2nd Graduation.

{written Friday, August 12, 2011}


Today, my sweet sister, Chelsey, graduates from MCT training in North Carolina.  It has felt so weird not hearing from her, and not knowing what she is up to or what's on the agenda for the day.  At least while she was in boot camp, we got letters here and there, but while in MCT, we haven't heard a peep.  We know she's busy doing what Marines do out in the field, but we miss her terribly.  Those 10 days she spent with us after basic went by so fast, and we didn't have nearly enough time to catch up on everything.  And before we knew it, we were saying goodbye again; goodbye to our sisterly escapades, to the fun (and not so fun) drama, and to the constant pigging out.


I sit here and type, and of course, my over emotional self is crying like a baby.  I miss her so so much, and only wish to send her picture messages of Aislynn and the funny things she does and says.  To visit her at her job, or poke fun of her wardrobe.  To ask her, "what's up with yo hair?"  or to tell her why I think her sister is crazy, and how she can't possibly be related to me.

I know I'm making it sound like she is gone forever, but nobody can describe the bond between sisters.  There is none like it, but I like to think Ecclesiastes describes it well...


"A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -- Ecclesiastes 4:12



We're like the Amigos, the Musketeers, The Kardashians, and whatever other group of unstoppable goofballs there are.  This is the first time we've been separated like this, and its hitting us hard.  I mean, we've grown up together every.single.day of our lives.  Its like we don't know what to do with ourselves and/or with each other, anymore.  I think in some way shape or form, we've each gone a little mad.  Adjusting to "growing up" isn't so fun when one of your lifelong best friends are far away.  I mean, when you're little in the sandbox ages and pulling each other's hair out, you don't think where you'll be 15 years from now.  All you think is, "ugh! That little brat! I'ma beat her next time she..."  But these days, you think, "If you mess with my sister, you mess with me."

Anywho, enough of the sap in me.  I promise, I'm not always this melancholy.  I just miss my baby sister, is all.

{Update: Chelsey called Sunday evening, and is headed to California for schooling until further notice}

Faith, Love, and Sisters,
Casey

Graduation Day! | Part II

Finally, she's OURS! At least for the next 10 days! After leaving the island, we grubbed, and went back to the hotel, and raided through Chelsey's belongings, and reminsced about her days on the island; the island she thought was A LOT bigger than what they made out to be.

ps. whenever they traveled by bus, they had to keep their heads down until the final destination.

{Chelsey's covers}

{Birth Control Glasses, which she only wore at the rifle range}

{Inspirational pictures and a letter sent from a fellow Marine.  Thanks, Chris!}

{All of the pics we sent to Chelsey. This way she would never forgot how beautiful her sisters are and what a loving and supporting family she has!}

{These letters are Katie's alone. 'nough said.}

Marine Pillowcase Dress Made by: 

Karen of EmmaLove Boutique!

Again, thank you to everyone for your love and support! 

And thank you to those who also sent Chelsey letters!

Faith and Love, 

Casey

Graduation Day! | Part I

13 weeks later, Chelsey is officially a United States Marine!

First, I'd like to thank everyone for their warm wishes, encouragement, support, and love!  Without you all, this would have not only been harder on us, but on my sister as well.  And please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.  Thank you! Thank you!

This was by far one of the proudest moments in my life!  To watch my sister march in formation, to see her salute, and to witness all that she has become in such a short amount of time!  I am one proud big sister!

Chelsey, I love you so so much, and I can't say it enough... how very very very proud I am of you! Shine your light! Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!

{Dismissal}


Untitled from Casey Ayala on Vimeo.

Marine Pillowcase Dress Made by: 

Karen of EmmaLove Boutique!

Faith, love, and OORAH!

Casey