Chapter 23 - Ryan’s Command
Ryan pinned major at thirty two.
Small ceremony.
He invited me to pin one side of rank.
Thomas the other.
Patricia sat front row.
No foundation photographers.
No donors.
Army colleagues.
Family.
Before ceremony, Ryan asked:
“Are you okay doing this?”
“Yes.”
“Sure?”
“Yes.”
He smiled.
“You know what Mom said?”
“What?”
“She said she should not be on stage.”
I looked at Patricia.
She was talking quietly with Dad despite divorce.
“Good.”
“Therapy miracle.”
“Don’t ruin it.”
During his remarks, Ryan thanked:
His soldiers.
His mentors.
Dad.
Mom.
Then me.
Not for saving career.
Not for secret service.
He said:
“My sister taught me that being recognized and being worthy are not the same thing.”
I almost cried.
Almost.
Afterward, he whispered:
“Too cheesy?”
“Terrible.”
“You cried.”
“Allergies.”
Inside building.
“Military dust.”
He laughed.
His career continued on its own.
May you like
Not mine.
That was the healthiest outcome.
