Well, tomorrow it begins...

rich_one · 02-02-2012, 4:01 PM

18 years ago, he was gifted to me. And the last 18 years have been a blast. Sure... there have been ups and downs, but I truly do cherish every single year, month, week, day, hour, minute and second. There is plenty I think I'd do differently if I had it to do again... but overall, it was a great ride, really.

I do so love my son.

Tomorrow, things take a different turn. One that I am trying to be ready for. See, tomorrow, my son will fill out paperwork that will make him the property of the United States Army. He has decided to enlist active duty. His plan, to go to college first, then fulfill his commitment to the country.

Don't get me wrong. I'm proud of him. I really am. I smile at myself from time to time, astonished at how fortunate I am to have managed to raise such strong, positive individual. Sure... he has his shortcomings, but so do we all. I know this much... he isn't a liar, thief, hoodlum, murderer, addict, or any of these things. He's just a good guy. And even better than me, when I was his age... he has a plan. It's just that...

I should be happy. I know it. But I guess I'm selfish, you know? I don't think I have ever been this proud, and this scared, all at the same time. But this is what he really wants to do. I do not feel like I should stand in his way. He has earned the right to make this decision, even if I have mixed emotions about it.

So I guess all I can really say is this... Army... you have my son in your care now. You take care of him, and you send him back to me the way you got him. In good health. Do not send my son home in a box, or send me some message that he has perished somewhere far away from home. Do not break my heart, military. You hear me? YOU TAKE CARE OF MY SON.

I know this is stupid... but for whatever reason, this is the only thing I could think of to do right this second, to process this, as I just found out about his final decision. So, as always, thanks for tolerating my vent... or rant... or whatever you may deem this to be, CCA family. I appreciate it.

I am as full of pride, as I am fear.

See... I do so love my son.

-Rich

Andrewtfw · 02-02-2012, 4:04 PM

Your son is as lucky to have you as a father as our nation will be to have your son protecting it.

UNCLERUCKUS · 02-02-2012, 4:12 PM

RICH IVE KNOWN YOU A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND IVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO MEET YOUR WIFE AND FAMILY. YOU BOTH HAVE DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB WITH YOUR KIDS. WITH YOUR ONLY SON OR ANY SON ITS NEVER EASY WATCHING THEM LEAVE THE NEST. YOU HOPE AND PRAY THAT THE LIFES LESSONS YOU HAVE TRIED TO INSTILL HAVE TAKEN ROOT IN THEM. YOU PRAY FOR THEIR SAFE KEEPING IN THIS RUGGED WORLD WE LIVE IN AND PRAY FOR THE BEST. YOU SHOULD BE VERY PROUD OF THAT YOUNG MAN AS HE HAS HIS HEAD ON HIS SHOULDERS SQUARELY AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING OF HIS ENDEAVORS. SMILE HARD RICH B/C YOU HAVE A LOT TO BE PROUD ABOUT. YOUR SON IS NOW A MAN.

rich_one · 02-02-2012, 4:23 PM

Thanks, guys... I appreciate it. Man... I'm more nervous than I was when my oldest, my daughter, was being born.

I know he is making the right decision for him, and that's all I can ask for. It is now on me to support him fully... and I do. I got his back, for sure.

-Rich

crazyclowntang · 02-02-2012, 4:37 PM

Tell your son Thanks for signing up to protect our nation. So we can have CCA meetings, and come on here vent, rant, or whatever you may call it and enjoy all the freedoms we have

I can't say of personal experience what it feels like to see a child fly away from the nest called home. But as a father I can understand the love you have for your son. The love for a son, or daughter is so powerful that as parents we are willing to go in harms way to protect them. So be proud for your son, I know I am (even though I don't know him personally) but i have a soft spot in my heart for the Military service men and women.

rich_one · 02-02-2012, 4:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyclowntang

Tell your son Thanks for signing up to protect our nation. So we can have CCA meetings, and come on here vent, rant, or whatever you may call it and enjoy all the freedoms we have

I can't say of personal experience what it feels like to see a child fly away from the nest called home. But as a father I can understand the love you have for your son. The love for a son, or daughter is so powerful that as parents we are willing to go in harms way to protect them. So be proud for your son, I know I am (even though I don't know him personally) but i have a soft spot in my heart for the Military service men and women.

Thanks, man... you guys are truly making me feel better about it. It's funny how easy it is to appreciate someone's sacrifice, until its one of your own!

I know he's going to burst with pride tomorrow, once the paperwork is completed.

-Rich

fischfan13 · 02-02-2012, 6:27 PM

Rich, you and your family will definitely be in my prayers.
You definitely have a heart of gold and have impacted many of us as an absolute gentleman.
I guarantee that your son will be an asset as he serves Our Country.

minifoot77 · 02-02-2012, 7:37 PM

be proud rich !!!!!!! as a marine of 7 years he will be WELL taken care of

make sure you send him a letter with "i bet you can't do 100 push ups!!" written on the outside of the letter and douse it with your wife's perfume he and his drill seargents will LOVE it

Reel Addiction · 02-02-2012, 8:15 PM

Congrats Rich, I went thru the same with my boy. All will be good!

rich_one · 02-02-2012, 8:56 PM

Thanks, Bill! Really do appreciate those comments, man. Chris, how'd you handle it, man? One minute, I am feeling so proud, the next, scared as hell. Crazy.

Ha Ha! You know what, Caleb? I'm gonna do just that! I'll let you know when I do it, and how he responds! LOL...

-Rich