Last night, Mario and I attended a dining out with his cadets, their families and our Congressman, Don Bacon. The last time I attended a formal dining out, Mario was LT and therefore, very low ranking. So there was no pressure for me. This time, Mario and I had to sit at the head table with the Congressman and a few of his best cadets. Mario neglected to tell me that I’d have to walk in with the six others at the head table while the guests stand up and watch us walk across the room and up the stairs to our seats. I have feet, knee and hip issues so I rarely wear high heels. But for this occasion, I figured I should wear heels. I picked up a cheap pair at Goodwill for $4 yesterday morning. Unfortunately, they were a tiny bit big and so I was so self conscious walking in front of that crowd in those heels. But then found out we had a break half way thru and I had to do it all over again. The crowd had to stand when we left and stand for us to enter again. I’m not sure I am cut out to be a commander’s wife because I was very close to taking off my shoes and walking across the room in my nylons. Ha!
I noticed the sweetest thing next to my name on the seating chart. Mario told the cadet who made it to put something special by my name. He said everyone in the meeting laughed and Mario said, “No, I’m serious.” See if you can see it in the pictures.
The cadets did an amazing job putting together this dinner. I was very impressed. It was really nice to meet many of his cadets and their parents. I know Mario will have a major impact on the lives of these young men and women. They are lucky to have him as their commander.
By the way, that is the same uniform Mario bought 19 years ago when he joined the military. I can’t believe it still fits perfectly! And, yes, I’m crazy and already put up my Christmas tree. But I am waiting to put on the ornaments until the kids can help me.
