you do, will you let me know you did in your comments below.

It will do this mama's heart some good today.

Thank you friends,
love, Shari

13 comments:

Erika said...

Such great pictures. Lovely mom and handsome son. May God bless and keep Luke as he begins his new life. Prayers and Hugs to you all. Thanks to all who serve and have served.

Elizabeth "Libby" Day said...

Oh, the heart of a mom for her son! Isn't that the sweetest blessing? I have just silently prayed for both of you, that God will bind your hearts together these weeks of separation. That God will be your son's protector, sustainer and enricher during this time.

Anonymous said...

I have prayed for your son and your family! As a mom of sons, I know how you feel, believe me. You must be so proud of him! I know he will feel all the prayers directed his way today! I hope you do too Shari!
Karen

Beverly Dillow said...

Hi Shari!
I will continue to pray for your precious young man and you. It will be a long 3 weeks for you, I'm sure! :) You will cherish that first time you get to hear from him! How special that will be.

When my brother joined the Marine's and then fought in Desert Storm, it was the longest 4 years ever. But also a time of knowing God's comfort and protection for sure!

Love ya!
Beverly

Anonymous said...

How fabulous that your son will be at West Point.
So thankful to those who serve our country.
I prayed for your son.
Isn't comforting to know that God leads our children.

Mutzy Mia said...

Every mom who has had to say good bye to a child knows the heartache and joy you are feeling. I've prayed for you all ... for sweet peace for you and peace, protection and strength for your son. May he see God working in special ways in the days, weeks, and months ahead!

~Brenda said...

I too have prayed for you, Dave and Luke; that God will keep him safe, learn everything he needs to do and help you and your husband as you begin empty nest.

I'm sure you're very proud of him!

God will be with you...

Brenda Cohorn said...

As a Mom who left her son at school 8 years ago, I understand the tears completely. You and your husband are in my prayers. Luke is also in my prayers. We work hard to make sure they become independent strong adults... Then one day it actually happens and really - we didn't mean for it to come so quickly! :) Love you Shari and will continue to pray.

Anonymous said...

Hey Shari,
I just prayed for you and your family that God would protect your son and strengthen you all...
Love you,
Amanda:)

Shari Braendel said...

Thank you all sooooo very much! I appreciate your kind words and prayers more than you'll ever know...you are precious to me. Blessings over all of you and your families.
love, Shari

Anonymous said...

Praying for you, Luke, and your family during his transition time!

-Alex L.

Anonymous said...

Hi Shari,
I have consistently been praying for you! My son, Maxwell, left for the US Army Basic Training at Fort Leonardwood, MO at just 17 years old. I had been a single mom for 12 of his 17 years. That was the LONGEST 10 weeks I have ever had. I cried all the way home after dropping him off at the MEPS station in Charlotte. He returned home happy and content. After spending his senior year of high school serving in the Army National Guard, he received an Army ROTC scholarship to Gardner Webb University. And we did it all over again..... LOl! Now he serves as a married 22 year old and just received his pre-deployment packet. He is headed to Syria..... And we will do it all over once more. Hang in there. God is in control and he will bring you peace when needed and bring you friends who will keep you busy and make you laugh when needed! I know you are so proud!
Starr Dove

Shari Braendel said...

Thank you to all of you for such sweet comments and prayers on my behalf (and my son's) to our heavenly Father. For those of you who have been thru what I'm going thru now, empty nesting is HARD! And Starr, you are my new hero having done this over and over again. May God bless YOU for your dedication to prayer for your own son and for others. love you all!