Emotionally draining day

[GoCubbies]

Well, R-day is behind us. We were able to see DD during the oath ceremony. Fortunately, she was in the front row. She look tired to us but maybe that’s just from a worried parent’s lens. Oath ceremony was at 6:30 and the new cadets were fed afterwards. I hope they had a late lunch.

Emotionally draining is one of the appropriate words to describe R-day. DW’s tears didn’t even wait until the 60 second goodbye to start. They started when we were just waiting to enter the auditorium for the final briefing.

I was worried DD’s backpack was too heavy and she would have a hard time lugging it around with all the extra duffels they issued to her. Girls need to bring extra stuff that boys don’t.

Line moved surprising well. I thought we would be moving very slowly but the pace was pretty good.

Lots of red eyes - yes, even from dads- once we got out of the auditorium.

Got to go to mass at the Catholic Chapel on WP. Chaplain is a West Point graduate. Served some time on active duty and then became a priest. During the homily, he said he was already thinking (or keeping it an option anyway) about the priesthood even before he applied to West Point.

DW got her WP survival book signed. Bought lots of WP bling.

Long day for sure. Now, for us, trust in God’s will. She will be safe and healthy and we will see her on A-day.

 

[USMAROTCFamily]

Yes, it is quite a day. Hopefully you'll get to go back for A-Day. That will be a much better day for all, although your DD will be very tired. If your DD is involved with the church, they have some great programs there. Our Son was very involved. Father Matt (Airborne Ranger!) was his sponsor and will be presiding over our DS's wedding later this year. The four years went by very quickly for us, even though the first 6 weeks did not. Enjoy the ride.

 

[DKTKT]

RDay at USMA sounds very similar to IDay at USNA, can very much relate. E.g., Many Dads complaining of the allergens in Annapolis leading to red watery eyes, and 5' Plebe "women" ("girls" no longer!) lugging the same 4.9' duffel (well, looks that big anyhow!) as the 6.5' guys. I heard recently that USAFA does not have a parent day when the new class arrives? Perhaps they think a "Band Aid removal" approach to goodbye is best (quickly and all at once) but I don't think I could have done it. I needed that day and to see him in uniform after the oath of office to process it all. OP: Best of luck to you and yours on your SA journey. Go Navy!

 

[parktrack]

RDay at USMA sounds very similar to IDay at USNA, can very much relate. E.g., Many Dads complaining of the allergens in Annapolis leading to red watery eyes, and 5' Plebe "women" ("girls" no longer!) lugging the same 4.9' duffel (well, looks that big anyhow!) as the 6.5' guys. I heard recently that USAFA does not have a parent day when the new class arrives? Perhaps they think a "Band Aid removal" approach to goodbye is best (quickly and all at once) but I don't think I could have done it. I needed that day and to see him in uniform after the oath of office to process it all. OP: Best of luck to you and yours on your SA journey. Go Navy!

USAFA has an I-Day that I would guess is similar in many ways to the other SAs. That said, I would also surmise that each SA has processes and traditions that are unique when compared. USAFA has activities and programs for parents and families primarily after the family and DD/DS are separated. Because of the cost to travel to USAFA there may be a higher percentage of appointees that travel alone to I-Day as compared to other SAs. This may be lead to speculation that USAFA doesn't include parents. Regardless on the SA, it's not easy for any of us. We put our DS on a plane and sent him on his way. I'll admit that was tough, event though we had full confidence in him! With that said, I leave you with this: