September 13, 2005
-
Today was a turning point for my wife, Kelly, and I. It was also a turning point for my daughter, Shannon. First, let me say that I am extremely proud of both my daughters.
Jessica received her Associates degree in Psychology with honors this year and is now pursuing her Bachelors at the university of Central Florida. She has paid for her education entirely on her own with no help from us. I am proud of her responsibility, and her resolve.
Shannon chose last year to go into the Air Force upon graduation. In fact, last year she had me up at 4:30 am for a month or two running with her so she could get in shape. She got me up each morning on her own and we went. I am proud of her responsibility and resolve.
PHOTO: Jessica and Shannon
We had a bittersweet day in Tampa at the Military Entry Point Station (MEPS). Shannon arrived there last night by bus and we joined her just before her swearing in. I have said the oath many many times upon both by enlistments as well as every time I reenlisted:
“I, Shannon Nicole Puterbaugh, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”
I am proud and I am humbled at her decision to serve our great country.
Thank you all that attended Shannon’s “departure party”. Below are a few photo’s from the party:
PHOTO: Shane, their cousin Eric and Jessi
PHOTO: The three stooges, friends: Candice, Shane and Abby
PHOTO: Joey, Emma, Loretta, Larry, Sam, and Chris
PHOTO: Jessica and Kelly
PHOTO: Pastor Steve, Kelly holding Autumn, Jillian and Teresa in the back,
My mother, Janet, Kelly’s father, Wendyl and my stepfather, Harry (Boss Moss)
PHOTO: Another shot of Shane and her cousin, Eric
This was the day my little girl stepped out into the world on her own. I am proud. Shane, make sure you find a guy from Florida…….I want you back here!
Lastly, here’s a song I wrote for Shannon a little while ago, I hope you enjoy it:
TAKE A BIG STEP
© DEC 2003, Jan Puterbaugh & Joey Neiman, Spiritual Therapy Music
VERSE 1:
My little girl started walkin’ today…. it reminded me of the day I was saved.
She stepped on out, afraid she might fall…. but she knew in her heart she could do it, she could do it, oh……
CHORUS:
She took a big step, up to the plate!
She put the Lord in her heart, just trusted and obeyed.
She took a big step, she wasn’t afraid!
I knew she could do it, my little girl’s so brave!
VERSE 2:
My little girl started workin’ today…. she makes me proud in such a big, big way.
She’s up in the morning’ and out on her own, It makes her daddy proud to see how she’s grown!
CHORUS:
She took a big step, up to the plate!
She put the Lord in her heart, just trusted and obeyed.
She took a big step, she wasn’t afraid!
I knew she could do it, my little girl’s so brave!
VERSE 3:
My little girl got married today…. she’s growin’ in her heart in such a big, big way.
She’s movin’ out on her own, doin’ what she wants to do. She warms her daddy’s heart, that little girl could be you!
END CHORUS:
Take a big step. Up to the plate. Put the Lord in your heart, just trust and obey.
Take a big step, don’t be afraid. You’ll never forget the day you are saved!
Take a big step! Take a big step!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I look at those big steps that we take in life and those steps that she has taken and will be taking. Often times, discovering a relationship with Christ is like taking that big step. Hard at first because we are unsure, we’re wobbly……but once we have taken that step it becomes like second nature and we enjoy a much deeper and robust life. Take that big step, ask Christ into your heart!
Comments (7)
Jan,
That is awesome! way to go Shanon!
Hey Jan! We’re so sad to see Shannon go, but so proud of her, too! She’s in our prayers! Congrats on two great girls!
hey, nice site. I found you from my ex-roommates blog, Noah (noahscoffeeshop)
anyways, I couldnt imagine what it would be like to give a daughter to the military! Thats awesome!
mind if I subscribe to you?
Hey Jan… just wandered by to see your site. Awesome about Shannon following in the footsteps of dad. Congrats to Shannon for taking a brave move… and congrats to Jessica for her perseverance. BRAVO to both of them.
Tons of eProps to the Puterbaugh girls!!!
PS – I see Jessica running around the neighborhood periodically. Saw her awhile back and popped my head out the window and said “hey” (had my hat on)… she turned and didn’t recognize me – she must of thought I was a crazy man attacker. I never knew she could run that fast. I eventually caught up and told her it was me.
AWESOME! on both counts!
great post, Jan!
Congratulations and Welcome to the club, to Shannon!