Bringing Friends to I-Day

peskemom
Tue, 04 Apr 2006 14:26:15 +0000

This is quite an interesting discussion. I know and could bet my life on the fact that even if they asked, my daughter would NOT want friends there on I-Day. In fact, we live in SoCA and she has asked for we parents to give out goodbyes in the San Diego airport. Her mental focus will be, as always…where and what she is going to do next: be it a test, a swim meet, a Civil Air Patrol Color Guard competition, or now the upcoming I-Day. Our kiddo certainly wants the love and support first…then she mentally focuses it all out since the next steps are hers and hers alone.

Even though part of me wants desperately to fly with her back in June…being her mom I can vouch for the fact that we would only get a distant daughter on I-Day…who would want to be mentally thinking about that day,–be conflicted about her feeling she should be meeting our needs, while at the same time dealing with the stresses of adjusting to her new life, and not seeing my tears. So with reservations in hand, we have agreed to wait for more hugs, tears and physical time together for PPW in August.

This really is, I think, a personal decision for one and all and there is no ‘right’ answer, just suggestions from others for all to consider.

The fact that we have young people who can even consider this question:“Who should come to I-Day” is a precious gift for us all! There are hundreds of families who, given the chance, would love to be in our shoes…but won’t have a child with an Appointment in June. We can all be greatful for this privelege. ( greatful yes, at least for me, plus a touch of fear. Our family doctor, a dear friend was chatting with me last weekend while we socialized together and he was asking me about my feelings about our daughter’s career plans to go USNA/Marine. When I explained how I feel she has a calling to serve her country…that it is her personal decision and I will support her no matter what and that yes, I’m scared but proud…he quipped: "you should start a website titled: ‘parentsscared*****less.om’ I don’t think I’ll start that site quite yet, but it did make us both laugh!)

We are blessed families, all of us to have been granted the privelege of these teriffic kids to call our own. Thanks be to God.