A few weeks later, our son Dominik was with us to send some documents to our printer. Suddenly he thrust a sheet of paper into my hand. I should check whether it was legible. I read it and was flabbergasted. Without warning, he had handed me the official confirmation that he had successfully completed his Master's degree with an impressive overall grade. I could have burst with pride. How cool! A successful degree and a very interesting and promising job at SIEMENS Healthineers.
He moved me to tears when he thanked me for not only supporting him, but for making this degree possible for him through years of loving pressure and that he could not have done it without me. My point was not my part in it - it is solely his achievement - but that he is really so grateful for it. That touched Alexandra and me very much.
The year 2022 came to an end for us with the completion of Ben's training as a sergeant in the Bundeswehr paratroopers. His decision to do so caused us fierce disputes. It took time and many discussions with him before we could not only understand this, but also support him wholeheartedly. He faced up to these discussions and dealt with our questions and reservations and, above all, my very personal and sometimes inappropriate attacks and outbursts with impressive aplomb and calm.
His swearing-in was a very emotional experience, and we are glad to have been there. We are very grateful for the openness - albeit professionally limited - in which he talks to us about his life and know that he is equally happy to be able to do so under these conditions.
In the course of his training, we have not only understood more and more why he is so comfortable with it but have naturally gained a little insight into numerous topics. What soldiers must do and under what conditions and stresses they do it is far beyond what we ever imagined. Some of the purely physical performance is downright unbelievable. All the more, not only our understanding of this developed, but also our pride in him, with what unagitated composure and genuine dedication he carries out this profession and follows his obvious calling.
Of course, we will always worry about him, but we trust him and have learned to deal with it. We still find it difficult that he is constantly throwing himself headfirst out of aeroplanes at dizzying heights, even in his private life, but we understand that it is part of his life. We keep our fingers crossed for him and are immensely proud of him.
Our two sons successfully completed their education and training this year and we are very happy about that. And we are incredibly proud of these two wonderful young men. We are happy that both have found their way and have now taken sole responsibility for their lives. Even though we will always be there for them and support them, we feel the change in our responsibility for them very clearly. And that also feels very good.
Shortly before our departure to Singapore in November, we had to complete one last important administrative act. Since a registered address is essential in Germany and temporary living models do not work for this, we moved into an apartment with Alexandra's parents and thus have a permanent residence despite our nomadic life. It feels very good, and we are very grateful that they have taken us in.