Dillon is home for Thanksgiving!! Patrick and Kyle drove down early Wednesday morning to pick up Dillon by 8:00a.m. He had a 12:15 dentist appointment and a 3:30 DMV appointment....already busy on day 1 home. They made it just in time for his dentist appointment, and as I anxiously awaited his arrive, he decided to go to a powder puff game at the high school and hang out with some friends. I guess it's time to admit that Mom isn't #1 anymore. :-) I finally tracked him down at his dad's house and we hung out and caught up a bit before heading down to the DMV for his second try at his driver's permit test.
We were quickly helped because we had an appointment, and then had to wait 45 minutes before it was corrected. HE PASSED!!! Much different from our first experience 5 months ago when he threw a complete fit when he failed his first exam.
Dillon has definitely matured since his time at GYA. He is now calm, collected, and patient.
It is now Thursday morning....HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Steve and I woke Dillon at 6:15a.m. to head downtown San Jose for the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot. Steve runs the 10k and I run the 5k. Dillon had planned to run the 5k with me, then decided to challenge himself the last minute and headed out with Steve for their 6.2 mile run. Dillon wasn't sure he could do it, because he has never run 6 miles at once. Although he did earn his National Athletic Award at GYA and ran a 6.5 minute mile.....woo hoo!!
Needless to say, Dillon finished the 6.2 miles about 4 minutes behind Steve. I am so proud of him and better yet, he was really proud of himself.
On the drive home, I reminded him of the first time I took him running about 6 months ago. It was about 2 weeks before he was going to leave for GYA and I was trying to help him get ready for the program as suggested. We jogged about 200 yards and he started yelling at me. He completely quit after about 1/2 mile and sulked like a 5 year old the whole time. Now this same boy ran 6.2 miles today and Steve said he was chipper as can be. He was chatting with Steve and smiling....completely different kid!
We have a few more days together, but I had to write and tell, well actually brag, about Dillon's accomplishments. All within 24 hours he got his driver's permit and ran farther than he ever has before. That's my boy!!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. More to come later.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Dillon's Progress
It has been over a month since I last blogged. There have been so many things happening since I last posted. Dillon came home for his first "home pass" on October 8th and his dad took him back on Oct. 12th.
It was great to see the progress Dillon had made, and at the same time, you could tell that he wasn't quite ready to come back home. There was a time during the weekend when he wanted to go back to Grizzly early. He told me that it was really overwhelming to make decisions on his own. Since he had arrived on July 18th, there has been someone telling him what to do from the time he got up until the time he went to bed. When to get up, when to eat, when to go to the bathroom, what to do and how to do it. Now that he was home, he had so many choices and all of us asking him to make a decision. He became frustrated from time to time and it was a good chance for us to talk about all he had been through. One thing that was very clear, is that Dillon had been changing so quickly and the rest of us hadn't changed much at all. This was a huge learning experience for Dillon. When he gets back and returns to school in January, he is going to find that his friends and peers haven't changed that much. Dillon has not only changed physically, but emotionally as well. His experiences at GYA have forced him to grow up much sooner than he would on his own. He is meeting other young men and hearing about their stories, their lives, their families, and their struggles. Dillon was amazed at how people from a different area of California, northern vs southern for example, spoke with different understanding and slang. I pointed out to him that if people in California are very different, just imagine the thinking between different countries and different cultures. He is really starting to mature and think of someone besides himself.
I have learned that I have done a disservice to my children by giving them everything, have them want for nothing, and therefore keeping them sheltered. It's as if Dillon's eyes are opening for the first time. He is able to see passed his own small world and realize that the world is much bigger and broader than he ever knew. It has taken me 42 years to begin learning the lessons that he is learning at 16.
Although Dillon is still that playful, fun loving guy that left us over 3 months ago, he is now becoming less naive, and more patient and aware of the world around him. I'm not saying that he still isn't that little smart ass I spoke about a couple of months ago, but now he owns it. His awareness of himself is really amazing. He is able to express his feelings and really think about his reactions. He still acts out and can get dramatic, but his recovery time is really incredible. Is there a GYA for adults? I would love to sign up and learn a thing or two.
