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Many of you have meet my Son, Caleb in my many sign travels. He has graduated from high school in June and now has chosen to be a Soldier for 4 years in the US ARMY! It was a tearfull goodbye tonight as Caleb is our one and only! He has left a boy, and will come home a MAN!
Many emotions fill your heart when this happens. We are so proud of him, and must watch him from the nest as he flies alone to his many adventures. Of course the bond will always be there and he has many family and friends that are cheering him on! I just wanna thank all the wonderful Letterheads that have open your hearts to myself and our family over the years and made us feel at home! Caleb has met alot of you and may see you again in his travels....He will be in Fort Sill Oklahoma for 9 weeks, then Red Stone Arsenal in ALabama for another 20 weeks.....so I'll be on the road more than ever to go see him and stop off in a Letterheads shop when I can get a chance!
We have all been to this point in our lives (both on the going away and now watching them go away) and I'm sure you can relate to this big change in life...Here's wishing my son the very best in whatever he does, and a tip of the cap to all the faithfull Letterheads in the past who have helped shape him to the man he will become....
and if John Jordan is reading this from up above....thanks for sharing good times with Caleb!!
I have a great life, a good wife, great family and friends, I'm passionate about my work(SIGNS!) and my son is off to a great start on wonderful things!
Thanks for letting me provide a sounding board to stand up and be proud of my son!!!!
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Hear, hear, Mike, we wish caleb well, and if he's like his dad he'll do well (and I'm sure he is)Have faith and relax with a spot of tea and a slash of milk...Your friends Pat & Ruth.
-------------------- Pat Welter Masterhand Signs and Designs Unity, Saskatchewan.Canada Posts: 1304 | From: Unity, Saskatchewan.Canada | Registered: May 1999
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Watching our grown kids leave home is a tough thing to do. While I can relate to the intense pride you feel I also know of the sadness we felt as parents alone for the first time in many years.
The empty nest takes some time to get used to...
The pride I feel for my kids never diminishes... it even increases through the years as they make their very own mark on the world around them.
The greatest thing you can give them as they continue without you present on a daily basis is unconditional love and support.
I'm sure Caleb will make you and Eileen very proud for his entire life.
Enjoy the empty nest too!
Being very proud of my kids (and Phoebe too) in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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I have felt these emotions with a son Mike, I understand your pride.Godspeed to Caleb, in his adventure.
Jack
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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I feel kind of honored that you had sent me his graduation pic...now your young man will head off to the serious part of the world. Wow, man that's heavy! I congradulate him, you and the family. I think he'll do great. great talking with you the other day...
-------------------- aka:Cisco the "Traveling Millennium Sign Artist" http://www.franciscovargas.com Fresno, CA 93703 559 252-0935 "to live life, is to love life, a sign of no life, is a sign of no love"...Cisco 12'98 Posts: 3576 | From: Fresno, Ca, the great USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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I know just how your feel, my only child fin.up navy bootcamp about 3 weeks ago and i went back to Chicago for his grad. boy oh boy sure was is hard on old dad but dam Im proud of him!!!
tell your son we say thank-you for his service to our country and god bless
-------------------- Aaron Haynes Aaron's Signs & Windows Napa Ca aa4signs@sbcglobal.net ------------ Important Rule For Life: "Look out for number one... Don't step in number two" ------------ If your never the lead dog on the sled...the scenery never changes. Posts: 241 | From: Napa Ca. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Best wishes and prayers for you all! He'll have a job well done, I'm sure- Cat
-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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As parents we teach our kids to make right decisions. We teach them to consider the consequences and project the results into future and establish dreams. Then we buy into their dream and feel proud of the new union. Caleb and Mike, hold onto that dream, it binds you together.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6720 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Mike, Thank you and your bride for raising a young man of this caliber.
-------------------- John Byrd Ball Ground, Georgia 770-735-6874 http://johnbyrddesign.com so happy I gotta sit on both my hands to keep from wavin' at everybody! Posts: 741 | From: Ball Ground, Georgia, USA | Registered: May 1999
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Congratulations Mike on rearing a son of Caleb's character. Surely you are proud of him and his decision. Our prayers go with him and he serves the rest of us.
An empty nest is rather quiet at times, but our kids have a tendency of finding their way back home to get a little bit of home from time to time.
Thanks for your passion.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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That is someone to be proud of. (which I know you are)
He will serve our country well.
-------------------- Sam Staffan Mackinaw Art & Sign 721 S. Nokomis St. Mackinaw City, MI dstaffan@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1697 | From: Mackinaw City, MI | Registered: Mar 2004
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I spent 10 weeks at Ft. Sill in the summer of '67. One hot S.O.B. in the summertime, but pretty country. A pretty post for that matter. I hear they've cleaned up Lawton, Okla. since those days, wild as heck then. Congratulations.
-------------------- Frisby Signs, Inc. El Dorado, Arkansas Posts: 902 | From: El Dorado, Arkansas, USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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Here's wishing your son well along his journey as one of our nation's finest!
I've never been in the military myself, but I believe it takes a heroic heart and extraordinary personality to be one of our country's protectors and defenders of freedom.
Much success and safety.....
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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What a nice picture of you three. Mike you've got the right idea of travelling and can see Caleb. That's a great thing that not too many parents do! My son is still adamant about joining the marines, but, we'll see. He's got two jobs round the clock, and it's rough on him, but it was his choice to pay his bills; still, he talks about he should have joined when I was away in Algoma so I wouldn't have talked him out of it.Maybe Arthur will see Caleb at one of the boot camps!
Good luck, Caleb! You will miss you're mom's cookin!
