Angels Singing in my Ear!

Today, I received a text message from Dominic at 12:50 pm - my first text message from him in 64 days - and the text message alert was like angels singing in my ear!!! My heart actually leaped when I saw it was a message from Dom! Needless to say, he received his care package today with his cell phone, ipod and easter goodies. The message was short and sweet. He thanked us for getting him his things so quickly, thanked us for all the cards and goodies, and then told me he loves me so much and that he will call me later. I LOVE CELL PHONES! Seriously, without cell phones we would hardly ever get to talk with Dom as he said there are only a few payphones and there always long lines of sailors waiting to use them! We just got done talking to him, and the same as earlier, when I heard his "Lynard Skynard" ring (I have different rings for specific people) my heart again leaped! I know I am going to be so much more at peace knowing we can talk/text with Dom, whenever we want!

Settled In for 3 More Months

Dom arrived safe and sound in Mississippi on Tuesday evening. When he called he seemed as if he were going to enjoy his stay at the base - well all things considered! He is living in a quad with 8 other guys (3 bedroom with 3 sailors per room). It sounds nice - I am imagining like the small apartments at college. He said they have nice flat screens in their rooms with a great Comcast package!!! This is right up his alley! He also likes that right on the base there is a bowling alley, movie theatre, game room, a few good restaurants and even A BAR! Although he says that it is a serious issue if you have any alcohol before your are 21! So serious that he honestly told us that he will not touch 1 thing until he turns the big 2 - 1! Damn, I'm impressed! I have been telling him not to touch alcohol since he got caught drinking in my very own basement - and he didn't listen to a word!!!! Another reason I should have been running a little Navy Boot camp from my home! He did say that even when you do get Liberty, the closest town is 25 miles and there isn't much to do at all once you get there! Guess it will keep him out of any trouble!!!!!!!!!!!

We sent Dominic his Ipod, Cell phone, camera, and packed a nice box of Easter Goodies! We also put in some stationary and stamps - even though I think he will basically converse by cell phone now! I am going to miss him so much at Eastertime. We usually have the big Easter Party for the Denicolo's at our house! It normally is a very good time - everyone gathering and enjoying each others company and of course EATING! Dominic always loved any gatherings with the family! I didn't even want to do it at our house this year - because I hate Dominic not being here! But young Freddy gave me much needed words of wisdom. When I told him why I didn't want to have the Easter Celebration - he told me that knowing Dominic loved the gathering so much - is the exact reason we should be having it. He told me Dominic would probably be so disappointed if it wasn't at our house - as Dom is a big believer and lover of tradition! So needless to say we are having the Easter Party at our House.

Although I know this is whole Navy thing is best for Dominic and although he even seems to be accepting all his new changes with anticipation, I can't help but think that each night he lays his head down to go to sleep he wonders - "What the hell did I do this for?" I hope I am wrong!

Heading Out!

Dominic called today from Chicago airport! He was waiting to board a plane heading towards Meridian, Mississippi for three months! He will be going to "A" school out there to prepare for Logistics Specialist. We are not sure where he will be stationed from there - although he will have a 15 day leave once he is finished with school!!! Just in time for the seashore!!! Yippee!!

Although I will miss Dominic dearly while he is in Mississippi, seeing how wonderful and happy he was - when we saw him last - makes me feel so much better than I had been feeling. I have never seen him so content and as attentive to details, organization and rules, as he had been during his graduation liberty! In eight short weeks the Navy Bootcamp was able to help Dom see the importance of responsibility, patience, determination, academics, organization - things that I tried to show him day in and day out for the last 20 years!!!! Damn, should have run a little bootcamp from home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know already that I am going to miss Dominic, more than words can say! But now,I also know that he is doing great for himself and that the next four years is going to be a positive life learning experience for him! And that is all a Mother really ever wants for her child - no matter how young or old he/she is!!!! I am saying this now, it has only been 2 days since I saw Dominic last! Can't say that I will be feeling the same way next time I check in!!!

Goodbye My Sailor!

Well we picked Dominic up bright and early from the base on Sunday morning for breakfast. As the previous few days, we had a wonderful time just spending time together. We went back to our place for an hour before we had to leave for the airport. Wishing so bad that we didn't have to leave. I knew I was going to feel this way. Even though the past three days felt like heaven, I still wanted more!

Here we are, back at the dreaded Naval Base. We all gave our hugs and kisses and of course I had to hold on just a bit longer. I cried, a truly heartbreaking cry, as I held onto my brave, courageous son. Dominic looked so handsome as he walked away straight and tall and proud to join his sailor buddies for there last few hours of liberty - for this week! We had all waited for eight weeks for this time and it came and went - but with very wonderful memories that we will all cherish for a very long time. Goodbye my Dominic - for now!

ANOTHER AWESOME DAY

Well we just got back from dropping Dominic off at the Naval Base. After graduation the sailors were permitted to go out on Liberty until 8:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We will be picking him up for his last day of liberty tomorrow morning at 7:30 - and I am already looking forward to it!

