It was a hot summer day and there seemed to be no breeze,
Someone said as you walked away from me,
'Next time you see him, he'll be a different person'...
I don't want a different person-
I like you just the way you are...

You have worked hard for this day,
A dream fulfilled,
Now you are shaven like a lamb.
Where are you in this sea of white?
A solemn oath, smiles and tears, for a moment
I can hold you near.

Long days without a word,
Oh, the joy in a hurried card...
You ache, you tire..you press on..
Every moment of every day, I wonder..I wait.
A call at last but all too short,
I miss you so but dare not say...
It would not be me to let this dream get away.

We ask questions and speak all too fast..
Exchanging frustration, pain and pride.
Academic sweat and toil to pay,
Four years ahead 'by the bay'.
Unknown challenges in unseen waters...
You'll miss many things...
Yet eagerly await your future here.

My pride is that you have understood,
What began in my arms...
That wrong is wrong and right is right,
The sweet scent of freedom...
The beauty of our country,
And the glory in our flag,
That honor with oneself is the truest form...
These truths
Are not suddenly found this summer
They were given...

As I know from whence they came,
My life shines brightest in my own review,
Polished by the distinction,
That I am a patriot...
A proud American,
But more than that...
So much more than that,
I am the mother of a Midshipman.

Ann Kolligs Clarke, mother of
Midshipman Jason W. Kolligs '03

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