<p>Thought I would start another thread like we had during NASS last summer for us Moms (or Dads)-in-waiting for I-Day June 07! It will be here before we know it. So I say who your awesome kid is, where you are from and whats the latest news for you all! So I will start :)</p>
<p>Lola aka “GLITTERHAIRDYE”
Graduated a yr early in July and currently college freshman at Oglethorpe University, Atlanta GA
Rec. 2 noms, Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss and Congresswoman Cyn McKinney in December.
Rec. LOA Jan 20, day after her 18th bday
Waiting for Eye Waiver and Appointment Packet!</p>
<p>Uhh mother, I got my eye waiver. Remember? We discussed this today… That was that letter that I got from DoDMERB that was really vague. hahaha
SOOO I’m just waiting on my appointment. :)</p>
<p>I hope I’m one of the moms/dads waiting with you for I-Day. If I am, I would really like to see you in the yard. See if you can get permission from “the daughter.”</p>
<p>There will be a lot of discussion about not wanting parents at I Day. From experience…do not let your child talk you into that unless it is truly for financial reasons. The number of kids we saw sitting by themselves after the Oath of Office when you get 45 minutes to spend with your new plebe will break any mothers heart. They may think that they can “do this all on their own” but many in reality have a very hard time. After a day of being yelled at - probably the first time in their lives that they feel like “scum” - that last hug from Mom or dad will mean the world to your Plebe. Many do not know how they are going to react to the day - even the most well prepared may have a complete meltdown. One young man was in tears when he saw the number of families there and the number of kids calling friends or a missing parent on Mom’s or Dads cell phones. Many of you will think no time like the present to step up to the plate but think of it this way…how many of you would let your child go off to State U - move into their dorms etc without you being there? Quite frankly, if you can afford both I Day and PPW - you have earned the right to be there!</p>
<p>I concur with Profmom2. Having been at I-Day for the past two years with my cell phone, I’ve seen many, many tried and stressed plebes who would have given anything to have mom and/or dad there just to give them a hug and an encouraging word. That’s a big reason while I’ll be there again this year with my cell phone and snacks and while I’ll probably keep going after my Mid graduates. That said, I strongly encourage parents to make their hotel reservations as soon as their child gets his/her appointment for I-Day and if they can, for PPW. The hotels fill up very quickly especially if you want to stay in downtown Annapolis.</p>
<p>Well said. Speaking from some sort of experience; an inexperienced ~18 year old- finding him/herself in the circumstances presented that very first day- will definitely have the exterior veneer of bravado pierced. To paraphrase:</p>
<p>Being yelled at, unavoidable;
Being herded, unstoppable;
That last hug and kiss from Mon & Dad… Priceless</p>
<p>Another possibility–only have one parent go. We simply couldn’t afford both of us, so dad went. By saving that money, we could afford our plebe’s older sister to come at PPW with both parents. And that WAS pricleess!</p>
<p>heartcross,that’s a good idea. Another must see event is Herndon and the Plebe Recognition ceremony in May. My son’s plebe summer roommate’s parents couldn’t get away for that so they sent both sets of grandparents instead.</p>
<p>One family we know sent Mom to I day and Dad to PPW. They have been saving - both $$$ and vacation time - for both and a younger brother to attend Sea Trials and Herndon.</p>
<p>WOW. My son <em>just</em> got a call from our Congressman (Tom Allen, State of Maine), and he’s IN!! VERY exiciting. We’ll still be down for CVW in March, but as an incoming plebe & his family. WOW!!! VERY exiciting night at our house. Apparently his BGO has known since Monday, but couldn’t tell him. WHAT a day this is! Phone will be busy tonight calling all the relatives. So, Andy from Maine is on his way to USNA!!! (Now, to get that packet in the mail!)</p>
<p>Last summer our to-be-Plebe actually ASKED to go by herself to I-Day a huge request to honor when you consider she was travelling 3000 miles and was still only 17 1/2 yrs old. She also asked to go back a few days EARLY so as to begin her own internal preparation for the upcoming transistion in her life. She has not regretted her choice to do things this way. She felt that having us not there was less of a mental distraction for her. Of course I wanted to be there - but we honored her. And YES we were there for every spare minute of PPW in August…we already have plans in place for this May’s Herndon…and since last September she has heckled her dad that he HAS to come this September for his 35th USNA Class reunion…so this isn’t a young lady who doesn’t want parents in her life.</p>
<p>So I honestly think this is a personal family decision and we all can give our input but we also have to give everyone space to choose wisely for themselves without making anyone feel guilty that there is the best way, or only way to handle these big questions.</p>
<p>Update on GLITTERHAIRDYE…
recieved Eye Waiver … just waiting on the Appointment Packet! HOORAH!!</p>
<p>CONGRATS! JMWRITES! I know exactly how you feel … my feet having touched the ground since Saturday.</p>
<p>I think Glitterhairdye has decided to let me go with her to I-Day. We have a friend that lives about 45 miles from there so we can stay with them saving some $$. I just cant imagine sending her up there without being there for her as she enters those doors for the first time. I am promising to be on my best behaviour (as little crying as possible Thank you everyone for the input!</p>
<p>Remind your soon-to-be Plebes NOT to get a tattoo as a way to celebrate graduation. The tattoos they have now (if any) were documented at their DODMERBS physical & they must notify DODMERBS if anything changes in their medical status. I know that at the 07 I-Day three kids were turned away for having gotten new tattoos. One girl had gotten one around her ankle which is against regs. All tattoos must be covered by official swimwear.</p>
Thank you everyone for the input!</p>