I'm not sure if Dillon realizes how much he is helping the rest of us to grow and change. His tenacity, his drive, his commitment has all been so amazing. This is a boy that had a .93 GPA. He was selfish, he was lazy, he had no drive, he was angry, and worst of all, he had no respect for himself. I don't mean to sound so hard on him because he also had his good qualities, but overall, he was going nowhere and he was going there fast. Today Dillon has a 3.8 GPA. He has struggled and survived everyday of this program. He is up at 5a.m. every single day, and not in bed until 9p.m. He works hard both physically and mentally. School is now a priority, and he loves doing the community service work. At the end of the day before the lights go out, he takes the time to write home and tell us how much he loves us. In his most recent letter, I read the words that every mom waits to hear.... "Mom, you are the best Mom ever and my life and family are perfect, the best! I couldn't ask for anything better for my life or my family. I love you so much! Dillon"
I cried tears of joy after reading that, and I have read it over and over.
It's not that he said I was the best mom or we had the best family....I'm sure there are better, faster, stronger Moms and families. But that doesn't matter. What matters is the Dillon feels accepted, he feels loved, he feels supported. He knows that although we are not a "perfect family", we have our good and our bad, we are the perfect family for him. All the nagging I do, I do because I love him. All the pushing and yelling and discipline and saying "NO"....I do because I love him and want what is best for him.
It's funny, because I just had a very similar talk with my older son Kyle. I know that I can be seen as a nag, or stubborn, or even a bitch occasionally. I do these things because I feel it is my duty. I will always push my children to reach a little farther, to go a little higher, to do things a little better. At the same time, I will always love them regardless of where their lives take them. I feel this is my duty as their mom. I don't feel a need to be their friend and I know I won't always be liked by them. I do however need them to know that they are loved and they will have a soft and safe place to land when needed. When I read Dillon's letter, I feel that he knows this.
I know we will butt heads from time to time, and we will love each other through it all.
Dillon's next trip home will be for Thanksgiving. I can't wait to see him and have more conversations with him. No matter how big your kids get, there is a comfort and a relief when you can hold them close to heart and know that they are safe in your arms. I can't always protect them or keep them out of trouble, but I can and will always love them.
It was great to see the progress Dillon had made, and at the same time, you could tell that he wasn't quite ready to come back home. There was a time during the weekend when he wanted to go back to Grizzly early. He told me that it was really overwhelming to make decisions on his own. Since he had arrived on July 18th, there has been someone telling him what to do from the time he got up until the time he went to bed. When to get up, when to eat, when to go to the bathroom, what to do and how to do it. Now that he was home, he had so many choices and all of us asking him to make a decision. He became frustrated from time to time and it was a good chance for us to talk about all he had been through. One thing that was very clear, is that Dillon had been changing so quickly and the rest of us hadn't changed much at all. This was a huge learning experience for Dillon. When he gets back and returns to school in January, he is going to find that his friends and peers haven't changed that much. Dillon has not only changed physically, but emotionally as well. His experiences at GYA have forced him to grow up much sooner than he would on his own. He is meeting other young men and hearing about their stories, their lives, their families, and their struggles. Dillon was amazed at how people from a different area of California, northern vs southern for example, spoke with different understanding and slang. I pointed out to him that if people in California are very different, just imagine the thinking between different countries and different cultures. He is really starting to mature and think of someone besides himself.
I have learned that I have done a disservice to my children by giving them everything, have them want for nothing, and therefore keeping them sheltered. It's as if Dillon's eyes are opening for the first time. He is able to see passed his own small world and realize that the world is much bigger and broader than he ever knew. It has taken me 42 years to begin learning the lessons that he is learning at 16.
Although Dillon is still that playful, fun loving guy that left us over 3 months ago, he is now becoming less naive, and more patient and aware of the world around him. I'm not saying that he still isn't that little smart ass I spoke about a couple of months ago, but now he owns it. His awareness of himself is really amazing. He is able to express his feelings and really think about his reactions. He still acts out and can get dramatic, but his recovery time is really incredible. Is there a GYA for adults? I would love to sign up and learn a thing or two.
