There's a stranger in my house

Everyone told me that he would look different. And oh did he! He marched right by me at the graduation and I didn't recognize my own son. He has a jawbone ! No more baby cheeks. Twenty five lbs lighter. A twenty eight inch waist. He hasn't had that since sixth grade. I was shocked. He looked so grown up. So handsome, if I may say so myself : )

What no one told me was how different he would act. Only it's not an act. My son is a soldier. How did that happen in just eight weeks? It's so strange. The lazy boy that left here eight weeks ago is gone. I've spent the last three days kind of in mourning. Not really sure why. That lazy boy drove me crazy. But there's a man in my house now and that's weird. I thought he would come home the same person just looking differently. Don't get me wrong I love this "new" person. He's respectful beyond what he ever was. He's considerate all the time. He told me that he used to take me for granted and that he would never do that again. Huh??? His room is clean. His shirts are rolled up in a drawer. All of his dress clothes are on hangers. Not on the floor. He puts his dishes away. He says "Yes, Ma'am" to everything I say......... What??? It's like an alien is in him : ) He's giving his testimony in church on Sunday. Are you kidding me? The boy that I couldn't get out of bed before noon on Saturdays is up every day at 5:45 a.m. running with my husband. I LOVE THIS MAN !! He is awesome. Why would I be mourning the boy that left here?? I must be crazy. He's only here until he gets his orders and then he's gone again for awhile. I guess I better enjoy every minute of having this wonderful stranger in my house.