Mother’s Day was last weekend. This is a day where our children remind us that we are loved. This weekend I heard from my youngest daughter. She is at the Air Force Academy and they had their Ring Dance on Friday. The Ring Dance is a tradition where the cadets receive their class rings and celebrate their upcoming move to their firstie year. You’ll find out at the end of this blog post how I was once again reminded that I am loved.

 

I remember when my spouse had his Ring Dance. I was living in Denver, CO as his fiancée.  Alain and his friends were hyped up for the day. After that event, they would begin counting down the days to their graduation. For me, it was my first introduction to military balls and their protocols. Who knew that I would still be doing it all these years later?

Fast forward twenty-six years and my daughter is attending the Ring Dance, not as a guest but as a cadet. I couldn’t imagine when I held that little girl that she would one day join the military, let alone attend a service academy. But here she was, living her dream.

She sent her dad a photo of her in her mess dress early Friday evening.

The first text I received from her Friday was of her in her gown with a fellow cadet.

She was very excited to wear that gown. We went shopping while she was home on winter break. It may be the last time she can wear “civilian” clothes while in the military.

Later that night, I heard my phone ding. It was my daughter texting me. On my phone, was a photo of her ring.

It’s a huge deal. She had been keeping the design under wraps. And now I was privy to the finished product.

But wait, the excitement wasn’t over. A few moments later, I had another text from her. This time she was letting me know the significance of the ring.

Cue the waterworks. You hope that your children will realize how much you love them and all the sacrifices that you make ONE DAY. But here it was, twenty years after I gave birth to her and she got it. I am one happy mom.

I wonder what will happen at graduation next year?

What an awesome weekend I had!

On Saturday, I attended the AMPA (American Military Partners Association) gala. This organization is dedicated to “connecting, supporting, honoring, and serving the partners, spouses, families, and allies of America’s LGBT service members and veterans – our “modern military families.”  I feel deeply about this issue. Not only am I a mom to a person who is in this group, I am a person who believes in this cause.

It was incredible to see so many people able to freely be who they are. The gowns were fabulous and the attendees were jovial. As the emcee stated, it’s like the Oscars for the LBGT+ community. This is the 5^thyear they are holding this gala and although it was my first, I have to say it was the best. The food was amazing, the speakers were entertaining, and the guests were on pointe!

We heard from Col. Sheri Swokowski, the highest ranking transgender woman in the military. She spoke of her battles and her victories within the Army. The organization also honored spouses who have advanced the cause. In addition, they told the audience about a new program that is being implemented-it’s called “MilPride.” This new initiative is aimed at helping the LBGT kids of military families. I am so happy to hear of it. I wish that it had been around earlier for my child.

On Sunday, the U.S. celebrated Mother’s Day. Another great day to cap off a great weekend. My spouse and I went on a hike and then went to a nearby winery. We went about a mile and a half through the woods and near the river.

Paradise Springs is a cute little local winery in Clifton, VA. There were quite a lot of moms and families there. It was surprising. It was a perfect day to celebrate women everywhere.

I hope that next weekend is as fruitful. If not, I’ll enjoy the memory of that May Day.