Today our son becomes a Marine

[magicofdisney]

A couple of years ago our oldest son gave us his then, 10yr life plan. He wanted to duel enroll at the local college so he could earn his A.A. during his last two years of high school. At that time he got a job with the university newspaper because ultimately he wants to be a war correspondent. As he's set and achieved his goals, he's reached this current phase. Yesterday we took him to his recruiter's station so they could ship him off. Today, he should arrive at Parris Island, SC to begin his journey as a U.S. Marine. He's training for recon.

Today I sit here with a HEAVY heart. I can't believe how much I miss him already and he's not even gone 24hrs. It's the little things. I walked by his bathroom last night and simply seeing his toothpaste and toothbrush brought tears to my eyes. He and his younger brother shared a bedroom and when I went in there this morning, again I had tears. I still have 3 kids at home but I'm already feeling the effects of "empty nest".

Anyway, I'm extremely proud of him and I'm excited for the adventure he's taking.

[BrowncatP]

You may be sad now but wait till you see him in that Marine uniform!

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

Sounds like you have much to be proud of - you've raised an awesome young man.

But, my only DDs heading to university this fall, and I know how much I'm going to miss her ... so I completely understand how much you're missing him!

[SodaPopMGK]

It sounds like he has become a great young man. I know it's difficult when they leave home but eventually it does become easier. I have always struggled with separation anxiety from my mother when I started school at 5 to when my kids started school. I wish your son success in achieving all of his goals, it sounds like he's well on his way.

[VWL Mom]

It sounds like you've raised a fine young man, I wish him well on his new journey.

[Jeff]

I thank your son and his family for sacrificing for our country. I pray that God will bless him and his entire family!

[JanetMegan]

My DBF is a proud Marine and graduated from Parris Island. It will be a tough time in the summer there but it will really change his life. It really shaped his life and personality. He's so respectful of everyone (and so tidy-he cleans our tub with a toothbrush (for real!))

[MNNHFLTX]

What a mature and ambitious young man you've raised! As a parent, I can imagine the emotions you are going through right now, but it will get easier with time. Be kind to yourself right now as you go through this transition period.

[BrerGnat]

What a huge, life changing step! Best wishes to your son...boot camp will be the toughest thing he has ever done but you will be so amazed at the man he is about to become.

[brad192]

You may be sad now but wait till you see him in that Marine uniform!

No kidding! You could dress a pig up in that dress blue uniform & I would salute it!

Some of the finest people I have met are Marines (you're never a "former" Marine, just ask one). From your description of your son, he will excel at Parris Island, even though it'll be tough. Just be prepared on his return - he won't be the same person as when he left.

[princessgirls]

You have raised an awesome young man.

May God Bless you son and keep him safe.

Julie

[#1donaldfan]

Congratulations to you for raising a great man !! I served in the Air Force and will always have an affinity for anyone brave enough to serve, no matter the branch of service. Stay strong and proud as he serves us all !!!!

[brad192]

Bump...


​So...Any updates on how your son is doing?

[Arielfan98]

Thank your son for his service! What an incredible sacrifice, as do all our servicemen and women make!

[magicofdisney]

Bump...


​So...Any updates on how your son is doing?

We're only allowed to communicate via snail mail. Everyday his Dad checks the mail hoping to hear from him. We write him often.

It's tougher than he expected. I'm not sure you can be fully prepared for Marine Corp. bootcamp. My husband prepped him as best he could because he too is a Marine. It was recommended we write letters of encouragement that didn't invoke homesickness. We're doing the best we can and hope our letters bring him joy.

He's not quite halfway through but his last letter seemed less discouraging than the first. We were able to send him some protein bars but it appears that type of treat is handed out only as a reward.

Thank you for asking. That's very thoughtful of you.

[#1donaldfan]

It's good to hear the update of his training. I know it's tough on him and as parents it's VERY tough on us as well. I'm sure he's doing fine and beginning to adjust and with each day of training he gets closer to being that Marine !! Stay strong and proud !! He is !!

[Cinderelley]

Tell him thank you for his service, and thank you for supporting him. I know it is hard.

[magicofdisney]

When I began this thread, I did so incorrectly. You see, before my son went to bootcamp, he had the title of Poole. Once he entered bootcamp, he became a Recruit. TODAY, September 10, 2016, he officially receives the title of United States Marine! If I was emotional the day he left, I'm much more now. This morning his platoon completed an event, a rite of passage, called The Crucible.

They enter as recruits > 54 hour event > travel 48 miles > carry 45lbs of gear > cover 36 stations > with 29 problem solving exercises > only 6-8hrs of sleep > only 5 MREs > exit as Marines

This morning, around 9:00am, he exited as that Marine. I want to thank everyone, from the bottom of my heart, that replied to this thread. Your words of encouragement and support mean so much to me. And now the journey truly begins, huh?

[missymouseworld]

That's amazing....Congratulations and thank you.

[Cinderelley]

Yay for him! You have a right to be a proud parent!