Fifteen years ago… I was living at Ft. Polk, Louisiana. I knew then that Mr. A’s personality was well suited for the military life. I also knew that the last thing I wanted for my son was to enlist in the US Army when he became an adult.
Nine years ago… My Sweetie joined our family and the boys bonded with him straight away.
Six years ago… Mr. A informed me that he wanted to attend the US Naval Academy and become a Surface Warfare Officer. He was only 11 years old and in the sixth grade. I thought it was perhaps a passing fancy.
Four years ago… Mr. A chatted with Cousin Dale, an USNA alumnus (Class of '72).
Two and a half years ago… Mr. A met with our local Blue & Gold Officer for the first time.
Two years ago… Mr. A visited the Academy for a week-long swim camp.
Eighteen months ago… Mr. A became an official USNA candidate.
Six months ago… Mr. A received his appointment to the US Naval Academy.
Tomorrow… The PLRH family loads up in the car and drives from Florida to Annapolis, Maryland to deliver our eldest son.
This has been a long road for Mr. A. But it’s also been a straight shot. He never wavered from his decision or goal. I’m so proud of him. I really can’t believe that the next phase of this journey is about to begin.
****
This morning… G-Man asked me if I’m going to cry on Induction Day.
G-Man, what do you think? I cry during the National Anthem at a Ray’s baseball game. I’m sure I’m going to cry when 1,200 kids take the Oath of Office and my son is one of them.
In case you’re wondering, here’s the Oath of Office:
Having been appointed a Midshipman in the United States Navy, do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that you take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which you are about to enter, so help you God?
8 comments:
Safe travels PLRH family. Mr. A good luck and best wishes and you head out on your next BIG adventure!
Let G-Man know I cried all the way through reading this. Can't say anymore right now. I love you guys.
Congrats! Wish him all the safety and happiness in his future endeavors.
Such a huge deal! The Naval Academy! Best wishes.
I would cry too!!! Congratulations to Mr. A. The Naval Academy is a huge achievement! One of my best friends is a USNA grad (he then joined the Marine Corps, and was a Captain in the first Gulf War) and I think he's even more proud of the Naval Acad than of serving in the war.
Good luck with this latest move!
I know you've been preparing for this for a long time but I'm sure nothing can really prepare you for the week ahead. Thinking of you!
You are so cute, all excited.
Post a Comment