keeping promises

Most of y'all that have been following my blog for even a few months know that I joined the military when I was eighteen. That was ten years ago this coming November. I initially signed up for a four year enlistment. At the time, my cousin Mercedes was eight years old, and naturally, really sad that I'd be leaving and only coming back to Texas for visits. But she (and I) thought I'd be home at the end of those first four years, so she wasn't worried about me ever missing her high school graduation. Well, the four years flew by, and not knowing where I wanted to go with my life at twenty-two years old, I signed up for four more years. I remember Mercedes, then twelve years old, being so bummed that I wouldn't be coming back like originally planned. In my second enlistment I met Mikey, who is now my husband. Together we decided to get out of the military after our enlistments had been fulfilled and go to college. Although, upon officially breaking my ties with the service, I didn't go back to Texas; I headed to New Jersey, where we currently reside. Getting older and realizing that my plans to permanently come back to Texas had likely changed, Mercedes thereafter only asked that I'd make it to her high school graduation. In fact, she had always made it clear that seeing her walk the stage was something I had to be present for. I repeatedly said I wouldn't miss it, but somewhere along the way, I'd honestly forgotten about my promise. It just so happened that on this trip, I flew in the day before Mercedes' graduation and I got to sit in the stands and shout (like a maniac) many congratulations to her. Even though it had slipped my memory to be there, I feel it was just meant to be. I'm the only one in our entire family who doesn't live in San Antonio, so it's always incredibly heartwarming for me to make it to events that my family gathers so joyously for. 

me, my sister & her awesome fiance

my nephew & my cousin

Mercedes, or "Mercy", as I call her

The pics I took of the rest of my family are blurry. Here are my uncles, aunts, cousin, & my mommy.

I had four slices of this cake. No shame. 

I hope y'all are enjoying this lovely Friday. Have a happy and beautiful weekend with the people you love! (I'll keep trying to post/read your blogs as I get internet service.) <3