ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: Keri on August 25, 2009, 08:02:57 pm
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Many of you know we're headed to Texas Wednesday for our son Scott's graduation from basic military training in the USAF. We're so excited and proud!
We would appreciate your prayers and support for our autistic daughter, Shannon (age 19). We will have very long days of having to arrive on base by about 6:00am then stand outside, walk a lot and sit through two ceremonies in the nice 100+ Texas heat! We hope and pray she will deal with this without getting frustrated, agitated and disruptive. Shannon goes through phases sometimes with her behaviors. Right now she's having a difficult time. She likes travel, so it's not that. Just please pray that she will get through this okay. We don't want to miss any of the ceremonies. It is a once in a lifetime thing. She also is really looking forward to seeing Scott - so we hope and pray it can be a special family time.The ceremonies are on Thursday and Friday. Sunday we say goodbye again as Scott heads to tech school (he will remain at Lackland in San Antonio).
I appreciate all the support I always receive here on the forum.
I'll post pictures when I get back!
Keri
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Keri~
I will definitely be in prayer about this - I hope all goes well. I wish that Texas wasn't SUCH a HUGE state so that we could get together!!
Peace & Safe Travels,
K
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Keri, thoughts are with you all... safe/good journey!
Phyl
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Wow, Keri, that went really fast.
Prayers for Shannon's serenity go with you.
Sara
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Keri, congrats to your son...that's quite an accomplishment...you must be very proud. Sorry for the hot weather down here....it's been a brutal summer. Feel free to bring some cooler weather down here with you! Prayers to your family for a safe trip and enjoyable time while in Texas.
Patrick
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Keri ......... prayers and good thought from another east coast postie! A safe trip to you and your family, with a return to this ideal mid-Atlantic weather.
(Sorry for that, all you nice Texans.)
Greg
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Keri .....
My thoughts and prayers for safe travels, Shannon's peace, and a joyous celebration with Scott.
Clarice
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I will keep you all in my prayers. For all of you to have a safe trip,for your daughter to have a GOOD trip, and for your son's continued success.
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Keri ~
We've had friends with autistic children and I know how difficult a long trip and a lot of sitting and waiting can be for such a child. I also realize how important this ceremony is to your family, especially your son. I won't venture to post suggestions that may help you deal with Shannon in a way that allows her to enjoy this occasion because I have no expertise to draw from. I'll just do what I always do in these situations that seem outside of our power to handle, and that is to join others in prayer for Shannon, you and your husband as you try to savor this important family experience. I'll also be among the many looking forward to viewing your photos of the event. :)
Jim
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Keri,
Safe journey for you and your family.
May all find peace and joy during your special visit together.
Sincerely,
Sue
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Keri,
I hope everything is going well on your trip. Congratulations to your son for graduating basic training. Two of my son's friends from here in town just graduated basic at Lackland Air Force Base (today 8-27-09).
Have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Joe B.
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Thanks, everyone! We're through the ceremony part where she needs to remain quiet. Now it's just spending time with Scott, tomorrow off base and Sunday back on base. It's been an adventure with Shannon (but it always is, and that's ok)! The ceremonies are very special and moving.
Yes, the weather is brutal down here (I grew up in south Texas so it didn't surprise me). The food SURE IS GOOD!
I'll try to post pictures when I get back home. I'm sure I'll neeed to consult Steve with how to do this again!
Joe, your friends' sons graduated with Scott. Do you know their flight number or squadron name or number?
As always, I appreciate everyone's support, prayers, etc.
Keri
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Keri ....
So glad you made it through the ceremony OK. Now enjoy your time with the family ..... in spite of the heat! Looking forward to seeing your pictures.
Prayers continue for a safe return home.
Clarice
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GOTTA LOVE TEXAS!! Glad all went well! Eat LOTS of that GOOD FOOD to sustain you thru your winter!! ;D
K :D
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Keri,
One of them was in FLT 577 (Dorm B-1). Also, in the address was 331 TRS and Unit 3 ? I spent 4 years in the army, so I don't know what all of the AF abbreviations stand for. I did send a letter to one of them during basic and those abbreviations were in the address.
Joe B.
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Keri,
Congratulations on your son's accomplishment with the Air Force and best of luck to him. Also glad to hear that Shannon made it through the hard part of the ceremony. :)
Prayers for peace and fun with your family on the rest of the weekend.
At least you can be flexible with activities. I think the stress of just knowing you're in a situation where you can't go hide" is tough. And I know how those military ceremonies are! Especially in the heat of TX. So at leasts that part is over...
We are Texans/Washingtonians. Lived in Corpus area for 6 years.
Now live near Tacoma WA. BUT when we sold our house in Corpus, (actually we lived in Portland, TX), we bought a little "winter home" which is now being rented out.
We have 2 kids in San Antonio, SO don't mess with TEXAS!!!!! Plan is to "open up" the TX house when the third child goes to college (3 years). I'm planning now!
I miss the winters, of course but it is soooo pretty here in WA, in the summer.
Take care of yourself when you get back. Pamper/ spoil yourself for one day at least! And Shannon too. She will deserve it.
Maureen
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Keri ~
I was so pleased to learn that your family was able to observe and enjoy Scott's graduation ceremony. My congratulations and respect go out to Scott as he serves his country and to you and your family as you support him in this effort. Enjoy the family 'reunion' and the great Texas food. If you're not used to it, the Texas heat is trying - but you'll be out of it soon enough. Godspeed as you return home. :)
Jim
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Hi Keri, Glad to hear that things are going well in Texas. Congratulations to your son on his first of many accomplishments with the service. My son just got out of the Army after 7 years so I know how proud you are of your son. I hope the rest of the trip goes well for all of you! Jill