September 30: It is Official

My husband has always been a patriot, defender of justice, protector of those in need , peacekeeper, and an all-around great human.  Nothing has changed except that he is now going to be doing these things as a private citizen rather than a military type.  HE IS MY PERSONAL VISION OF A TRUE AMERICAN HERO!

Today is Kevin's last official day of active duty. (He has been on terminal leave for about two months but still on active duty.)  When he wakes up in the morning he will be officially retired or is that fully transitioned.  To celebrate he took treats to school this morning.  Tonight we are going out for dinner.

Don't misunderstand!  He really enjoyed his 30 years as an officer in the United States Navy, but 30 years is long enough at one job.  What he learned there will always be part of him and his way of doing things.  He is now entering his second career and enjoying every minute of time he spends at school and thinking about wood.

The other perk of this retirement/transition is one we both agree is very special.  We get to spend many hours together IN THE SAME PLACE EVERY SINGLE DAY.  No trips to the airport or the pier to send him off for 3 days, 3 weeks, 6 months, 9 months, or a whole tour of duty in another state.  No waiting for the letters to catch up with what is happening.  No less than satisfying short "tin can" phone calls.  No unbelievably huge phone bills because of calls from Italy.  No misunderstood emails that take days to clear up.  No poor connections on Skype.  No more single serving suppers.  No more evenings alone wondering what the other one is doing.

We know we are greatly blessed for so many reasons, including many times that we have been unaware of how our faith in God has guided, protected, and consoled us.  We will continue to thank God for helping us navigate our choices to the joyous, thankful side of life.

Life is good!