I don't think the distance is a big part of it. When my son was a RAT he too missed home, thanksgiving return is a bit rough - keep focused on the SHORT time to next "treat" - xmas break. For now they are returning to their first semester finals in collage - BIG deal. We avoided much talk, I kept a cheery chatter - reminded of goals to finish semester strong - tha xmas would be here soon. remember - all cadets are going back to finals - upperclass too - after the first "greetings" - I think it gets serious around the barracks for finals and there is the xmas parade thru downtown lexington in early december. HANG IN THERE - if you can - get a box of study goodies ready and mail next week. Since VMI is so special, it is different than other pals just returning to college - but as said previously so worthwhile.
A heads up - returning after xmas is the hardest I think - they are home long enough, have a semester under their belt for better or worse. Also by xmas, breakout is within sight, but they know they are returning to a grueling time leading up to it. Also they face a full semester load, while breakout is close, its not happened yet, and that lighter load 1st semster is gone and now have a full load academically. With each day, they can say that the worse is behind them - they have accomplished so much even now, have much to be proud of and are following their path.
My son has spent much of thanksgiving working on paper and ME homework, but it is GREAT to have him around - xmas is always more relaxed for the cadets i think, between semesters so not much duties or responsibilities. Enough time to catch up on sleep and still have days to resume some sort f normal timetable. ENJOY the remaining hours, hug them, feed them, if possible gather treats to send along next week when they are back in the grind and pressure of academics is at forefront. my warmest wishes to all, larrys mom
Life is about to become very different for all of you all. Thus far my Rat has changed a great deal for the better. Although he complains some he is very loyal to his BR's and VMI, and admittedly he doesn't complain nearly as much as I thought he would. As much as he hates some of the things he is going through and is struggling a little in Calc and History he can't imagine being anywhere else. He is actually looking forward to getting back and getting through finals. They think in terms of getting though the Rat line in increments, and with each goal reached they become more confident. He still doesn't even think about Break out because it is too far away in his mind. The physical part was a slight struggle in the beginning but the worst for DS was figuring out how to handle all the responsibilities. He was very Dyke dependent for a while but he has been blessed with a great first class-man that has helped him along the way. I can't however stress the importance of STP for DS. If he hadn't gone there he may be in serious academic trouble at this point, plus the friendships he established while there has helped him "NOT QUIT" when he wanted to. He and his closest BR that he met at STP have a pact that neither will break. It is an amazing school and although not perfect I believe it is worth every dime and DS believes it will be the hardest yet the best 4 years of his life. After spending a few days with his former HS friends he can see the difference in people and it confirms in him why he chose VMI.
