The night before..........

As our friends and family said their last farewell to Dominic and left our home the night before his departure, I could feel my heartstrings breaking down. Although I had a feeling of great sadness knowing that my dear son was leaving in the morn, I felt a special warmth and happiness in my soul as I watched Dominic laughing and talking with all those who cared so deeply for him! It was cool, as family, neighbors, friends (old and new) were all here to show Dom how much they cared! I actually held up fine most of the night, although when I saw him hug people as they were leaving, I couldn't help but tear up as he gave them a big bear hug on the way out. I always considered Dominic my gentle giant, and that night, it was all I could think as I watched him ever so closely the whole evening. He was surely loved by many people and I couldn't help but keep staring at him as he genuinely cherished spending this precious time with everyone.

We had been joking earlier how tonight's Open House was actually Dominic's seventh Going Away Party. This is no joke, I am serious when I say 7 parties. Between a big bash with all Dom's friends and family at a hall, 2 separate family parties, 1 Mountain Party (given by friends), 1 College Party (Dom's friends from his former college) and a big blowout at Freddy's house (given by fred, cousins and friends) and now our Open House- the grand total was seven! Why everyone kept throwing him parties was beyond me - but we all just kept doing it! It led for a big laugh when we were figuring out the number as Fred, young Fred, Dom and I sat around talking, glad to be spending this time together before he left for this next adventure in his life.

What I remember most about this evening, although we were laughing and talking and reminiscing, I distinctly recall that we sat quietly together a lot, just thinking - I guess. When Dominic went to get ready to go upstairs to bed, one last time before he left for the Navy, he held me so tight - tighter than he had ever held me before! He kissed me on the head and then held me a bit longer and said, "I love you and I will miss you mom. You know this is something I feel I need to do and I really do want to serve my country." Tears wet my face, I felt Happy but Sad - that is the only way I can explain it.