Retirement Ceremony Pictures

I am beyond grateful that MK1 Dillon took lots of great photos and put them on a disk for me. I felt a huge pit in my stomach upon realizing my camera battery was dead and we had to leave immediately.  

No time to charge the battery meant no photos of 

this most special day. Awful. 

MK1 saving the day, glorious!

Malachi was so good. He hardly made a peep the whole time and dutifully held the flowers Sam presented me when I got my letter of appreciation. The children each got one as well and were particularly pleased about that. They each had their moment and keep their letters close by in special places. They continue to mention it to friends and talk about how surprising and neat it was to receive  an honor as a Coast Guard child. 

The children sang their rendition of The Star Spangled Banner angelically. Many paid them compliments afterward. One person specifically mentioned they did better than most adults in both pitch and sound, as well as confidence when performing. One person told Sam, "You don't need to go to school and find another career Chief. All you need is a bus and a manager for those kids of yours. Start touring the country and you'll have it made in the shade." They really did a fabulous job.

Super awesome and talented children we have! 

Our first family photo since Ellie was 7 months old! I sure wish I was standing upright rather than hunched over, and that my slip wasn't sneaking out below my hemline! Who cares. I am so grateful for a family photo. I've already ordered an 8x10 print from Costco Photo and I pick it up tomorrow! I can't wait to frame it (I think I have a frame available, if not I'll take our wedding photo out and replace it with this). I have wanted a family photo so badly for so many years. 

ETCS Ripley did a wonderful job and wrote an especially touching tribute to Sam. It was spot on, and I am so thankful he provided us with a copy.

A couple of Sam's friends were able to make the ceremony. He was glad they came. Thanks Ray Totzke and Jerry Thurman, you made Sam's day even better. Another thanks to Jerry who acted as chaplain and offered the prayers.

Among the mishaps of the day was Sam forgetting his Bravo jacket. He worked late into the night sewing his service stripes on the night before and hung it in the laundry room so it would be ready to grab on his way out the door that morning. He didn't realize he'd forgotten it until we (the children and I) were well on our way. Turning back to get it would have meant we'd miss the ceremony. 

Capt. Sibley was great about it and shed his jacket to help Sam feel better about the ordeal. ETCS Ripley was already in place as master of ceremonies and didn't get the wardrobe change memo, so there was an eclectic mix of uniform that day. Very fitting for a guy who can get the job done, but is definitely not stereotypical military material. Capt. Sibley also razzed Sam a bit by telling all present that Sam had a history with uniform issues. 

But that is a story for another post. 

It was a perfect day. Perfectly flawed to fit us. 

Congratulations on a most excellent 23 1/2 years of service to your country! 

We love you and are most proud of you!