On September 17th, we left our campsite in Springfield on our way to Chicago for Thomas’ graduation from Navy basic training. We picked up Lauren Rivera (Thomas’ girlfriend) and Grandma Celine from the Chicago Midway airport - they had flown in for Thomas’ graduation. Once we got them, we drove to Great Lakes Naval Training Center, where we were staying at the RV Park on the base – right along Lake Michigan.
On Friday, September 18th, we woke up early and left for Thomas’ graduation. We were there early, so we got great seats. Thomas was in the only performing division and he was in color guard. He held the American flag. As we were sitting in the stands on the second floor, we could see some sailors across the way in an open door. We couldn’t believe that one of them was Thomas. They all seem to look alike with that short hair. We were so happy to see him and we waved. A little while later, Kathleen went downstairs to find the restroom and as she was trying to find it, Thomas came walking up the stairs down below. She couldn’t believe that it was him. For nine weeks she had not seen him and had missed him so much. They hugged and she cried. It was so great to see him. Since Thomas was in the performing division, he did not have to stand at attention for the hour and a half ceremony like all the other divisions. After Thomas performed, he stood not far from us and watched the rest of the ceremony.
After graduation, Thomas was able to spend the day with us. He just wanted to relax at the motor home and visit with us. That was nice catching up with him and hearing all about his friends and the last nine weeks. Thomas was happy to see us, but he was mostly happy to see his girlfriend, Lauren. Thomas had to be back to his division that night.
On September 19th, we met Thomas at the train station and took a train into Chicago where we met Lauren’s mom, Carol. We toured Sears Tower (now named Willis Tower). We walked around downtown Chicago a bit. We saw “the Bean” at Pavilion Park and walked to the pier – then all the way back to the train station to get Thomas back to his division by a certain time. It was very sad for Thomas to say goodbye to Lauren. Lauren and her mom were staying at a hotel in downtown Chicago. It was nice to visit alone with Thomas on the train ride back.
On September 20th, we again took the train into Chicago to have brunch with Lauren and her mom, Carol. Today was our last day with Thomas. We visited a little, and then we all (including Lauren) took the train back to the Naval Station. Thomas and Andrew wanted to watch a football game before Thomas had to be back to his division. Thomas and Lauren were so sad to say goodbye to each other. Lauren’s train left at 5:15 p.m. Kevin and I took Thomas back to his division at 6:00 p.m. It was so sad to say goodbye to him. We are so proud of what he has accomplished. He was leaving Tuesday morning very early to fly to Pensacola.
Amazing! Congrats to Thomas!
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