Easter weekend was extra special for Des Allemands’ Michael Burton. After all, it was the first time in his life that he was able to celebrate the holiday with his two sons.
Burton, 46, says that his oldest son, Seth Burton – whom he had never met – has lived in California since the age of 15. Seth and his younger brother, Colbey Frickey, had never met before either.
“Being able to have both my boys home right now is a true blessing,” Burton said. “I can’t find the words to describe how it feels to have finally met my son Seth, and to see the similarities between the three of us.”
After years of living life in the fast lane, Burton says that he’s proud of his sons for choosing the high road, making good decisions and deciding on a career in the military.
Seth, 23, has served in the Navy for four years, and Frickey, 18, recently graduated from boot camp with the Army.
“To see both of my sons join the armed forces just proves that the urge to be in the military runs in our family’s blood,” added Bourg. “Both my grandfather and father were Navy men, and I know that they would be honored to see that my boys followed in their footsteps.
“I always wanted to enter the service, but as a teenager I chose to use drugs instead of following my dream. So, you can only imagine how proud I am that they didn’t follow in my footsteps. I’ve changed my life for the better, but they’re starting on the right path.”
Yet behind Burton’s now smiling face is an underlying worry for his sons, who will both soon be deployed out of the country.
“Seth is headed to the Philippines for a year and Colbey will head to Iraq after he finishes an assignment in Hawaii in August,” Burton said. “While I am pleased with what they’re doing, I can’t help but be nervous about them leaving.”
Burton says that the arrival of his sons has also been a great treat for the extended family.
“We’ve had people coming and going from our house for days,” he said. “And everyone is happy to see Seth and Colbey together.”
While Burton’s reunion with his sons has been long overdue, the trio vow to keep in touch and never let time lapse again.
“We’re definitely going to keep in touch now,” Seth said. “At first it was awkward being around my dad, but that didn’t last long. I’m looking forward to the next time we can all be together.”
Burton mentions that his sons are in the process of making him a MySpace page so that he can keep in touch with them while they are overseas.
“I found Seth through MySpace, so we think that it’s a good idea to have him keep in touch with us that way,” Frickey said. “It’s a lot easier for us to communicate online than on the phone.”
With both sons abroad, Burton says that it will be his memories of this visit that will help him cope with their absence.
“After getting the chance to spend so much time with them, it’ll be hard while they’re away,” he said. “But it’ll be the crawfish boils, barbecues and goofing around we’ve shared this past weekend that will live on in my mind.”
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