It was only a year ago. I remember it well. The waiting was hell. Probably bothered me more than son. I was homebound for medical reasons. Way too much time on my hands to think and worry!
What seemed to keep us afloat was always having something else USNA to look forward to. Got the app in: Check. Got the MOC's apps done: Check , check, check. Candidate Visit Weekend the second week in November.
Then watching the USNA Candidate page. Both of us, logging on to that darn thing daily! And reading this and the other forum.
Son resubmitting CFA in Dec. Hearing from Congressman just before Christmas. Checking that Candidate page some more. Christmas Day the Congressman nomination actually showed up on USNA Candidate page. January 20, Senator's office calls to say he is on their slate as well. Then they call back to say he is getting an appointment. He is overjoyed, calls them back to make sure he understood correctly! Blue folder shows up about Feb 1.
I begin making reservations for I-Day. And the waiting started again! Seemed like I-Day was months away. Then home from I-Day and the waiting starts for the three phone calls from plebe and Plebe Parent Weekend. Watching the web daily for photos of plebe. Then before you know it, I am home from plebe parent weekend. And waiting to attend Navy-Air Force game Oct 3. Now waiting to see son over Thanksgiving and attend Army-Navy Dec 11.
Are you detecting a pattern here? We are constantly counting down the days until something related to USNA!
THe other part that repeats itself is my tears each time I leave the yard. I did ok after I-day. My other kids and I DROVE home (1800 miles) to Texas. I went alone for PPW. My flight home was Monday afternoon. So, Monday am, I went for my morning walk on the yard and saw the plebes, mine included, running with the Commandant and doing their morning pt. It was very hard for me to leave that time and head to Baltimore to fly home. Same thing after Navy-Air Force game. They were granted an "overnight" so son stayed with us in hotel room (note: when attending football games, get room with two beds in case this happens) We attended church on the yard and had breakfast at Dry Dock the morning after the game. We walked with him back to Bancroft and when we left I was boo-hooing again.
I'm not a terribly emotional mom, but this seems to bring it out in me! He is happy, doing well, right where he needs to be. Just so much to think about I guess: you are so proud of them, maybe a little scared with today's world situation, etc.
I did figure out that plebe summer is as much about weaning the parents off the kids as vice versa. By the end of the summer, it was perfectly ok that I can not call him any time I wish as I can his older brother at Texas A&M. They rely totally upon each other and become a team like none other. And it is our job to stand back and watch with pride (and through tears!). Amazing transformation!
I've gone off topic enough!
Fill up that waiting time enjoying your children now. All too soon, they are gone!