I'm not sure if Dillon realizes how much he is helping the rest of us to grow and change. His tenacity, his drive, his commitment has all been so amazing. This is a boy that had a .93 GPA. He was selfish, he was lazy, he had no drive, he was angry, and worst of all, he had no respect for himself. I don't mean to sound so hard on him because he also had his good qualities, but overall, he was going nowhere and he was going there fast. Today Dillon has a 3.8 GPA. He has struggled and survived everyday of this program. He is up at 5a.m. every single day, and not in bed until 9p.m. He works hard both physically and mentally. School is now a priority, and he loves doing the community service work. At the end of the day before the lights go out, he takes the time to write home and tell us how much he loves us. In his most recent letter, I read the words that every mom waits to hear.... "Mom, you are the best Mom ever and my life and family are perfect, the best! I couldn't ask for anything better for my life or my family. I love you so much! Dillon"
I cried tears of joy after reading that, and I have read it over and over.
It's not that he said I was the best mom or we had the best family....I'm sure there are better, faster, stronger Moms and families. But that doesn't matter. What matters is the Dillon feels accepted, he feels loved, he feels supported. He knows that although we are not a "perfect family", we have our good and our bad, we are the perfect family for him. All the nagging I do, I do because I love him. All the pushing and yelling and discipline and saying "NO"....I do because I love him and want what is best for him.
It's funny, because I just had a very similar talk with my older son Kyle. I know that I can be seen as a nag, or stubborn, or even a bitch occasionally. I do these things because I feel it is my duty. I will always push my children to reach a little farther, to go a little higher, to do things a little better. At the same time, I will always love them regardless of where their lives take them. I feel this is my duty as their mom. I don't feel a need to be their friend and I know I won't always be liked by them. I do however need them to know that they are loved and they will have a soft and safe place to land when needed. When I read Dillon's letter, I feel that he knows this.
I know we will butt heads from time to time, and we will love each other through it all.
Dillon's next trip home will be for Thanksgiving. I can't wait to see him and have more conversations with him. No matter how big your kids get, there is a comfort and a relief when you can hold them close to heart and know that they are safe in your arms. I can't always protect them or keep them out of trouble, but I can and will always love them.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
FINALLY!! Family Day has Arrived... Part 2
FINALLY!! A glimpse of Dillon...there he is on the far right...one of the 2 tallest boys in his platoon. Watching him perform his drill with such discipline was amazing.
I looked over at Kyle with pride in his face as he watched his brother. I couldn't contain my emotions. Through the tears I watched Dillon and cheered him on. They gave out awards to some of the top cadets and time seemed to stand still. What took 45 minutes felt like hours. He was merely feet away, but I had to wait. I had to be disciplined and patient...a small taste of Dillon's new life. And then.....they were dismissed. Kyle reached his brother first. I watched my two boys embrace and there are no words to describe the joy and pride I felt as their mother.
Then, it was my turn to hold my boy in my arms....the first time in 8 long weeks!! I didn't want to let go. I wanted to hold onto him forever.
I knew, at some point, I had to let go....I had to let Dillon stand on his own. I no longer stood before a boy....I now stood next to a young man. It was incredible to spend the next 5 hours with Dillon and hear his stories and experiences. He was still Dillon, only better. The entitled, smart-ass that we sent in to GYA 8 weeks prior, had turned into a kind, respectful, very likable soul. He shared his stories of his time at the academy and the many things he had learned. We laughed, we cried, we sat on the edge of our seats waiting to hear the next tale. Dillon spoke as I had never heard before. He was animated, engaging, and confident. It was a true joy to experience.
Now, unlike before, the time flew. The hours felt like mere minutes. We ate together, we laughed together, we took lots of pictures, and we all took in the experience. As the 4:00 hour drew closer, I could feel the anxiety in myself as well as in Dillon. He still struggles being at GYA, but ensures me that he is in it for the long haul. At one time, he even said that he wanted to return next year as a volunteer for Class 26's Family Day.
The dreaded announcement was made....all cadets were ordered back into formation. We all walked him back and I stole every moment to hug him and tell him how proud I was. He fell into formation and we watched as he marched back to his barracks....back to the place that he now calls home. I left renewed yet sad that I had to say goodbye. Now the next countdown begins. In 4 weeks I will be on my way back down to SLO to pick up Dillon for the weekend. His first leave to come home. He will be with us for 4 days. I can't wait to see how he has grown and experience even more of the new Dillon. Regardless of how he does or doesn't change, I will always love him. Although he is now becoming a man, to me, he will always be my little boy.
