Thanks MIke, see what you started by this thread. :)

I agree with these gents! You made the right decision! Thanks for the photos!

Awesome thread. Another reminder of what's important in life.
Thank you all for your support.
Also, that little man is going to be a heartbreaker. You ready for the ladies lining up at the front door? ;)

Yeah I am afraid he might be. I am not ready for that yet. Lol.

Thanks for the post pig. Doug that's a fine looking young man you have there. Tony, awesome looking family. I worked mids for 19 years, so I could spend some quality time with the kids. We went camping, fishing, shooting and I took my son hunting. They still tell me they had a great time growing up with me. Makes my heart soar like a hawk.

Awesome story Tony, and what a great looking family!

I'll make mine short.

I spent 22 years in the Navy. I was gone at least 1/2 of every year, and mostly more.

To avoid what you and so many of my shipmates and Brother in Arms in other services experienced, I waited until I was 40 years old to marry and 42 to have my first child.

I had to leave a great career early to do that, but once I found Gail, I knew it was the right thing.

Kids are now 18 and 15 (pics in another thread somewhere), and I know I made the right decision. It might have been fun to see if I could have made Admiral, but better to have a healthy, happy, well adjusted family.

Nothing is more important than that.

Tom

Thank you sir, for sharing.
I've been debating writing a book of things I've done and witnessed throughout my career. Not so much for the "look at me" type of thing, but as a sort of legacy and better understanding of why Daddy had to disappear for stretches at a time.

Tom, I agree since our kids are grown its wifey and myself,and our duece and friends....maybe not all in that order!
We love it all!
Happy Valentines Day, my friend!
Ron