We were really worried about Nick passing his recent PT test because of his battle with pneumonia, which obviously would slow anyone down. But earlier this week he called to say he did it. He made his run with 10 seconds to spare. I know it was a huge relief for him because not passing would have meant a delay in his leave. But he’s still on course to come home in the middle of November. Then today he called to say that he graduated from AIT. They had a little ceremony but there was no way we could go down to Missouri for that. I’m sure he understands. Now he is certified in road engineering and construction and we’re happy for him. For the next  10 or 11 days he goes through another series of physical training,  I guess, before he is scheduled to come home for two weeks. We’ll see how that goes. He’s also waiting to get his orders for his next assignment.  He said there are all kinds of rumors of where he’ll end up. He mentioned Hawaii, but I think that’s wishful thinking. Chances are, it’ll be Georgia. We’ll see.

We’ve been hearing from Nick quite regularly since he’s been to AIT in Missouri. We were worried about him when he called one night recently to tell us he had pneumonia. I couldn’t believe it. He never gets sick. But he was being treated and sounded much better during later conversations. On Saturday night part of the family had gathered and he called. I passed the phone to everyone who talked to him briefly. He is passing all his certifications and is close to completing his training. He’s been driving these huge trucks and doing well.  He is excited to come home in a little more than two weeks and so are we. I think he’s homesick.

Well, I was kinda stuck. According to the Army’s schedule, Nick is expected to arrive at Detroit Metro on Nov. 14 for the beginning of his two-week leave. It could be longer if he is allowed to work at the local recruiter office. So here’s the thing: I was planning to leave for our annual deer camp on the night of Nov. 13. I haven’t missed deer season since college, some 22 years ago. But, to me, it really isn’t much of a decision. I’m staying. It would just seem odd to leave for Up North and not be here when he flies in. I already talked to the guys about it and they are completely understanding. I know he’ll be here for some time and I certainly am not going to spend every second with him. But I’d rather be here when he arrives and just be arouond. I’ve pretty much made up my mind. I’ll definitely miss deer camp, but this is what I want to do.

We’ve heard from Nick at least twice since he arrived in Missouri and his training in road construction and heavy machine operation is moving along. He said he’s already driven a giant machine used to build roads and the tires were taller than him. He seems to be doing well although we’ve been a little worried because he’s been fighting off a flu bug and cough. Nick is hoping to pass a PT test today so he can have access to his laptop computer. Right now he uses his cell phone and his iPod, so AIT isn’t nearly as strict as basic.  He’s coming home in a month and we’re all eager to see each other. He is hoping to stay through the holidays and spend time working at the local recruiting center. Of course, we have to wait and see if the Army allows it.

We got our call from Nick and he finally made it to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He said he has begun his classes in road construction and engineering  and so far, so good.  One of his instructors is particularly rigid, so to speak. He rubbed a credit card to Nick’s chin and ordered him to do a better job of shaving.  On Monday, Nick has to take a PT test and if he passes, he gets to use his laptop and e-mail. He said he has more free time at night than at basic training, but he gets up at 4 a.m., which is 30 mins. earlier. He said he’s looking forward to coming home for his leave in November. So are we.

After the graduation ceremonies, we got to spend some time with Nick before we headed home. He was given a leave of a few hours, so we went to dinner and hung out. We went back to his base and sat around and just talked. He seemed quite relieved that basic was over. I think he’s ready for this next phase. He said he will have access to e-mail and his cell phone, so we brought him his laptop computer and ipod. He’s looking forward to training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he’ll be for the next six weeks. Then he gets to come home for leave. He called Sunday morning to say he was stuck in a Dallas airport because his flight was delayed. We don’t know when he made it to Missouri, but he sounded like he was preparing to hurry up and wait.

Many people who have been through them told me emotional a basic trainig graduation is and now I understand. It is a beautiful ceremony with the soldiers looking their finest. Everything they do is as one. They stand together, they sing with gusto together and they recite together. I had two cameras going, one still and one video. I got a kick out of the soldiers just prior to the ceremonies. There were about 200 of them sitting perfectly still with their eyes fixed forward. And here were all these family members walking up and down the aisle snapping photos. The soldiers never budged and their eyes never shifted from their gaze straight ahead. Of course I found Nick and took a couple of shots. He told me later that he never knew I was there. The graduation ceremony was a huge success. Me, my wife and oldest son enjoyed it immensely. Very proud.

His glasses are oversized and he’s a bit thinner, but Nick looked and sounded the same to us. His personality hasn’t changed much at all and that was a big relief to me. We spent the day with him during Family Day and it was very nice. After a brief demonstration at his base, we toured his barracks and other places of interest before heading to lunch.  He wanted Chinese so that’s where we went. Afterward me, Nick and Kathy came back to the hotel and spent several hours just talking. He didn’t want to do anything, really, except chill out. And that was fine with us. We just talked. He told us all the stories and all the personalities of his fellow soldiers in his platoon. He said it was strange not having to rush off somewhere, either on a hike or some other assignment. He kept looking at his watch. But he did relax. I came up with suggestions on things to do and he decided he wanted Starbucks coffee.  So that’s what we did. Afterward, we headed to the airport to pick up his older brother, Ryan, who flew in.  Nick was excited to see his brother. It was a nice day.