FINALLY!! Family Day has Arrived... Part 1
The past 8 weeks have held so much emotion......sadness, joy, uncertainty, fear, anxiety, insecurity, pride, just to name a few. I have been counting the days, the hours, the minutes until the first time that I get to see Dillon face to face...to hug him, hold him, ask him questions and get an immediate answer, and just be in he presence.
It has been so much fun planning this get together. Looking back, all these tasks have been used to keep myself busy and keep me from going insane. I researched and rented a house, planned our trip down to SLO, came up with a menu, put together some baskets for the fundraiser, sent out e-mails with all the details, etc.
We arrived Friday afternoon to get ready for the big day....Steve and I were joined by Kyle, Dillon's aunt Dene, cousin Haley, mentor Dale and kiddos Alec and Mia and Auntie Marie . Joining us on Saturday was Patrick, Uncle Michael, cousin Sydney, and Steve's parents Lynn and Ralph.
Friday evening was spent talking about Dillon. I shared some of his letters and we all talked about the kid we all know and love. We talked about how the "kid" was now becoming a man. We talked about our hopes for his future, and how proud we are of his accomplishments thus far. There was also lots of time preparing his first meal from "home".
I could barely sleep and the hours seemed to move at a snail's pace.
The morning finally arrived and I was up with the sun (maybe even a little before). We all got ready for the day ahead and at 8:30a.m. we loaded up into the cars for the 15 minute trip up the road. As we got closer and I could see the base, my heart began to beat faster.
We entered onto the base, and found a spot in the shade that we could all gather around. Then, more waiting....the cadets were not going to show until 10:00.
It has been so much fun planning this get together. Looking back, all these tasks have been used to keep myself busy and keep me from going insane. I researched and rented a house, planned our trip down to SLO, came up with a menu, put together some baskets for the fundraiser, sent out e-mails with all the details, etc.
We arrived Friday afternoon to get ready for the big day....Steve and I were joined by Kyle, Dillon's aunt Dene, cousin Haley, mentor Dale and kiddos Alec and Mia and Auntie Marie . Joining us on Saturday was Patrick, Uncle Michael, cousin Sydney, and Steve's parents Lynn and Ralph.
Friday evening was spent talking about Dillon. I shared some of his letters and we all talked about the kid we all know and love. We talked about how the "kid" was now becoming a man. We talked about our hopes for his future, and how proud we are of his accomplishments thus far. There was also lots of time preparing his first meal from "home".
I could barely sleep and the hours seemed to move at a snail's pace.
The morning finally arrived and I was up with the sun (maybe even a little before). We all got ready for the day ahead and at 8:30a.m. we loaded up into the cars for the 15 minute trip up the road. As we got closer and I could see the base, my heart began to beat faster.
We entered onto the base, and found a spot in the shade that we could all gather around. Then, more waiting....the cadets were not going to show until 10:00.
We snapped a few photos as we waited. Here we are gathered around the picnic spot.
Then Dale and Marie found the perfect spot to watch the drills.
Woo Hoo!! Getting excited now!! (This picture was taken by cousin Mia).
And the cadets march in......... Again, we wait. We can see them, but it is at least 45 more minutes until we can actually be with him.
And the journey continues......
And the journey continues......
Monday, August 23, 2010
Follow up Pics - Mentor Day
This past weekend was the first time the cadets got to meet with their Mentors. I was on the GYA website (like I am everyday hoping to hear or see news about Dillon) and found these pictures of Mentor Day with Dale. I am so happy to see my boy engaging in the activities and getting the most out of his experience. This activity is called The Mine Field.
Dale is standing to the left and Dillon is next to him watching the event unfold. 
Here, Dillon is leading Dale through the Mine Field. I love the way he is using his body (he's the one turned sideways) to
"show" Dale how to move even though Dale is blind folded. :-)
And in this one I can hear Dillon's booming voice shouting out directions. I love how animated he is in all of these pictures. (If you don't recognize him, he's the one bent over with his hand by his mouth.)
