Twenty Years: A Reflection

20 years ago, I enlisted in the United States Air Force.  Wow... the time certainly has flown by.  I still remember the day I flew from Denver to Basic Training at Lackland AFB, TX.  My mom told me, "there's nowhere in the world that I can't get to you." My dad told me, "if they make you a toilet cleaner, then be the best darn toilet cleaner there is."  Oh boy, did their words ring true.  I was assigned to an initial career field of logistics and completed tech school at Lackland AFB before being assigned to Spangdahlem AB, Germany.  My time in Germany was my longest assignment.  During that time, I dealt with 9/11, celebrated my 21st birthday at Oktoberfest, was on a country line dancing team that toured fests all over Germany, presented to American and Ukranian Generals, had my first (of four) knee surgeries, picked up foreign objects from the runway, hauled F-16 parts across the base, built a rudimentary database for supply parts, and made many close friends who I still keep in touch with today.  My parents were by my side through it all.  My brother even joined me for Christmas and New Year's one year and we toured Paris and the Czech Republic together.  I took my years in Germany by the horns and held on for the ride before being transferred to Scott AFB, IL.  

At Scott AFB, I was still in the logistics career field, but there wasn't a runway with F-16's.  I merely had a desk job.  This wasn't enough, so I was also on the Honor Guard and covered six states for military funerals and other events, this included singing the National Anthem for various events.  I joined YAM, or Young Adult Ministries.  It was during this time that I started to deepen my relationship with God.  I was retrained out of the logistics career field and was sent to Alabama where I went to JAG (Judge Advocate General) School to become a paralegal.  After JAG School, I was transferred to Langley AFB, VA.  At Langley, I found yet another Young Adults group and organized Theology on Tap after working hours.  Langley was my last assignment in the Air Force.  

My mom flew out to Virginia to help me drive my car full of belongings all the way back to Colorado.  We took a very circuitous route all over the place visiting family and fun destinations.  It took us over a week, but it was what I needed to transition from military life to civilian life.  I moved back home with my parents while I went to undergrad.  My parents were instrumental in helping me re-learn how to be a civilian.  They were, and still are, my strong and unyielding backbone.  During my time back home, I was involved with the Catholic Young Adults of Colorado Springs.  Here, I spent some time as the Spiritual Director and organized Theology on Tap for the Diocese, as well as organizing service opportunities.  Today, many of these CYACS members are still my close friends.  Fellowship always produces close bonds that cannot be broken.  

During my time back home, I met a really nice and funny guy named, Jason.  We dated for a year, were engaged for a year, and then married in 2008.  I will never forget when Jason proposed to me.  I was at a destination family reunion in Italy.  I had no idea that Jason was there, too.  One night, I was sitting next to my brother at a dinner when violinists came in and serenaded us.  At the end of the song, one of the violinists gave me a ring box, and in walked Jason.  Before I received the ring box, I literally heard God telling me, clear as day, "he is going to propose and you will say yes."  It was an order from God.  An order that I was more than delighted to follow through with.  

Jason and I have been together for a long time.  We have been through the ups and downs of life.  Births, deaths, celebrations and defeats.  I cannot imagine a better partner in my life.  Jason makes me laugh every day; I firmly believe that laughter and joy is a gift from God.  Other gifts from God came in 2010, 2013 and 2018.  Those gifts are named Alexander, Abby and Andrew; my "A Team."

This morning before school, my children were asking me if I worked.  I cited a recent study that said how all mothers work 2.5 full time jobs, plus I'm teaching CCD, plus I'm helping out with the school board, plus I blog and am a freelance writer, plus I'm trying to break out as a public speaker.  I summarized to them that I work about 6 jobs. So, yes. I work.  Abby, ever the wise child, said, "Wow, mommy.  God has something special planned for you!"  From the mouth of babes. 

The past 20 years have flown by.  They were enriched by the love and support from my parents, husband, brother, extended family and friends. My relationship with Christ has deepened over the past two decades, it has become more personal.  It is a calling from God that I evangelize.  I have seen and been through so much, that I firmly believe it would be a waste to not share the love of God with others.  As Abby pointed out, God does have something special planned for me; but He also has something planned for YOU!  God loves you and will meet you right where you are.  Right now.  Just answer His call.  

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