Something happens to moms or at least this mom, when seeing your son over come the obstacles of boot camp, mentally, emotionally and physically. A certain pride and a feeling of, I can do anything, spreads from their joy of accomplishment and in this case engulfed me. As I watched and listened to General Schoomaker give his speech, my mind began to wonder just how close I could get to him to take a good picture to recount the day Cody graduated. Surrounded by Military men and Security Escorts, I figured it would be fruitless to make the effort. When the speech was over and then the ceremonies had concluded, I found myself with my camera, advancing on the rear of the podium. Within a heart beat, I saw an opening in the crowd and before I could really think about anything else, my mind went to the outer limits of rational thinking and the thought came to me �I am only going to live once, so why not go for it�. I snapped a shot or two of General Schoomaker and his entourage coming down the steps, a few darts and swerves to avoid people and there I was standing with my hand extended and as the words �General Schoomaker I would like to thank you for your years of service to our country� came gushing from my mouth. The General looked around at his men and his female assistant with a look of �how did she make it to me?� The heads were nodding in amazement as I stood and he gently and politely took my hand and held it in his. He then softly yet with sincerity said �Thank you for your warm words�. The conversation continued as my husband Allen joined us and he began to question where we were from and who was graduating today. We explained we were from Bishop, California and that our eldest son was graduating as one of his younger brothers had done so four years prior, also from Fort Benning. He congratulated us on our son�s accomplishments and our commitment to raising them with respect for our country. We also explained that our youngest served with the Navy. It was a pleasant conversation that lasted several minutes and then we were asked to have our picture taken with the General and his assistant took my camera so that we would also have a picture. The camera�s came from everywhere, men and women in uniform and those with the press, it was a memorable moment and one that I will never forget.