My heart is aching and there are tears in my
eyes,
But I smile with bravado and do not cry.
He looks so confident, his head held high,
As he walks across the field under the azure
sky.
Two years earlier I had brought his brother.
Not daring to dream that I would bring the
other.
Now they stand together, what could be better?
One a new cadet, and the other a squad leader.
Memories of my cadet days come to mind,
Of long hard hours, dismounted drill, and
double time.
Of clothing formations and leaders in my face.
Of sweating, learning, and trying to keep
pace.
Now my son has shouldered the pack,
He has taken the plunge and hasn't looked
back.
His dad is as proud as a man can be,
But he feels a little guilty as you maybe
can see.
What made them want to be like their dad?
Was it the love of the army or life that they
had?
Traveling around the world and seeing the
sights.
Looking for adventure both by day and by night.
But the army is not just adventure, travel,
and fun.
The army is commitment and hard work in the
rain and the sun.
It is deployments and separations, guard duty
and more.
It is self-sacrifice, hardship, and sometimes,
even war.
But he has made his choice, it was his to make.
I pray he will not regret the decision for
his own sake.
We need men and women who will take a stand.
And help make this country all it that it
can.
He has the character, the dedication, and drive.
To be all he can be and in adversity survive.
He will be tired, frustrated, and knocked
down,
But he will rise up with strength and go another
round.
He will prevail and will become a better man,
All just a small part of our creator's master
plan.
I know that he will succeed and do what is
right.
He has our Lord guarding him by day and by
night.
As I go to my knees to thank my Lord and Savior.
I am reminded that I have not ever had good
behavior.
My cup overflows with blessings undeserved.
How could my Lord bless me so much, what nerve!
How could he have sent His son, Jesus, to die
for me?
To be beaten so cruelly and nailed to a tree?
To wash away my sin required the blood of
a perfect lamb,
And only His son Jesus could accomplish His
plan.
Do you know the one I call my Lord Jesus?
He has promised to never leave nor forsake
us.
Surrender your life to Him today,
All of your troubles and cares will fade away.
He has created you to be his precious daughter
or son,
And he will love you like you are His only
one.
So come to the Lord Jesus and do not delay,
Allow Him to be your Lord and Savior today!
Patrick D. Rivette
USMA, Class of 1971