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<p>my $.02</p>
<p>Grief? You bet!
I’m a mom from a non-military family who dropped off my son at USNA this past summer. I knew in my mind that the military separation from my son would be severe, but it was harder than I imagined. This was my first child leaving the nest. Two days after PPW, I had to take his twin brother to “State U” leaving only the little sister, now a HS junior, at home. I just had 2/5 of my house cut away. I had to begin to deal with a separation that I had never experienced. </p>
<p>Pride? Even greater!<br>
That’s the main reason, aside from the Grace of God (am I allowed to say that here?), that kept me sane. I am immensely proud of both of my boys, whose records are stellar I might add. I wouldn’t change their life choices if I could. Who am I to tell any of my children that they cannot pursue the dreams that they were designed to fulfill? I spent 18 years teaching them and grooming them to make good decisions, and they both made the right decision for themselves.</p>
<p>While I miss both of my sons, I’m onto the next chapter in the book of life - getting my daughter ready for her decisions. Will I be more ready this time? Well, having been through it? Maybe, but this is my daughter and my youngest. We’ll see when the time comes. :-)</p>