"Watch out for that Mine!!"
Now it's Dillon's turn to walk through the Mine Field and Dale's turn to give instructions. This looks like such a great activity for the cadets to experience with their mentors. They learn trust and the importance of listening. (Dale is to the right in sunglasses.)
Here he is again maneuvering through the "mine" fields. He looks ready for action!!
Dale is standing to the left and Dillon is next to him watching the event unfold. Here, Dillon is leading Dale through the Mine Field. I love the way he is using his body (he's the one turned sideways) to"show" Dale how to move even though Dale is blind folded. :-)
And in this one I can hear Dillon's booming voice shouting out directions. I love how animated he is in all of these pictures. (If you don't recognize him, he's the one bent over with his hand by his mouth.) "Watch out for that Mine!!" Now it's Dillon's turn to walk through the Mine Field and Dale's turn to give instructions. This looks like such a great activity for the cadets to experience with their mentors. They learn trust and the importance of listening. (Dale is to the right in sunglasses.)
Here he is again maneuvering through the "mine" fields. He looks ready for action!!I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I do.
More to come later.....
Sunday, August 22, 2010
New Letters and A Taste of Home
It has been exactly 5 weeks today that Dillon started the program at Grizzly, although sometimes if seems like 5 years. I really miss having home. I miss seeing his face and hearing him around the house. There is definitely a void in my life without him here. With that said, I will admit there was a time that I was counting the days before he left. The disrespectful attitude, the entitlement, the complaining, the "I'm bored" statements, the snotty reaction if I said "no". I don't miss any of that. But just like a mother having a baby, you forget the pain of birth and want to do it all over again. I guess I have forgotten the challenging parts of Dillon and now I just really miss the great parts of Dillon....his laughter, his fun filled pranks, the smell of his hair, his infectious smile, his inquisitive nature, his hugs, and his boyish personality. I realized before he left for Grizzly that this was the last time I was going to see the "boy" in him and that he was going to come home a young man. I am so happy that he is growing and changing, but there is a part of me that is going to miss the boy. This is my baby, and now both of my babies have grown up. It's finally time to cut the cord and let go of mothering and just be his Mom.
I am really beginning to see the changes in Dillon through his letters. He speaks his emotions and speaks from his heart. Never before have I heard Dillon talk about how much he loves his family and how important it is to make us proud. He also writes about changes he is making and changes he wants to make. In a letter dated Aug. 11th he says:
I guess it takes 28 days to break or start a habit. So I'm hoping in 6 more days, I won't be homesick, and I'll be used to PT and bad food. It's hard to think I've been gone for 22 days now when it feels like 2 and it feels like 5 months all at the same time. All I can think about is Family Day and Home pass. I love you so much. -Dillon"
He has also shared with me that he is doing really well in school and that the classes seem easy to him. He has gotten all A's on his homework and is hoping to get a 4.0 throughout his time at Grizzly. "School is so easy so far. I hope to get a 4.0 during the whole time I'm here ."
Wow, wow and more wow!! I have never heard Dillon talk about his grades like this and his hopes of not only doing well but doing the BEST he can. This is so awesome!!
The next letter I got was dated Aug. 16th. The entire letter was written in cursive and he had very nice penmanship. This is a huge improvement. I can certainly tell you that his writing and grammar have improved dramatically. This letter, however, was not as positive. He is still homesick and thinks that this program is not for him. He is very frustrated with his platoon. He says that there are about 10 kids that keep screwing things up for the rest of them and it is really starting to cause his platoon to fall apart. I personally think this is a great lesson for him. He is finally realizing that when one person doesn't pull their own weight, it really brings the whole unit down. I'm hoping that he can find the strength to maybe help these other cadets. This is his family now and no man can be left behind. They are going to have to band together to keep them strong. I encourage all of you to write letters to Dillon and suggest ways to keep him strong during these trying times. I know we all have stories about someone dragging us down and how we were able to pull through and draw strength from the experience. Dillon is learning things at 16 that some of us in our 40's still haven't learned. He continues to teach me about patience, humility, strength, self-esteem, and so much more.
