Friday, January 27, 2023

Aw nuts

This is a beautiful photo of Mt. Fuji taken by Younger Daughter.

Younger Daughter is in a froth of frustration. She's been stationed in Japan, if you remember, but now her term of enlistment in the Navy is finished. However after much thought, she decided to re-up for another (shorter) enlistment IF the Navy would meet her "dream sheet" requirements. Rather to her surprise, they did.

She is now coming back to the States for some additional training before heading to Europe for three years of shore-duty. Since she hasn't been home in over three years, she hoped to spend a couple weeks with us before heading to the training center.

It was for this reason we postponed our Christmas gift-exchanges: We were waiting for Younger Daughter to join us. We even kept our Christmas tree up, since she hasn't seen many for the last few years.

To her bitter disappointment, Younger Daughter must report to training almost immediately. We won't have a chance to see her before hand. However she's already been approved for a generous amount of leave (almost a month) in May, which is certainly a prettier time of year to visit anyway. We'll have a nice long visit before she heads to Europe.

I guess we can take the Christmas tree down. The neighbors were probably looking at us funny anyway.

12 comments:

  1. What a disappointment, but you are right May will be a much nicer time of year.

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  2. We have military children too, so I understand the disappointment. That's life in the military, its needs come first. Our son is trying to schedule his wedding in-between the demands of his patrols and duty schedule. It will be short notice for sure.
    The military is having such a hard time with recruiting that they are eager to retain members, so are more generous with granting "wishes".

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  3. Many years ago I "re-uped" to go to Germany. Spent 4 years there in the late 60's and very much enjoyed it. My best advice is buy a decent car and travel Europe. Weekend trips, and leave trips. Yes they have trains but the freedom of the car is worth it.
    Also, most everyone there speaks some English but it is a perfect time to learn to speak a little in some of the European languages.

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  4. It's going to be difficult for her to change gears when she does get home so I'm hoping she gets plenty of time to allow for decompression. And reconnecting with her roots.
    YD has something very precious, priceless, that few young people realize they possess when they get out in that crazy world.
    It's a sense of who she really is. Ya'll have grounded her life with Christian values, family connectivity, and an ability to think for herself. Ya'll also are respectful of each others personhood.
    I'm putting her back on my prayer list. This world is just too crazy. I would not want my child in the military.
    In the meantime, Japan is having a blizzard. Maybe she can enjoy the snow as a gift from home. I don't think she's been to your new forever home yet. She's going to love it !

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  5. My heart goes out to you.

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  6. I am a retired Sailor so bear with me a bit. My time in Crete, Greece and Rota, Spain proved one wonderful thing, Tell her to carry a phrase book of what ever country she is in and use it. The locals will accept you are trying even if you "butcher" their language that they will help as much as possible. Well maybe not so much in France, spoken from experience. And please don't be the "typical" American who KNOWS everything. Greece, Spain, also time living in Bermuda, Singapore and Indonesia where grand and locals who met and knew me did not believe I was an American as I did not act as one. I would ask and compliment where appropriate. And I was invited to events I would not have had a chance of seeing otherwise.

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    1. Concidering she just spent 5 years in Japan, I do not think she needs lame advice how to survive in Barbarian Europe.

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  7. She shares your gift for photography.

    I had a friend long ago who served in Vietnam. He returned home to find his wife had " moved on with her life" ( I've
    never liked that phrase ) with their child. So many hard things in people's lives from that time. Most of those guys seemed so downtrodden.

    However, every time my path crossed with this guy he was always happy and upbeat. Planning and doing new things. I finally asked him one day why there was such a difference in his life and so many others. He said you can see what you want to see wherever you go. He said he saw and was in the same situation everyone else was in. But that Vietnam was a very beautiful place. The jungle was beautiful. The culture was very unique. And that he simply chose to let the beauty, and the good things, fill his heart.
    It brought to life the Biblical admonition to " guard your heart ".
    I think when YD sees beautiful scenery she thinks of you and employs your mutual gift to touch her mom and help guard her own heart.
    The Lord is with your courageous young woman.

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  8. Sorry for the unwanted changes, but thankful for your daughter's service for our country! Being a mom is hard sometimes . . . blessings in this new year!

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  9. Maybe you could go visit her at wherever she will be training? Even a short visit can alleviate some of that parental angst of missing your child.

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  10. I have to ask. Did she takes the time to climb Mt. Fuji? I did so when I was there several years back. 2003 I think. It was an difficult climb. Not technical by any means just a lot of up and up and up. Taking in the sunrise while munching on some udon noodles was an awesome experience.

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    1. Actually yes, she did, back in September. And as you say, apparently it was an awesome experience, despite the challenges.

      - Patrice

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