We had such a wonderful day yesterday (graduation). Other than going out to dinner, we just hung out at the hotel and just sat and talked and laughed the entire time. Luckilly we had a nice big suite so we had a nice living room to relax and nice kitchen to make snacks, so it was just like sitting at home! Dominic had so many funny, funny stories and he kept us laughing and engaged the whole day! We hated to drop him back off - but we of course did as expected!!!!

Dominic has changed so much in the last eight weeks - it is crazy!!! Beside him being so trim and slim, he was so much more relaxed and didn't let anything stress him or bother him! He laughed and smiled the entire time - no exagerration! He was so neat about his appearance and made sure that every detail was intact with his uniform. Whenever he did anything - he related it to an article that they had to study - knowing whether what he was or wasn't doing is permitted. Some of the "rules" are so crazy - again he had us amused when he was reciting some of them! His attention to detail and naval instructions were impeccable.

We picked him up at 7:30 this morning and we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel. We were suppossed to go into center city Chicago to sight see - but when we awoke we found ourselves with 5 inches of snow and a very blustery day! So we gave Dominic a few choices to deciede what he would like to do! He said "honestly, all he really wanted to do was hang out with us (again) in our suite and talk and laugh and rent movies and of course, EAT!" We did just that - although we did go out for a wonderful lunch! Again, we had so much fun just enjoying each others company!

Out of all the vacations we ever took, by far, this was the ultimate. I have a great wonderful family and I will thank God each and every day for this last two days he has given us together! Like I said I am already counting the hours until we get to pick him up for the final day until we have to part tomorrow! I do not want to think of that right now, so I am going to sign off! Goodnight!

GRADUATION DAY!!!!

We arrived in Chicago yesterday around 4 pm - after a very short flight with no problems at all! This was was surprising to me after all the nightmares I have been hearing about, due to air travel! Fred, Freddy and I checked into our suite and headed out to a nice dinner. We were laughing and sharing funny stories about Dominic. We could not believe that the long awaited day was finally here and we were so close to Dominic but we were still not able to see him until graduation day in the morning. I begged the guys to take me on a "drive-by" of the Naval Base actually hoping that I might be able to see Dom on the grounds. That was a joke as when we got there we weren't allowed anywhere near where the recruits (now sailors) were living for the last eight weeks.

When we awoke in the morning we rushed out bright and early to be one of the first in line at 6:30 a.m. Again, another joke, as when we arrived there was at least 50 cars already in line waiting to be among "the first" to arrive!! I had to laugh as this was the first time I thought about all the other Sailors mothers and families who were going through the same ordeal as myself!! And to think I thought I had the market cornered on this event!! After waiting in the car line we were then directed to go and wait in another line in which Identifications were checked. As we were waiting in the long line - I had just commented to the guys that yesterday was one of the first times traveling on a plane that I hadn't been randomly chosen to be checked at security. Seriously I seem to always be one of the lucky few who they do random searches! Literally, 8 minutes later an armed sailor came up to me - among hundreds of other families - and asked me to step through the metal detector and to empty out my pocketbook! I swear at first I thought I was being "PUNKED" and then when the armed men didn't crack a smile I realized they were serious. Fred and Freddy and many people around us began laughing as it was such a random act!!!! Just one of the many things that happen in Rennie's World - as Marie would say!

Well we were finally seated and waiting for our Dear Dominic to march in standing proud in his dress blues! The Naval Band began and the large doors opened and the sailors came marching in! I immediatly began to cry tears of happiness and pride!!! The ceremony was beautiful. Dominic and all the other sailors stood so straight and tall. You were able to feel the pride and confidence that these sailors were feeling. As Dominic looked straight ahead - as the soldiers were directed - I did see him a few times try to find us amidst all the families gathered. Luckilly we were in the bleachers straight in front of his division! And, I could swear, that our eyes met when he saw us, and I mouthed - I Love You - and I feel he could read my lips! Although young Freddy said I was just crazy!

After the ceremony was ended we had to go down onto the floor and find our sailors. I held it together until this point. There were so many sailors and families that I just couldn't find him and then I just started crying and hollering his name - until from the side I heard "MOM, ITS ALRIGHT HERE I AM!" I will never forget this moment! Dominic was smiling ear to ear with a look I had never ever seen on his handsome face! I held him tighter then I had ever held him! It was a day I will never forget! A day that I know I will rehash in my mind over and over!

We went out to breakfast and are now at the hotel - chilling and relaxing! Dominic's stories are already keeping us amused! He looks so different to us - we all seem to just keep staring at him!!!! Well gonna go spend time with my MEN!!!!I think today was one of the happiest days of my life! Our family all together again!
Thank You God for giving me this day!

