He's the same age as my youngest nephew, who is also with his family for just 10 days, having just joined the army straight out of high school. Austin is based in Texas, so is heading back there on Xmas day. Right now he's in Durham with most of my family.

I can resonate with wanting to support them in making their own choices, as much as we adults might wish they would only choose professions that have no guns involved. But they have their own destiny to live out, as we've had ours.

Must be great to have him home with you, especially knowing that after this it will be rare the time you get to spend with him, as his life moves out into the world.