Blondie1
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2013
- Messages
- 320
We are not a military family. My DS's grandfathers on both sides were in the Navy, but WWII (my dad) and the Korean War (his dad's dad) so that doesn't really count as far as having experienced military life since we weren't born yet.
Neither DS #1 (now known as a MidSib), DS #2 (now a Plebe), nor I were surprised. In all honesty it seemed relatively tame, which has been confirmed by numerous sources that the real "yelling" did not begin until those Mother B doors were firmly shut. Of course, I was simply strolling the Yard, enjoying a picnic under the shade of a tent, and then reading on a blanket under the shade of the trees along Stribling Walk. That could have been why it seemed tame.
We had all done our homework. Not just the DS going in, but all three of us. I had spent about six solid months on this forum, talked to people who had been there/done that, joined FB groups, and made connections with current and former USNA parents prior to I-Day. DS Plebe did the same.
On the other hand, DS Plebe's dad (my DExH?) and stepmother were completely shocked. It started at Gate 1 when someone behind our group stepped out of line to take a picture of security. The barking began aggressively and loud! DSs and I sort of chuckled discretely amongst the three of us, but the other two were taken by surprise. This is the same dad that asked me when this was going to start being like a "normal college" to which I responded, "ummm . . . never?" He is hopefully getting on board quickly!
Bottom line, a generalization of the differences between military and non-military families might be OK, but I really think it boils down to who did their homework and who didn't.
Doesn't mean that even those that think they are prepared are really prepared for Plebe Summer, but perhaps their chances of seeing it through are better.
Now here's hoping that the first communication from DS Plebe is not one begging me to come get him!
+1---think you said it better than I. Thanks!