We left home together

Just the way it began.

You, me, and Dad.

For so many years it was us.

Now it was going to be you,

on your own

in a four year maritime adventure

July 1, 1997

Marked the day of separation

Reporting in at 8:00 a.m.

You left us, went out of our lives

but not so easily.

Not without a wretching pain

that seared our hearts.

You chose to live a disciplined life,

to search the sky above,

to sail the sea below

to do without

to look within

to brace up

to button up

to endure

to grow into a man.

You are challenged, stretched,

stressed, meeting deadlines,

rising early.

You're a Naval company man.

Still our son but we have learned to

share you,

However, hard that may be.

You stand alone with your military bearing,

your cover placed so,

your buckle ever shining

and your pressed two pleated shirt.

I still see a glimmer of that little boy

But your stature becomes you as a man.

Navy be proud.

Well done, my son, well done!