April 25, 2008 GRADUATION DAY!

I had the best sleep of my life last night! Wow, I need to find out what kind of mattress and pillow's the Microtel uses, because I want one of each! The pillows were amazing, and the bed...oh, it was wonderful! It was the best hotel experience we have ever had!

We met up with Larry's family, and all of us drove over to the West Virginia State University campus for the first part of graduation. My heart was racing a mile a minute, and I kept going to the bathroom to grab paper towels so I would have "tissues". His dad couldn't understand why I was so nervous, but I was nervous for Larry! I was, because I knew he was, and I wanted him to have the best graduation ever. Kaylee was so pretty in her little dress, and you could see the excitement all over her face. When the 133rd basic class marched into the room, my heart started to pound in my throat. This was it, the day was finally here that I could put this part of our lives in the history books. I wanted to savor every moment, but there was so much to absorb!

Larry was nominated to be the class speaker, and he was introduced before he gave his speech. That was such a proud moment to hear someone introduce my husband to a group of individuals that have waited for this day just as much as I have. Larry's speech was happy, sad, and everything in between. Yea, of course I cried...it was one of the most exhilarating moments I have had. This was one of the most important days of his life, and we were able to share it together, with Kaylee, and with our family.

After we were done at the campus, everyone was invited to see the class give their final march at the academy. This was definitely Kaylee's favorite part, and she marched just like her daddy did for the rest of the day, lol. I had the opportunity to meet so many of his classmates, their wives, and almost all of his class supervisors. Kaydence was the topic of conversation, and many tears were shared with lots and lots of hugs. A few people blessed us with gifts and cards to help us out with things we needed for the baby. It was so hard not to just walk around and cry from being so happy, but I stood as strong as I could. Our baby has touched so many people, and it is hard to comprehend sometimes! People were meeting me, and they would just immediately choke up! I felt so much love today from so many "strangers". Walking away, I knew they weren't strangers afterall...they are our extended family that God has given us. We are in their lives every day, every night, and in every prayer. How do you say thank you? Are there even words to extend our gratitude?

Pulling out of Academy Drive was a bitter sweet ending for us. We were so happy to know that he would never leave for that long ever again, but he would also never be with all of them as a team again. The closer we got to Martinsburg, the more it started to hit him. He is really going to miss everyone. They were just starting to bond, they were so united as a team...and then each person went their separate ways.

We called to check up on the baby throughout the day. She had an MRI today because her AFP levels were still too high. They told us later this evening that they have to do another MRI because she moved around too much. That one is scheduled for tomorrow morning, and they will need to sedate her to ensure accurate results.