Well, tomorrow it begins... - Page 2

Wblaze · 02-02-2012, 9:07 PM

Congrats. Seeing as my little man is 30 months old, I cannot imagine being in your position, my my prayers are with you

rsretep · 02-02-2012, 9:16 PM

Hey Rich very well said Brother. I feel your pain,would not know how I would react if put it your situation, but know one thing, your son will be taken care of and have a very proud father waiting for him when he returns home

our prayers are with you and yours

Reel Addiction · 02-02-2012, 9:16 PM

Yeah its a bit tough when they leave at first but then you look forward to graduation day. We went to boot camp graduation, then the wife flew out to see the other graduation. Pretty exciting stuff to see the whole program.

rich_one · 02-03-2012, 8:22 AM

Thanks everyone... I truly appreciate the encouragement. Today is the big day, so I expect another round of emotions once the paperwork is signed off on. But we talked a long time last night, and my son is definitely at peace with this decision and is happy, and thus, I am happy for him. It's funny... I'm the father, and yet, its my son who is my hero.

It's crazy... back in the day, I used to think I'd be a terrible father if I ever had children. I don't know... I guess the things I saw around me, as I grew up, you know? Just didn't think I'd be good at it. But of my 3, I have one in college, getting good grades, and one about to join the military and also go to college. Then we have the youngest one... our 5 year old (she's really my cousin... but we adopted her because of what was going on in her life when she was born). I sit back and reflect on it all, and you know what... I guess I didn't suck at it as bad as I thought I would! LOL...

Again... thanks for the kind words, all. Marc... dude... enjoy this time. I'm telling you now, 18 years will pass in the blink of an eye. And that cute little 30 month old ball of joy you have there will be looking back at you through the eyes of a man. And you will wonder where in the heck did the time go.

So don't waste a minute of it, man... have as much fun as it is possible with your kids. Do everything with them... running around in the backyard and on the playground... heck, on the floor, playing with Batman toys together (LOL)... little league sports... vacations to Disney and on cruise ships... volunteering... my kids are involved in my fish hobby... just everything, man. Make a lot of fond memories.

Time does indeed fly... so have a blast, man. Have a blast.

-Rich

dogofwar · 02-03-2012, 9:56 AM

One of my co-workers was going through the same thing, recently.

Her son, who was a junior in college, I think, was making noises about joining the army after graduation. She was scared and came to talk to me about my experience.

I told her that our military is the best, most professional, most well trained and equipped in the world. And that, whether her son chose to make it a career or not, that he would gain experiences and training that would serve him well for a lifetime.

Your son is making a great choice. It's scary for you, I'm sure (and I'm not looking forward to when any of my little ones leave the nest)...

Best thing that he can do is prepare: basic training is a heck of a lot easier if you're in top physical condition, know how to shine shoes and boots and wear a uniform

Matt

rich_one · 02-03-2012, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogofwar

One of my co-workers was going through the same thing, recently.

Her son, who was a junior in college, I think, was making noises about joining the army after graduation. She was scared and came to talk to me about my experience.

I told her that our military is the best, most professional, most well trained and equipped in the world. And that, whether her son chose to make it a career or not, that he would gain experiences and training that would serve him well for a lifetime.

Your son is making a great choice. It's scary for you, I'm sure (and I'm not looking forward to when any of my little ones leave the nest)...

Best thing that he can do is prepare: basic training is a heck of a lot easier if you're in top physical condition, know how to shine shoes and boots and wear a uniform

Matt

Thanks, Matt. He's actually currently an officer in AFJROTC in high school, and regularly participates in drill competitions across the east coast, as far south as Florida. So at the very least, he has the shining shoes and boots, and wearing the uniform, and even the travel part, down pat! LOL... He's in pretty good shape also, regularly working out, though I am sure he will be in for a surprise in the kind of shape he'll be in at the end of basic training! LOL...

-Rich

dogofwar · 02-03-2012, 10:41 AM

Outstanding - that experience will serve him well.

The key physical attributes he'll need to excel in the Army are being able to run (both long distances at a relatively moderate pace...and balls out for 2 miles), being able to do push ups (and pull ups / curls) and to do sit ups / crunches. These are pretty specific muscle activities that one needs to practice specifically (for mastery). Also, obstacle courses are great practice!

20 lbs ago I was an Army Master Fitness Trainer

Matt

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich_one

Thanks, Matt. He's actually currently an officer in AFJROTC in high school, and regularly participates in drill competitions across the east coast, as far south as Florida. So at the very least, he has the shining shoes and boots, and wearing the uniform, and even the travel part, down pat! LOL... He's in pretty good shape also, regularly working out, though I am sure he will be in for a surprise in the kind of shape he'll be in at the end of basic training! LOL...

-Rich

minifoot77 · 02-03-2012, 12:44 PM

lol twenty five pounds ago i was a semper fit guru to and what mat said was spot on

Posted via mobile.capitalcichlids.org

Avatar · 02-04-2012, 1:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich_one

18 years ago, he was gifted to me.
-Rich

If you've imparted anything to him approaching your own capacity for marvel and gratitude at the miracle of life, then he's as ready as anyone could be - trust and expect he'll outlive us all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nszR0tfp4Es

FishInMaryland · 02-04-2012, 1:31 PM

Rich - I'm nervous for you, after reading your posts, and trying to put myself in your place. My son is only 6, but I hope that when he's your son's age, he also has the courage and brains to think all the way through his options, and to chose the one that makes him happy. Sounds like we're lucky to have him in our military and with the upbringing he apparently has had, he will have the opportunity to help those men/women that he is sure to encounter who did not have the parents he does.