Landing at OKC airport I could hardly contain myself. I was feeling happy. O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A, OKLAHOMA, OK. It's a silly song. But it's been such a long time since I picked up a new state. I believe the last time was 4 summers ago when I took my son to Alaska.

Oklahoma is my 48th state. My only unvisited states are the Dakotas. A trip that I'm trying to talk someone into taking with me next summer. But enough about that, I'm in Oklahoma.

It's different than I expected. More green. Not as flat. I'd expected a bit of Amarillo north. Instead it's a lot like western New York state. Or Ohio. The temperature was in the high seventies. Cool for an August afternoon. The sun was shining. And there was very little humidity.

My son, Bob, has been here all summer at Fort Sill. He graduated from basic training today and flies to Virginia tomorrow for his MOS training. We've missed the boy and wanted to see him graduate. Besides, I'm proud of him.

His High School graduation was, in large part, thanks to his dear mother. She should have walked with him. But this is different. He has done this all on his own. And he has thrived this summer. When I saw him yesterday he was encouraging one of his platoon mates to pass the PT test. Without passing the young lad would be left behind.

Bob has grown up this summer. I respect his accomplishments. This experience will serve him well. And I get to see Oklahoma. Last night we all huddled around the television and watched the local weather report as tornado sirens blared in the distance. I don't really need to see a twister to get the full Oklahoma experience do I?..........
9:11:22 PM    comment []