We have reflected a lot about what path our lives might have taken had we not decided to take the plunge and head off to Quantico in October of 2002. When Josh first presented the idea of pursuing a career as an aviator in the Marine Corps, I really hoped it was just an idea that he wouldn't really pursue. I was scared for a lot of reasons - scared to be so far from my family and out of my comfort zone, scared to have no control over where we live, scared of the deployments. It turned out that those were all valid concerns. Those three things presented significant challenges for us over 11 years. Going through three cycles of IVF away from my family, and one while Josh was in Iraq, being on bedrest, having premature twins, living in places like Meridian, Mississippi - they were all very trying times for us. But we got through it and it made us stronger.
I really have no idea, but I will say that I'm SO glad we did it. It was even harder than I suspected it would be, but it has strengthened us as a couple, family, and as individuals. We also met some of the best friends we've ever had. We opened up to people who were different than us, who came from different places, backgrounds and had different perspectives. I learned how much can be gained from a friendship by loving someone for who they are, and appreciating their own unique perspective, rather than always sticking to people who were more like us (not that I don't adore those friends too).
Also, I couldn't be prouder of Josh for taking the steps to make his dream come true. It seemed a little "out there" to a lot of people when we told them what we were doing, but everyone thinks its pretty darn cool now.
In recognition of Josh's retirement, his command at RS SLC had a going away dinner for him. Here is his CO presenting him with a retirement plaque.
