13 Weeks
I snicker under my breath at people that say “oh he is set in his ways…he has been that way all his life…I will never change…” The science shows we can change a habit in roughly 30 days. It takes the will to want to change and the work to make the change. I also know from personal experience as I have made many changes in my life for the better over the last few years. I have the will to change and do the work to change.
13 weeks ago, I was at my sister’s house to see my nephew, Shayne, and hug him goodbye he was leaving for Marine Boot Camp. We had some food, some laughs, some quiet moments and a handshake and hug. He was cutting up with his brothers and sisters, had on a band t-shirt and of course was wearing baggy pants and sporting a little go-T action. Little did I know at the time, I was seeing Shayne as I knew him for the last time.
On Friday, February 12, 2010 around noon PST, I had the honor of shaking the hand of Marine - Private First Class, Shayne David Bofinger. It was the handshake of a Man, a Marine. For a moment, I had no words. All I could do was smile. I leaned in to hug him and said: “Shayne, I am so proud of you…congratulations.” He responded as a Marine would: “thank you, sir.”
As we moved off the parade deck, I was watching how Shayne carried himself. There were no slumped shoulders, feet dragging or any of that nonsense you see from most kids today. He was polished, moved with purpose, and had a new “energy” about him. I could now see the real Shayne. Gone was the “I’m entitled and everyone owes me mentality of his generation.” It has been replaced with honor, responsibility, determination, pride and a sense of self worth. Shayne is living proof that anyone can change with the will, determination and drive to do it. Congratulations Private First Class – Shayne David Bofinger. You are indeed now a Man and a Marine, and have an uncle that is so proud of you that even some words escape me. Ooh-Rah!
I snicker under my breath at people that say “oh he is set in his ways…he has been that way all his life…I will never change…” The science shows we can change a habit in roughly 30 days. It takes the will to want to change and the work to make the change. I also know from personal experience as I have made many changes in my life for the better over the last few years. I have the will to change and do the work to change.
13 weeks ago, I was at my sister’s house to see my nephew, Shayne, and hug him goodbye he was leaving for Marine Boot Camp. We had some food, some laughs, some quiet moments and a handshake and hug. He was cutting up with his brothers and sisters, had on a band t-shirt and of course was wearing baggy pants and sporting a little go-T action. Little did I know at the time, I was seeing Shayne as I knew him for the last time.
On Friday, February 12, 2010 around noon PST, I had the honor of shaking the hand of Marine - Private First Class, Shayne David Bofinger. It was the handshake of a Man, a Marine. For a moment, I had no words. All I could do was smile. I leaned in to hug him and said: “Shayne, I am so proud of you…congratulations.” He responded as a Marine would: “thank you, sir.”
As we moved off the parade deck, I was watching how Shayne carried himself. There were no slumped shoulders, feet dragging or any of that nonsense you see from most kids today. He was polished, moved with purpose, and had a new “energy” about him. I could now see the real Shayne. Gone was the “I’m entitled and everyone owes me mentality of his generation.” It has been replaced with honor, responsibility, determination, pride and a sense of self worth. Shayne is living proof that anyone can change with the will, determination and drive to do it. Congratulations Private First Class – Shayne David Bofinger. You are indeed now a Man and a Marine, and have an uncle that is so proud of you that even some words escape me. Ooh-Rah!
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