When a Loved One Joins the Military

In 1980, my oldest sister, joined the Navy after graduating from high school.   It was an emotional thing for my parents to watch their oldest daughter, not only leave the nest for boot camp, but to eventually leave the country for exotic destinations.

 The whole military experience was a complete unknown for my parents.  It was especially difficult back then because we didn’t have the internet to stay connected.

 Their only communication with my sister was via letters and...