still waters run deep

Oy, I love this kid, but he has been quite a character in his short 18 years. So, Tony is our 4th child and 2nd son. He was born at Luke AFB in Arizona and was also the 2nd child I gave birth to without my soldier around-Its the norm in this lifestyle, but we do what we have to do. So Tony entered this world at 9lbs and dark olive skin and deep brown eyes. Tony could be a very difficult kiddo, but he is funny as all get out! He is also a very strong and silent young man. He is very much like his daddy. Always observing before jumping into a situation. Tony is also very loyal to the people in his life. He says more in actions than words, for instance, last night he read the bedtime stories to his baby brothers. This may not seem like such a big deal, but he is 18, has a life outside of this house and is a busy bee. But he took the time because he knows that even though his baby brothers get on his nerves and get into his things, they look up to him with such adoration that it wells my eyes with tears. He has also oddly turned into quite the romantic and its cute to see with the love of his life, Dana. So Tony has learned as a military child to adapt quickly and help others in this journey. Its been funny to hear him discuss ranks with "newbies" and its cute that he still thinks his dad runs the Army, LOL.. He is such a respectul and cool kid. He makes me proud everytime I look at him. During deployments, he definately "suffers in silence" I have seem him waiting around for letters from dad and brother Nick from down range, Ive als found these letters kept safely in his room. He is a very proud Army Brat and has NO desire to live this lifestyle as an adult-It's okay, we will still love him. I've watched him squeal with delight in seeing his dad get off that bus from a deployment when he was little and I have seen him wait with agony as a teenager, watching his dad safely walk off that airplane returning from Iraq. The relief on his face, says it all. He is of course above squealing with delight now, but you can see it in his eyes... So Tony, Always do your best.. Never settle.. Remember where you come from and when things don't seem to be going your way, you get up and dust yourself off and figure it out. I CANNOT wait to see the man you will become and what you will do with your life. You make me proud when I see you give your last cent to a homeless person, or that when you talk of making it big in the NBA, you always talk about helping everyone you can and not about what YOU will get out of that. So, whether you are an NBA star, or the gym teacher at your local high school, know that Mamma and Daddy love you. Thank you for the laughter and the journey....