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My oldest son, 20, just transferred to Virginia Tech. He is in the Corps Cadet and is trying out for one of the hardest programs to get into, electrical engineering for the USAF. On top of that, he is also trying out for the Honor Guard so that he can beat out the other cadets competing for the scholarships in January. It’s been very stressful for him and of course, for me, worrying that he’s going to make it through.
I had it all wrong, I thought it went something like this: You wanted to go into the military as officer, you went to a recruiter, *poof*, they paid for your schooling. Not so much, that was back when D was active duty, 24 years ago and even then I’m not sure it worked that easily. LOL So, D and I decided that we would support R as much as we could while he was away during this first semester. We’ve been to his move in (of course) but then drove back for his first march and each time we’ve had to put the dogs up in a kennel (we have three, yeah, we’re crazy dog people) and pay for a hotel and I’ve missed work. But, hey, it was for R.
I also went out and bought a new laptop, which I totally love!! But, I bought it so I could Skype with him because my old laptop didn’t even have a webcam and I got rid of all of the other webcams during a fit after DDay.
Things here have been a bit tight financially to say the least and add the new roof, ugh! So, when R skyped the other night and said he was totally home sick, I chalked it up to him being stressed and tired and just plain worn out from a long march they had just completed. But, during the Skype, he texted me so no one else would see and said he missed me terribly. Then he mentioned a Parents Weekend coming up and could we come?
Eventually, I get him on Skype alone and ask him if he is doing alright and he says he just needs his family right now, etc. and I finally decided I would do it. Fuck it – I know, I’m mommying the hell out of him, but, he’s joining the military (hopefully) and come winter I can’t drive out there, it’s in the mountains. And, once he’s enlisted, he’ll most likely be in the sand.
It took me two hours to finally find a reservation for a hotel – and get this – $200 a night!!! WTF??? and that was due to a cancellation. I got the last room within 45 miles. No refunds. So, I booked it.
R puts in his leave request and it got denied. Which, I understand, this is how they teach them protocol and all that rot. However, he’s on his THIRD request and his THIRD denial. Can you guys please send good vibes, prayers, fingers crossed for me that I don’t have to go to his commanding officer to get this done!
Thanks!
LauraOh Laura,
If you are “crazy dog people” then so are we! We also have three dogs and something tells me we are not done yet! I don’t know if you are mommying him or not but what I do know is that you’re a MOM! Me too, and I know the calling and how it feels when one of your kids needs you. You gotta go. Can he still see you even if he doesn’t get leave? You do what you gotta do. You’ll find a way to pay for it.
I’m sending you really big vibes and keeping my fingers crossed that this all works well for you.
Much love, Claire
HI Laura,
I don’t no nothing about birthin no babies—or the US military system! But I suspect they don’t like mommy’s mucking about during this initial adjustment period. So tread carefully, encourage him, tell him he can do it, invite him to trust the belief you have in him and wait it out.But I know there’s nothing worse than worrying about our children!
love,
D.Oh, Laura–
I’ve never been in that position, but would have a hard time denying my child anything… especially if I thought she needed me. You have my sympathy!!
Hugs!
Paula
Oh, and I’m sending good vibes for you all that he will get the time off and get to spend time with you!!
Thanks Claire, we volunteered at a shelter and had to stop because we kept bringing them home!! 😉 No, he has to get the leave approved but the good news is, I’m hearing from the grapevine – it’s mandatory family leave for all cadets, so it may just be a matter of paperwork now…fingers crossed! I think they are trying to teach him a lesson because he waited until the last minute to request it.
Diane-Oh, I totally understand the military lifestyle and the need for him to separate, as difficult as it is for the both of us LOL. However, this is a corps cadet parade they are having for the families on the family visit weekend and families were encouraged to come visit their cadets. It’s to celebrate them ending the Red Phase. (Now they can hang a poster and let their hair grow 1/4″ woo too!) R screwed me up by saying he would be okay without me coming (hence the huge hotel bill!!!) and now it’s biting him in the ass paperwork wise.
Thank you so much, Paula!! The good vibes are much appreciated!!
Okay, switching over to bragging mode for just a second….
check this out – this is the parade that R will be participating in
http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2011/09/092611-dsa-familyday.html
Laura
So cool! I love those military parades! Such precision and attention to detail. You must be so proud!!
Impressive!!!!Â
It is very clear that you are an awesome Mom and hell yes, go ahead and brag a little!! (or “share” as we like to say) 🙂
Best of luck to you!! I have a feeling it will all work out!! And I hope he gets the scholarship too!! That would be super!!!!!Â
XOXO!!!!Â
Thank you so much!! Well, the leave request got bumped up to his Chain of Command…..it’s almost guaranteed now that I won’t have to make the call! W00t!! 🙂
You guys have powerful prayers and vibes!!
Love,
LauraYeah!! I bet he is really excited to see you!! Good call getting the hotel on faith alone!
You are going to have a great weekend. LOTS to be proud of!Hugs
HeidiYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!! So happy for you and your son! What a fabulous time you’re going to have!!
Enjoy!
Paula
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