Indoc 2013 Day 1

2013Parent

2013Parent

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
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Jan 26, 2009
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We are back home and the trip is over. Mom cannot turn off the waterworks. I cannot stop feeling like whatever my CS (Candidate Son) does now is a direct reflection on how well I did my job as a father. We are still in shock. It is quite humbling to know the real adventure of his life is just beginning and the adventure we were blessed to share with him for 17 years is now over. It is, indeed, out of our hands.

We ask him to remember and act upon the old saying: "Pray like it's all up to God, and WORK like it is all up to you!" ...... Go get 'em son.

The USMMA is a fantastic family. INDOC day1, was well planned and displayed a great deal of unexpected empathy toward parents taking this journey for the first time. The support displayed by so many parent volunteers, alumni, staff and midshipmen was simply amazing. High ranking officers and administration personnel walking around, talking to so many folks, etc. was very reassuring. Admiral Worley and CMDR (Commandant?) Fell both spent about five minutes speaking to us, one on one. (We were a little earlier than most....getting there around 07:10... the crowd appeared about 30-40 minutes later).....Our son walked through the doors at about 07:25 and being early, I'lll bet he sure received some up close and personal attention!

Thank You eveyone out there that has been where we are now. Your help and experiences have been a blessing. We certainly hope our young man is successful and provides us an opportunity to give back and join the ranks of
"wise parents" on this board and working with our parent association.
 
I can only echo your thoughts - I thought the whole program ran very well. We were in the later crowd - around 7:40 - and I think it was the first time I really didn't mind waiting in line. It does feel funny - son's room looks like he's coming back any time now - but I think he's going to do just fine.
 
I just had tears running down my face while reading your post! I just found 3 pix of my son this morning! Can't stop looking at the pix wanting to see, feel and just KNOW where he is and that he's ok.
 
Welcome to the roller coaster that is being a KP parent. My one caution is to try to pace yourself. Find something to keep yourself occupied so you are not obsessing. By all means, look for your son or daughter in the pics. I spent hours last year playing Where's Wanda. But my daughter was very clear that I could never know or understand. She's right.

We parents worry about the difficulties the PCs experience during Indoc. Remember that everything has a reason and it is not going to cause harm. Instead you will meet an incredibly confident and mature young adult at Parents Weekend whom you will almost not recognize. They will learn to stay calm under pressure, to work well under stress, to pay close attention to detail, etc. All of these skills are necessary within the regiment and, especially, when they go to sea.

Welcome to the family and best of luck in the coming year.
 
You are all right, I guess I just don't want to let my son go. 2013parent you hit the nail right on the head. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful son who has achieved many great accomplishments with many more to come but still I have the biggest lump in my throat. It is the worst feeling I have every had. I wish I could see at least one picture where he has a smile, maybe towards the end of indoc.
 
The pictures with smiles will come. Believe me. Wait for the swim competition, some of the waterfront stuff.....those pictures always have tons of smiles.

The first few days are simply shell-shock city. They are still trying to figure out why everything they do is wrong, even when they do it correctly, but as the two weeks progress there is a gradual change in this.
 
The You-tube videos of the swim competition and cheers are great! I think that was the only time I saw a smile on DD's face.

Remember, they could get extra attention for smiling. They need to keep their bearing. Smiles are for after Indoc.
 
I will be glad to see the gradual change. I watched the You Tube videos which have helped me a bit, I certainly don't want him to smile if it gets him extra attention, I can wait for the smile. I just look at his face in the pictures and try to figure out what he is thinking.

Thanks for the encouraging words. It really does help me.
 
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