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!