The Night Before
It's so funny to sit around and listen to people tell you how proud they are of you, when all you were doing was what you thought you were supposed to do.
Tonight at dinner, and again at the commissioning ceremony, so many people came up to me to congratulate me. It is finally sinking in that I am about to be a college graduate, but as I ponder this further on my own, it doesn't seem yet that I am doing anything out of the ordinary for me. One of the beautiful things about having a family like I have is that they always know when to make a big deal out of the events in my life. Without them to make sure I know how important tomorrow is, I have this feeling that I would forget or diminish the hugeness of this milestone in my life. I hope that doesn't mean I validate myself based on others' thoughts, but they, my family, have really been a big part of why this weekend is so special.
My cousin, Daniel, has also had quite an experience out here this weekend. For the first time since I have ever known him, he has decided that he needs to concentrate on his academics. Why, you ask? Last night, he decided that he wants to come to the Air Force Academy. Now I know that my uncle will be incredibly excited, but I can't help but feel a small tug saying I had an effect on him by bringing him here. I sincerely hope he follows through with this one.
Only a few more days until I am out at Philmont with Pamela. Only a few more hours until I am done with USAFA, at least for a few years. I think I am finally ready to take a deep breath and tell myself once and for all that I did a pretty good job with my first 22 years. I'll miss everyone so much, but no one is going far, and now is not a time for thinking about the past.