This is my first shot at posting on Julian’s blog site – I sure hope I do it justice.  

Julian’s journey started early this morning by bidding farewell to friends Rebecca & Paulo (thank you so much for offering your home).  Then her dear friend, Margaret & Jules went for breakfast before Margaret drove her to the National Guard Armory at 8:30 a.m..  She was then briefed with some military details and given her flight information.  She arrived at the airport by 10:30 a.m. only to have a long wait for her flight to take off at 3:40 p.m.  Well, you know Jules – she did just fine – she found the Armed Forces Service Center and made herself comfy.   She said some very nice veterans made her feel welcomed.  She also mentioned going through security was very sweet.  The security guards saw her military bag and a guard personally escorted her past and said “Mame you can come with me, we treat the military with special care – and –  thank you”.   Jules & I had a nice long telephone conversation around noon.  Then, around 3:00,  she texted me and said no more phone calls – it was too emotional..she said she just wanted to get her head in the game…Isn’t that just Jules?…..So, she offered texting for the rest of her flight plan.   She got on her 3:40 p.m. flight and arrived in Chicago with only 5 minutes to spare right before the doors closed – she was pretty nervous about that one.   On this flight she met a couple other new soldiers in the same boat.   At 8:12 pm she arrived in Columbia, SC!   Her last text was “Here I go….love ya!”  

So what did I do today to keep me busy?  Well, first I went on the website of Fort Jackson, SC.    It was full of information – if you would like to check it out:  http://www.jackson.army.mil/sites/bct/pages/104

Then, I took my dog, Captain, on a 2 hour drive accomplishing a bunch of little “To Do” tasks.   Dogs are great companions when you have nervous energy.   I also cooked up a great meal and then I proceeded to clean my stove!  Isn’t that what you do to pass time? 

So, now I have brought you up-to-date.  THANK YOU ALL for being such a great support to Julian – she has told us over and over how valuable you are!

So in harmony with Julian’s last text to us…..HERE WE GO!

by:  Pamela (Mom) Plamann