Service Obligation

5Family
Tue, 28 Mar 2006 12:17:09 +0000

We’re doing OK. It’ll take awhile to feel ‘normal’, just like any ‘loss’. When he’s back in classes and has a new routine, I’m sure the hole will be filled. It occured to me yesterday–when he was supposed to go back at USMMA–that his older brother suddenly (as opposed to being unhappy for over a year as this one) called us and said he was joining the Army. He actually dropped out of college one semester, went to basic, AIT, transferred colleges to an ROTC program, and changed his life course. And we didn’t protest, feel sad, feel like he was driftless, or even question his decision! The older son was EXACTLY the same age–191/2–as this son. It’s not fair to ‘punish’ this son for changing his life in the exact same way, just in a different direction. After all, he’s pointed out to us that the ‘easiest way’ would have been to have just stayed the course, where he knew what the future would be. So, I mourn for the friends his father and I made in the parents club, the sense of belonging to a small group with common pride and experiences, but that’s all. I don’t mourn for a ‘loss’ for our son, because I know he made the right decision for him. USMMA taught him to sew, clean, study, keep a physically fit body, and help him grow up in so many ways, that the two years he spent there will continue to be a significant factor in his character. I sent a boy to the Academy, and recieved a man back. It just wasn’t the right choice for the man it turns out. And thank you all so much. I do feel your acceptance. Good luck to all at finding the best path in life; it sure isn’t easy. God Bless.