Parents --What I've learned in 4 years

Pmarol
Tue, 12 May 2009 18:48:29 +0000

I’ve said “semper gumby” to myself more than anything else this year.

Don’t count on supposed leave times. They seem to change often with scheduled duties, etc. Had one fall weekend leave that went much longer than expected. On a fluke, I was visiting so switched MY flight fast to grab the extra time. Slice of heaven for me!

Don’t count on holidays. Spring Break disappeared when he qualified for further competition in his club sport. I went to see him instead - SO glad I had a backup plan!

Don’t count on Sea Trials or Herndon. Mid drew a 0 block assignment and there went my hopes for enjoying! I did order the DVDs as his company will be in them but he won’t…

Don’t count on intercessional leave dates until the ink is dry on the paper (or whatever the equivalent is). AND always spend the money for the airfare that saves or switches easily. He had about 36 hours chopped AFTER we had the ticket home. But it worked out and it was heaven to have him here for a few days.

Count on: No matter what happens, there is support there for your plebe in a way that gets them through the toughest times. This was put to the test for us this year when my son’s friend/company mate passed away in the fall. The words spoken by the mid’s father (USNA grad) to my son will be something he will remember FOREVER.

Count on: The same support is there for you. Every question you can come up with, someone has a solid answer. I remain in awe.

Count on: Increasing excitement! The future is exciting!

Count on: It being about them, not you. :)