This past Friday the 20th, Dillon met with his mentor for the first time. Dale was his little taste of home. This is the first time in 5 weeks that Dillon has been in contact with anyone other than his instructors and fellow cadets. Dale was able to bring Dillon some Jelly Bellies (as requested). Later, Dale told me that he wasn't aware that they couldn't keep the treat but had to consume them all while they visited in 2 hours. Well, Dale had brought him several bags of Jelly Bellies and they were all gone after the 2 hour visit. I'm sure he probably had a stomach ache that night. He was able to share them with some of his other cadets during the time they were all with their mentors, but I'm sure that Dillon ate the bulk of them.
Here is a photo of Dillon and Dale this past Friday. I can't believe how thin he looks. Dale also said that he looked like he was getting in shape. That's great to hear since one of his goals is to "get yoked" (I think I spelled it correct? a.k.a -to get ripped muscles).
I still continue to hold on for 3 more weeks until family day....Actually 2 weeks and 6 days. I have rented a house and we will be going down on Friday with family and friends to prepare for the big event on Saturday. I can't wait to see him and hear more about his journey. I look forward to taking lots of pictures, getting lots of hugs, giving him all the love he can stand, and bringing back his stories to share.
I am really beginning to see the changes in Dillon through his letters. He speaks his emotions and speaks from his heart. Never before have I heard Dillon talk about how much he loves his family and how important it is to make us proud. He also writes about changes he is making and changes he wants to make. In a letter dated Aug. 11th he says:
I guess it takes 28 days to break or start a habit. So I'm hoping in 6 more days, I won't be homesick, and I'll be used to PT and bad food. It's hard to think I've been gone for 22 days now when it feels like 2 and it feels like 5 months all at the same time. All I can think about is Family Day and Home pass. I love you so much. -Dillon"
He has also shared with me that he is doing really well in school and that the classes seem easy to him. He has gotten all A's on his homework and is hoping to get a 4.0 throughout his time at Grizzly. "School is so easy so far. I hope to get a 4.0 during the whole time I'm here ."
Wow, wow and more wow!! I have never heard Dillon talk about his grades like this and his hopes of not only doing well but doing the BEST he can. This is so awesome!!
The next letter I got was dated Aug. 16th. The entire letter was written in cursive and he had very nice penmanship. This is a huge improvement. I can certainly tell you that his writing and grammar have improved dramatically. This letter, however, was not as positive. He is still homesick and thinks that this program is not for him. He is very frustrated with his platoon. He says that there are about 10 kids that keep screwing things up for the rest of them and it is really starting to cause his platoon to fall apart. I personally think this is a great lesson for him. He is finally realizing that when one person doesn't pull their own weight, it really brings the whole unit down. I'm hoping that he can find the strength to maybe help these other cadets. This is his family now and no man can be left behind. They are going to have to band together to keep them strong. I encourage all of you to write letters to Dillon and suggest ways to keep him strong during these trying times. I know we all have stories about someone dragging us down and how we were able to pull through and draw strength from the experience. Dillon is learning things at 16 that some of us in our 40's still haven't learned. He continues to teach me about patience, humility, strength, self-esteem, and so much more.
This past Friday the 20th, Dillon met with his mentor for the first time. Dale was his little taste of home. This is the first time in 5 weeks that Dillon has been in contact with anyone other than his instructors and fellow cadets. Dale was able to bring Dillon some Jelly Bellies (as requested). Later, Dale told me that he wasn't aware that they couldn't keep the treat but had to consume them all while they visited in 2 hours. Well, Dale had brought him several bags of Jelly Bellies and they were all gone after the 2 hour visit. I'm sure he probably had a stomach ache that night. He was able to share them with some of his other cadets during the time they were all with their mentors, but I'm sure that Dillon ate the bulk of them.
