I have enjoyed reading about your wonderful kids. The old saying, "There but for the grace of God go I" is so applicable to all of us as hopeful parents. Just about every one of the kids that make it to qualified status could have ended up an appointee. My heart goes out to all that come close but don't get in for one reason or another
This is our third time around. It has all been positive for us, and our boyss have accumulated years of good service. One has been to over 40 countries in six years. The other has enjoyed his life as a pilot and has nearly two thousand flight hours.
I remember the night before I-day for him. It was all uncharted territory for us. I had read the books and heard the stories. What was my son getting into? Was he doing it for us to save us college tuition? Was he doing it for bragging rights? Would he be able to succeed there? Was he up to the academics?
All of these thoughts went through my mind as I watched him sleep on the floor between the beds in the hotel... knowing that in a few hours his adventure would begin. I rubbed his head wondering if I had given him too much approval, been to eager for him to win that appointment.
I'm not emotional by nature but I didn't get much sleep that night. He was gung ho the next day, and neither he nor his brother (a few years later) ever looked back. I have asked several times if they ever regretted their decision and wanted to leave. Both said no. You hear that every mid wants to leave at some time, but that is not true. It was not true in our case anyway.
My boys are the spring in my step, the light in my eyes, and probably the main reason I was put on this earth. Their mom and I are so lucky, and now we embark upon this journey again with #3.
Best of luck to everyone. If you are one of the ones that didn't get in, please know that in no way are you inferior. If you made it to qualified status you had what it takes, but fate had other plans for you. Your course will end up being the right one for you.
Maplerock,
I had determined I wasn't going to comment on this thread until I read what you had wrote. "
Except by the grace of God go I", or "
Go our Kids" or whatever you want to put there.
Very true, and so appropriate. When my DS started this whole process over a year ago, and determined for himself that he wanted to go to a SA, I read through the springtime posts of years past, and I remember reading of those kids with incredible stats getting turned down. Some were very gracious about it and some were obviously hurting very bad, there dreams crushed. I remember then having many conversations with my son telling him things like "it's a long shot", and "just do the best you can and see what happens" and of course, "don't be surprised if you don't make it". I dreaded that day the TWE would come, especially after DS said to me one day "Dad, I'll be devastated if I don't get in".
Fortunately for us, DS never had that experience, and we know that it's only by the "grace of God". He received all three of the options he applied for, and it came down to a choice for him. A choice (that he is well aware) that many never get to make. We, of all people recognize that it's not always because he was the better candidate; that it could just be how the numbers worked out. Maybe he has something the SA's were looking for this year. We all know that there are many other candidates that had better stats than him and didn't get in. (He was NOT a recruited athlete by the way)
So, coming very quickly, he will join the ranks of others just like him. Others that were chosen to serve in this capacity. All should recognize that they are among the BEST there is to have been chosen for this. But also to embrace the humility in knowing there were others who may have been better that for whatever reason didn't get the chance.
I will miss him for sure. I am not sure where he gets his drive from. Certainly not from me. He is more driven than anyone I know, and goes after what he wants. He has an incredible sense of loyalty which may have even partially led to him choosing CGA over USNA as they were the first to say "
We believe in you" with an early LOA. I am certain that loyalty will carry over to his years at the CGA, and that the people he meets, and friends he makes will forever be a part of his life going forward.
June 30 is going to be incredibly hard for his Mom and I (and his younger brother and sister). But we know he is where God wants him. He has chosen what is best for him, and I think as difficult as that decision has been, it is where he belongs. We can only cherish the time we have left with him, and the milestones yet to come.
It was said by someone on these forums a while back and this rings true to us more than ever now. When he leaves home in June, he will likely never "live" here at home again. Sure, he will visit from time to time, but his new home, at least for the next four years will be in New London. Beyond that, only God knows. But for sure, our home, the place were he grew up will only be "the place where he grew up". Likely never will it be "the place he lives" anymore. Very sobering thought, but true.
Maplerock, it is our prayer that one day, we too will ask him that question about regrets, and that his answer would be the same as your kids. Thanks for sharing!
My DD is now an Adjutant at Paris Island with a slot for Company Commander of a recruit company. They are different. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think Marines after USNA. Son is getting his commission through Mass Maritime in June. There are many ways to your goal.