Top Recruit.

By a landslide.

It's what we hear sitting in those seats.

Watching over 70 young men and women take compliments and commencement for their hard work.

And when I say hard work, it's never to be mistaken as simple work.  It's kick ass, bad ass, rough work.

Sitting in that Long Beach Fire Department garage felt surreal.  As in, I didn't realize how important the path was for him.  Every Tuesday Gianni has dedicated himself after a long day of ....

This.  And this starts at 6am at the gym first.

Ending his night here at 10pm.

But the best of it all, is hearing the instructor make his announcements and expressing two awards given exclusively on this special night.  One, for academics, and the other for  TOP RECRUIT.  The commanders words echoed out something like this : "We give this award to the top recruit that goes beyond.  This guy was chosen by a landslide.  His dedication,  and hard work is why his excellence far exceeds his duty- Gianni Castillo, please come up"-  2 Awards, 70 people.  Gio as one = Pretty rad. 

Of course we roared with cheer.  Tears filled the eyes of these mama's. His Dad's cheer was one not to be missed.  Kali had a grin that could keep the light on in the room.  His sisters cheers would prove that pride beyond words still embed in a sissies soul. True goodness Gio.

He's moving mountains, and opening doors.

Gettin' after it.  Proof right here.

The night before the ceremony he was shining his boots.  Of course our silly family offered razz's.  It's just how we are.  But as I watched him shine those suckers up, I knew that those boots are going alot farther than just a ceremony. 

His next plans will most likely include those black boots. And a whole new path that requires the strength that got him here.  Not to mention his family surrounding him, and guiding him....making a recipe for a good dude here.

Top Recruit.  Womp Womp!

But sooner than later, after all those hugs, kisses, and many congrats, they'd be back at it.

And we'd be standing in between fire trucks watching....

My eyes were immediately wide open listening to their instructors.  Each yelling.  In their face.  Push ups because a watch was forgotten.  Boots not shined enough.  Someone yelling "Yes Sir", instead of "Yes Maam" required yet, another 30 pushups.  As much as it flipped my little nerves around, I know it's meant to be.  And meant to be for a guy that we love and know he's more than capable enough.  To move mountains, search for injured.  Helping society as a hero and joining a group that we call "TRUE HERO'S"-  We are so proud of you Gio!  Love you buddy!

And while we held yet another acceptance letter in our hands....with a few more expected.  Decisions are becoming closer and more clear than ever before.  And my anxiety levels are rising on the daily.   Who's with me, raise your hand-

While this dude is in Vegas, along with Kris' quick trip, I was receiving pictures of two of my favorites.

Grampie and Bucksie in Vegas.  The little Magic tea cup wolf, cruising around checkin out the new digs.

Happy Thursday....

Minutes closer to my love above to land on this side of town.

Hey sunshine, we love you and all, but come on...call on your better half....RAIN!

It's almost Friday Fartknockers!

Love and happy times to you.


This proud mama lisa.