An official US SAILOR

Dominic called today at 1:51 pm to let me know that he is now offically a U.S. SAILOR! He made it through all of his tests and today just completed the last phase - Battle Stations! He passed everything with flying colors and he said that he has never been so relieved of anything in his life! He sounded happy and proud, but mostly he sounded very very tired. Words will never be able to express the love and pride I hold in my heart at this moment!

My family and I will be leaving for Great Lakes in the morn! I have never been more anxious or nervous about taking a trip! I love my family! And tomorrow we will be together again!!!!!!!!!!

Talk to you upon my return!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Waiting Patiently - Trying Not to Think

My friend Huggy, who was enlisted in the Navy for over 20 years, sent me the most interesting information concerning Dominic's final phase of Boot Camp - BATTLE STATIONS! This a 24 hour make-or-break experience that serves as the culmination of his last eight weeks. After reading the article it seems as if the recruits are put into created "war zones" to replicate a terrorist attack on a ship. All this is done, as close as you can get, on the new $82.5 million Simulator Battle Stations 21 trainer onboard the Trayer, a new "ship" recently put into service at the Navy's boot camp in Great Lakes, Ill.

It is said that this is quite alot for the recruits to endure, but it helps them to be all that more prepared when going into battle! It is believed that "Only the Strong Survive!" After the recruits pass this last phase, they then trade in their ball caps they wore all during camp, with the word "RECRUIT" for ones that say "NAVY." The men and women are now true United States Sailors! This is known as the capping ceremony. This is a very emotional time for the sailors as it is now the end of one of the most trying and difficult times in their lives - Navy Bootcamp!

Although I have been more than proud of Dominic through this whole "bootcamp" ordeal, after reading the information about the Simulator Ship - I now know how brave, loyal, and tough my son Dominic really is! I am a nervous wreck thinking about any of it, so I am trying not to think tonight as I lay down to go to sleep! I read somewhere that Dominic will be able to call us as soon as he completes these Battle Stations, to share his great news with us! So of course, that is all I can think of right now!!! Waiting patiently!!! Trying not to think!!! Waiting patiently!!! Trying Not to think!!!!

Admiration - Pride - Love

Well the days are winding down and I cannot believe in one week my family and I will be with Dom at his graduation!!!! I don't think I have ever looked so forward to anything in my entire life! This is the truth!!!! It has been 46 days and my heart is still aching from being so sad and lonely without him, just as if he left yesterday! But I do have to admit as Dominic's letters began to sound as if he were making out better and better each time he wrote - a part of me began to feel better and better knowing he will be alright!!! I am filled with such admiration, pride, and love for my young, brave, son!

I received a letter from Dominic today and it was addressed to my Kindergartners and I want to share it with you! I cried the entire time I read it, as it shows how gentle and caring Dominic is towards others! My kinder children pray for him everyday and always come up and ask questions about him, draw him pictures, and sing songs about him! I let them know each time he writes and I tell them what he has been doing in Navy Boot Camp! My kindergartners have honestly helped to make my last 46 days without Dominic, a bit easier for me! They are precious. I always shared stories with Dominic, Freddy, and Fred, about the children, so they usually always know what's going on in my class!!! Please read the letter Dom wrote to the kiddies!

Dear Saint William Kindergarten,
HELLO, it's Sailor Dom! Thank you so much for all the art work, I loved all of them! I even showed them to the Chief and she loved them too!
I am excited to get on a ship and sail the seas and visit alot of different countries. Do you know there are alot of different people who are sailors? There are sailors that come from different countries, states, and cities, but we are all United States Sailors. There are sailors of all colors and religions, and we are all brothers and sisters and friends, just like in Philadelphia and especially St. Williams!
I am having fun and I can't wait to see my mom, your Mrs. Baker! I hope you are all behaving for Mrs. Baker, as I already gave her enough misbehavior! Congratulations on your 100th Day Celebration and enjoy the rest of your school year. Have fun and take care of one another!
Love, Dominic
"GO NAVY"

A Bright Spot

Out of the clear blue sky, as I was watching television, the phone rang at 4:10 p.m. and it was Dominic! When I heard his voice for the second time in 41 days, my heart dropped! He sounds fantastic, seriously sounds more mature - if that's possible in 41 days.

Dominic said that he is doing so well now! Says that he still, of course, misses home, but he is very well adjusted to boot camp! From here on in, other than the remainder of the tests, things should be smooth sailing now until graduation! He says they do a lot of marching and drills and he enjoys this! He described his flag that his platoon made and he ordered all of our family t-shirts with the emblem on them. I never heard him so excited explaining everything in detail. He is looking so forward to graduation and spending time with the family. He was able to call Fred, Little Freddy and Keirstan - and reached everyone!!!!

He will be shipping right out after graduation to Mississippi on March 23rd, for "A" School. He will be there for eight weeks and then have a 15 day leave!!!!! Just in time for the shore!!!! I am ecstatic! He did say we can also go see him in Mississippi and stay at a hotel near the base. I am hoping to go out over Easter vacation - but I haven't even spoken to Fred yet - so we will see! HAPPINESS