Here is a photo of Dillon and Dale this past Friday. I can't believe how thin he looks. Dale also said that he looked like he was getting in shape. That's great to hear since one of his goals is to "get yoked" (I think I spelled it correct? a.k.a -to get ripped muscles).I still continue to hold on for 3 more weeks until family day....Actually 2 weeks and 6 days. I have rented a house and we will be going down on Friday with family and friends to prepare for the big event on Saturday. I can't wait to see him and hear more about his journey. I look forward to taking lots of pictures, getting lots of hugs, giving him all the love he can stand, and bringing back his stories to share.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Beach Day and the Golden Shovel
There was a new post on the GYA bulletin board last Thursday that the cadets would be going to the beach on Friday for a "getting to know you" event and a sand castle building competition where they would have a chance at winning the coveted "Golden Shovel". They announced that pictures would be posted so I have been logging on everyday since Friday to see if there were new pictures, and if I could catch a glimpse of Dillon in any of the photos. Finally, on Monday there were new photos posted. I carefully scanned over each picture straining my eyes to see if I could find him. It's funny, but as a mom (and a dad a suppose) you just know your kid. Now all of these kids look the same. Shaved heads, same gray sweats, black shirts, black hats, etc. But as a parent I have a keen skill of spotting him. I guess after 16 years of watching him grow, I just know the shape of his head, the curve of his back, the way he holds himself, the bend of his elbow.
I spotted him in several pictures!! Here is his Platoon heading out to the beach...Platoon 3-- The Top Dogs.
I spotted him in several pictures!! Here is his Platoon heading out to the beach...Platoon 3-- The Top Dogs.
Dillon is there...trust me I see him. He's 6th from the left back corner of the picture. The crane and stop sign are behind him and there is a shorter boy behind his right shoulder.
Here they are enjoying lunch before the big competition begins. Dillon is directly behind the boy 2nd from the right with his brown lunch bag on top of his backpack. You can barely see Dillon directly over his head. Looks like he is drinking some juice getting nourished for the big day.
Let the fun begin!! Here is there group and I saw Dillon (above pic) immediately. His back is to the camera...he's the tallest in the center. I would know that posture anywhere.
Platoon 3 created several different sand formations. A dog for "Top Dogs", a dog bone, bowl and a set of words for the "Top Dogs". They also erected this sandy cross. I posted in the last blog that one of the cadet's father passed away unexpectedly. I can only assume that this is for him. Dillon is to the right behind the boy bending over. (above)
And there's the picture I was waiting for. I needed to see that smile!! That's my boy meticulously arranging feathers to form wings on the cross.
Here is a picture of their Top Dog Bowl. Dillon is in the background working on the cross. He is bending over in the top right corner. Again, I would know that back anywhere...
They are all so proud of their platoon. "Top Dogs 3rd Platoon" and a "25" in the top corner because they are the 25th class to go through GYA.
Here they are posing in front of their creations. Dillon is sitting in the front row, 4th from the left looking down. I'm happy to see all these young men beaming from their accomplishments and proud to be a unit. (above)
One more photo of the group. Dillon wrote again and this is one of the sayings that the bark out as they march -- "One Voice - One Sound - One Fails, We all Fail - 49 Top Dogs in the Dog Pound!"
Here are all of the platoons lined up waiting to hear the verdict. Waiting to see who has won the "Golden Shovel". Dillon is leaning over on the right side with a huge smile on his face. (above) And....the drum roll please........
TOP DOGS-3RD PLATOON WIN THE GOLDEN SHOVEL!!!
The girl with the green pants is presenting them with the shovel.
Dillon is the one bending over with his hands on his kness. (above)
Let the celebration begin!! Woo Hoo....I'm so proud of my boy!! I know it must feel so good to win. Dillon has been struggling with where he fits in and now he has a group of peers that make him feel accepted and he is so happy to be a part of this platoon. He also wrote in his last letter... "We get compliments from the other squads. The Wolverines, Rough Riders, the girls platoon is The Cobras. But 3rd Platoon is literally the best and we have the highest standards. We beat the other platoons on our PT (physical training)tests. We also look better than them when we march. PRIDE (all in caps) is a huge thing here. Most of the time I get sad, I get pumped up by sounding off and getting compliments from our cadre (sergeants)."
Now that is so wonderful to hear. I'm so happy he is getting the chance to know what "pride" is and how good it feels to be the best and accomplish your goals. I'm so proud of him!! 
This is for Matt....I can only assume this is for Cadet Barrington's dad.
This is for Matt....I can only assume this is for Cadet Barrington's dad. It says, "May He Fly With Angels".
They went in as lost boys. Now, they have found strength in themselves and in each other. They are now becoming incredible, strong men.
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