Hate to Post and Run but...

that is what I'm doing because I'm traveling again tomorrow. I returned home on Wednesday last week but I didn't visit much because Thursday was the 4th longest day of my life. The other three being the days I gave birth. And this was the day I, not physically but intellectually and emotionally, waited while my Littlest, my last child, began her journey into adulthood.

I am now 'Mom of the Marine Corps Poolee.' On Thursday Littlest spent the day at the Military Entrance Processing Station and passed all the requirements. We then watched her raise her hand and swear in to the Marine Corps in the Delayed Entry Program. What does this mean? It means we still have a way to go. She has to graduate. She has to wait for her Occupational Specialty to open. She has to complete Recruit Training. (Boot Camp) This could take up to a year but at this point the date is about seven months. It also means that as long as nothing changes to prevent her from qualifying she will become a Marine.

In my post about our first trip to the recruiting office I said that we would not be signing papers for her to join before she turns eighteen. We learned a little more about how this works. The Delayed Entry Program provides physical training and guidance in preparation for boot camp before you show up there. It's a way of having an advantage. We gave it six months and the fact is that she has been unwavering in her choice. Steadfast in her decision. More determined than ever. So we signed the papers. She will begin what they call PT on Monday with the other Poolee's led by Marine Corps instructors. She will train and consult with her recruiter several times a week from this day forward.

We Are Immensely Proud.

her sisters cried. her dad cried. i haven't cried yet. i will.

There really is no way to decribe this feeling as a parent. Proudified? Teriffoud?

This post could be a long discussion on a whole lot of stuff that is going on, but, honestly, we've been having that discussion at our house for about two years and there's nothing left to discuss. The last conversation we had the night before MEPS was what might happen if she wore her Superman underwear to processing : )

But here's something else. Littlest only needs 3 credits to graduate. She fulfilled and surpassed her elective credits long ago but she is still taking classes all day. She wants to drop these extra classes which would leave her with an AP Language Arts, AP Government and a Marine Science class. It's a split schedule so that would be two classes one day and one the next. She doesn't need the other classes or credits and would rather be doing something besides sitting there bored in classes she doesn't like. I think she should suck it up for four months and just finish the year and it will be over. Her dad said that if she was mature enough to raise her hand and swear to protect her country she was mature enough to decide she didn't want to take classes she doesn't need. We both told her to get her recruiters opinion because at some point in her career she will be continuing her education.

What do you think Peanut Gallery?

Now I'm going to try to visit as many of you as I can before I have to finish getting ready to head out. As always, when I'm gone, if I miss you I'll catch you when I get back. Namaste. (I don't actually say that..ever..it just sounds nice ; )



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