Operation: Dano Quest, Part Two
I felt off with Angela and I ducking out and sleeping through dinner.
In the long run, that's just fine. We really needed the rest.
We woke early and checked out of our hotel so we could get back to Parris Island and get good seats. We originally wanted to see the raising of the colors, but we instead just watched them from afar (in the bleachers).
It was chilly, and I regretted not having a blanket or jacket. We wound up sitting on a spare sweater Angela had in the car. Thank goodness because the bench was not only cold aluminum, but also wet. *yuck*
We chatted, drank coffee, and generally just people watched. It was obvious we were still exhausted. An unfortunate side effect of all the gents graduating was their families. A loud and obnoxious woman sat in front of us. She talked over announcements, scolded the children with her over and over, and almost poked out my eye with the sign she had. Oh, and she just had to sit on the end of the bleachers "I'm terribly claustrophobic" she stated. Well, if that were true she would have flipped when her exit was taken away because the bleachers filled to overcapacity and folks sat on the steps to the right of where we were.
Moving on.... Two hours later, the band came out and things rolled!
It was great to see what Dano's future entailed. Here came some of the band that he was going to be a part of. Here marched his future!
And not far behind came India Company! It was impressive.
The ceremony was well done. Generally folks respected those around them (except that woman in front of me with the sign... you can see her in the videos, but she doesn't do much).
Angela and I cheered, teared up, and tried to play "Spot the Dano". We found him, eventually, when they marched by. Well, Angela found him... I was poked in the eye with a giant yellow sign.
We quickly ran out when the finally dismissal came and sought out Dano and his family. So, here he was! PFC Knobel, United States Marine!
I know that when we found Dano, his Mom, and his brother, I felt overjoyed and humbled by the fact that I was able to be there for this moment in Dano's life. I cannot speak to anyone else's emotions, only my own.
When Dano left for boot, many people said he would never make it. Friends and family alike all doubted his ability to make it through. But I say with full conviction, not I, not once, not for a second. Before he left we talked a lot about what he would need to do, how he would need to be, what may change in him, and how to make it a competition. Did you know Dano is a fiercely competitive person? Yes! He certainly is. If he can "win" he will.
He won.
Stay Tuned for the third and final installment where we visited the Waterfront Shops, Folks were astounded by Glass, and we bid farewell to Mom and Agent B.
In the long run, that's just fine. We really needed the rest.
We woke early and checked out of our hotel so we could get back to Parris Island and get good seats. We originally wanted to see the raising of the colors, but we instead just watched them from afar (in the bleachers).
 |
| The Parade Deck |
We chatted, drank coffee, and generally just people watched. It was obvious we were still exhausted. An unfortunate side effect of all the gents graduating was their families. A loud and obnoxious woman sat in front of us. She talked over announcements, scolded the children with her over and over, and almost poked out my eye with the sign she had. Oh, and she just had to sit on the end of the bleachers "I'm terribly claustrophobic" she stated. Well, if that were true she would have flipped when her exit was taken away because the bleachers filled to overcapacity and folks sat on the steps to the right of where we were.
Moving on.... Two hours later, the band came out and things rolled!
 |
| Marine Corps Band |
It was great to see what Dano's future entailed. Here came some of the band that he was going to be a part of. Here marched his future!
And not far behind came India Company! It was impressive.
The ceremony was well done. Generally folks respected those around them (except that woman in front of me with the sign... you can see her in the videos, but she doesn't do much).
Angela and I cheered, teared up, and tried to play "Spot the Dano". We found him, eventually, when they marched by. Well, Angela found him... I was poked in the eye with a giant yellow sign.
 |
| Can you pick him out? |
We quickly ran out when the finally dismissal came and sought out Dano and his family. So, here he was! PFC Knobel, United States Marine!
 |
| Knobel and Agent B-Lightnin |
 |
| Knobel and his rack mate. |
I know that when we found Dano, his Mom, and his brother, I felt overjoyed and humbled by the fact that I was able to be there for this moment in Dano's life. I cannot speak to anyone else's emotions, only my own.
When Dano left for boot, many people said he would never make it. Friends and family alike all doubted his ability to make it through. But I say with full conviction, not I, not once, not for a second. Before he left we talked a lot about what he would need to do, how he would need to be, what may change in him, and how to make it a competition. Did you know Dano is a fiercely competitive person? Yes! He certainly is. If he can "win" he will.
He won.
Stay Tuned for the third and final installment where we visited the Waterfront Shops, Folks were astounded by Glass, and we bid farewell to Mom and Agent B.
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