After being such an active stalker, and occasional poster (I'm the one who burned the grilled cheese sandwich!) on this thread, I wanted to offer a post script (or post TWE as it were)...The first 24 hours was the worst, but as usual, the passage of a few days brought reflection and perspective. In our family we believe that God leaves clues, and looking back over the last year and a half of this process, He left many clues that WP was the right place for our younger DS. In my heart of hearts I know this is right, but the mom in me would have done anything to protect him from the hurt of that letter from USNA. But we have embraced all things Army, added magnets to the car and bought t-shirts for the whole family (even our mid - the best big brother - who posted a picture of himself wearing it on facebook). DS's boots and low-quarter shoes have arrived and are being broken-in, and the stack of paperwork is being signed, sealed and delivered. We've connected with WP parents on facebook and through the Parents' Club...and through this process we've been reminded what an amazing gift we have been given. The people we have met and the experiences we have shared with our USNA family have been wonderful, and now we get to experience the equally wonderful families at WP - how many families get to do both?! As I share this, I hope everyone else who has gone through the disappointment of the TWE will be able to embrace their new path (be it temporary or long-term), and move forward with excitement and anticipation
There was still one dilemma - how to handle the Army-Navy football game. But a conversation with a friend today provided the answer - he said, "That's easy...just make a big sign that says Beat Air Force and you've got it covered!"