Chris Goes "Home"

Chris left for Germany last night. Although he did spend a little more time at home this week the most time I had with him was on the trips from and to the airport. We had the time to talk one on one during those trips.

Although I did feel a little funny about it. He'll be 22 next week and he's been living on his own now for getting close to two years. There were times when I wanted to pass on some advice or maybe even a little lecture but I held back. At this point in his life do I have that right anymore?

He told me he only felt bad about saying goodbye to two people. One was his best friend Shawn's mother, who stopped in the middle of working to say goodbye. He said she started crying. The other was Scott. He was closer to Scott than Sean, they did more brother things together. I know Scott thinks a lot about Chris and where he is and I think Chris now realizes it.

We get to the airport and he get his ticket and checks his bag. Stepping outside for his last smoke for about 11 hours we talk about information he needs to get me so I can be in touch with people at his command (or more they know how to reach me).

"Yeah, so it looks like April 15th is the day this time. We've done all our medical testing and even took our Photo of Honor. We didn't have to do that the last times we were getting ready".
"Well, just stay low so we never have to see that photo".
"You don't have to worry about me".
"Sorry, I won't promise that".
"They train us really well. I'll be fine".
"I know they do. It's just that there's a guy out there who doesn't care".
"I know".

Then it was time for him to go, we said goodbye. I just hope that there's another "Hello".