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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Thats great Mike,I have not met him yet,Im sure he will make ya proud..........When you go visit make sure you and wife stop by here..... are WELCOME here,Ill show the big town.....he he..going on I-35 you will be just 7 miles from here,BEST WISH'IS to Caleb.........
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I applaud Caleb on making a very wise decision. Not only will he be serving our country and learning a ton of new skills, he will get top notch training (not that you haven't taught him) in leadership, responsibility and dicipline. Don't just be strong Caleb; be Army Strong!
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Best of luck to Caleb in his upcoming adventures.....
I have met the fine young Man and spent a little quality time in Mazeppa myself with the whole Meyer's clan.....I'm sure he'll do well in all he puts himself into!
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I remember the day when Ben left and it is gut wrenching! BUT when we went to see him graduate and saw how wonderful he looked...there aren't many days better than that!! Hang in there, guys! You love them to pieces and hate to see them grow up, but he is in good hands. We will be thinking about ALL of you! One thing that Ben mentioned that he really enjoyed while he was in basic was photos. I used to just take everyday events, signs we were working on, Grandma's birthday cake, the neighbor kids, or Joe's new guitar, and print 4 or 6 on a sheet of paper and send them like a letter. He couldn't get treats or packages, but he could get mail, letters, etc. He said that made a big difference, that he could see what was going on at home.
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Mike...if he doesn't have a camera, send him one! Years from now, he will want pics of his days in boot camp!
Quit worrying...he'll come back a real man!
Never was at Ft. Sill, but Summer at Ft. Benning, Ga. was a place to remember! ( I date back to the days when just about every guy spent some time in the Service.)
-------------------- Si Allen #562 La Mirada, CA. USA
(714) 521-4810
si.allen on Skype
siallen@dslextreme.com
"SignPainters do It with Longer Strokes!"
Never mess with your profile while in a drunken stupor!!!
Brushasaurus on Chat Posts: 8831 | From: La Mirada, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Caleb's a hell of a guy. I really enjoyed working with him and I know he'll have the discipline that is required in the service. I can't wait to shake his hand when he gets back. He'll make ya proud.
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If you want. let us know his address. When he gets to the point that he CAN receive packages, let us know that too. We can all send hims stuff!
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Wow. What a huge step. Congratulations Caleb for being strong, loyal and brave. We all need folks like you. Mike you can feel your immense pride in your son through your words. Good Luck and may the heavens bless.
(Boot camp won't be too bad. I hear they only spit you out once or twice but they also take you back again.)
-------------------- Deri Russell Wildwood Signs Hanover, Ontario
You're just jealous 'cause the little voices only talk to me. Posts: 1904 | From: Hanover, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Dec 1998
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In my eyes there's nothing more prestigious than serving one's country. We are all in his debt and will pray for his success no matter where he goes.
I can see your chest swelling there Mike, and rightfully so. You did a fine job raising Caleb. My hat is off to all of you.
PS. Mike, where'd your hair go? It looks like YOU just came BACK from boot camp.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5398 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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I've only seen Caleb in pictures and met you once talked a bit on a phone your son will be fine your been the best of folks a guy could have not worry
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Mike, I have two sons, 27 and 23. My youngest son joined the Air Force in 2003. I love them equally, but I've never felt more pride than the day he graduated basic training. July 4, 2003. My first view of him was as they made their last 3 mile (I think) run. I sent them a kid who couldn't check his oil, and they returned a F-16 Crew Chief.
It's tough for everyone, but you won't believe the change you'll see in him. He may be a great kid now, but he'll be a fantastic man.
Congratulaions, Tim Borden
-------------------- Tim Borden Speedy's Signs & Banners Jasper, AL
"World Class Entremanure" Posts: 74 | From: Jasper, AL, USA | Registered: May 1999
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Mike and Ayleen....you have done a great job and raised a fine son. Caleb, we wish you love and happiness always, be safe. We are all proud of you.
-------------------- Susan Banasky Source Signs Nanaimo, British Columbia sourcesigns@shaw.ca
When in need....go directly to the "Source"!
Proud Supporter of this "Knowledge Network"! Posts: 1323 | From: Nanaimo, B.C. Canada | Registered: Oct 1999
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Congats Caleb! We're proud of you. Mike & Ayleen... You've done a great job raising a respectable and responsible young man. Now, post a pic of Caleb AFTER the haircut. 'Twould be funny to see you with longer hair, Mike. But probably NOT in this heat!
-------------------- Nancie W. Phillips White Dove Painting Studio 74 Dacula Road, Dacula, GA 30019 678-887-3339
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Good Luck, Caleb! That' a hell of jump. Stay focused on the end result. I admire you. Mom & Pop, you must be proud. Remember to salute!
Dave the Flying Peach
-------------------- David C. Petri Flying Peach Custom Paint Green Bay, WI 54302 cell 920-246-7821 Posts: 79 | From: Green Bay, WI | Registered: Jun 2006
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Good luck, Caleb! Godspeed to the Meyer family. Going away a boy and coming back a man is exactly what it will be. We are lucky to have our young people volunteer to help protect us!
-------------------- Bill Diaz Diaz Sign Art Pontiac IL www.diazsignart.com Posts: 2107 | From: Pontiac, IL | Registered: Dec 2001
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Thanks to all who have emailed and responded! We really appriaecite it!!
He called tonight and was in good spirits! If I had a buzzed haircut pic I'd post it, he doesn't know his address yet..... but when he does, a letter to him from as many people as possible would cheer up a lonely soldier...I know, I've been there...
It the PEOPLE and the PRIDE that makes us all the good folks that we are...>!
THANK YOU ALL from Ayleen and I!!!!
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
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