It's definitely "EASIER" to fly out by yourself......... But, is it "Better"? With us only living 2 hours from the academy, my son pretty much realized that there was no way we were not taking him to the academy. However; I've spoken with cadets/grads on and off about this subject for at least the last 5-6 years. There are some things in life that are "ONCE" in a lifetime. Think back at all the "First" time things. How involved were your parents? How excited were they on the 1st day of high-school. Maybe the 1st prom. When you got your driving permit and the 1st time letting you drive. (Well, that's probably not a good example, because they were probably counting rosary beads.) The point is; you know your parents better than any of us. It doesn't mean a dang thing what we think. Sorry, but it doesn't. You know how your parents are about these "Firsts" in your life. When my son saw us take his older sister to college the first time, and how it affected us, I think he realized he was going to have to put up with the same stuff when it was his turn.
So, as much as you want to think about what "You" want...... is that really important? You are going to be there for 4 years. You're going to want to see your mom, dad, brother and sister (That you think you can't stand), and everything else that you've been preparing to leave; within hours of arriving. As far as you trying to prepare yourself mentally for being there on "I Day". Don't even try. Within 3 minutes of getting on that bus, your brain is going to be pure mush. And anything you think you can mentally prepare for, won't work. The cadre can see STRAIGHT THROUGH YOU. Why??? Because they were in your shoes 2-3 years earlier. The only real advice for YOU preparing for "I Day" is to realize that God gave you "2 EARS and 2 EYES and ONLY 1 MOUTH", so you could HEAR and SEE twice as much as you say. In other words, keep your mouth shut unless spoken too, and observe and learn.
Which brings us back to your parents. If they have been very involved in your life since you were young, and you believe that taking you to the academy is important to "THEM", then you should allow them this "1st" in your life. Would you allow them to take you to your new college out of state if you had been accepted there? Well, "FOR THEM", this isn't much different.
Anyway, this is totally something that only YOU can answer. You know your parents. You know your family relationship. You know what it means to them. If it's no big deal for them, and they have no problem coming out 2 months later for parent's weekend or whenever, then come out on your own. If you know that it means a lot to them, then do it for them and let them bring you out. And asking them what they think is a Catch-22. Sometimes they try and give you the answer they "think" you want to hear. So you need to know what they really want. Also, it can be expensive for some people; take that into consideration. Bottom line: If you know it means a lot to them to bring you out there, and they can afford it, then let them do it. It's just as hard on your family with you gone as it is for you being there. At least for you, you have 1300+ others who FEEL EXACTLY like you do. And you'll be so busy, that you won't have a lot of time to have feelings. Your family on the other hand has nothing but time to have to deal with you not being there and their feelings. And they don't have ANYONE ELSE with them who is in the same boat. They might need closure too in the process. Anyway, that's my opinion. Good luck. Mike.....
