Hurry up and wait...
Because his Basic Military Training finished in June, Wesley didn't get course loaded for his Basic Infantry Training, which technically starts tomorrow. Wes is second on the priority waiting list, which means if two people didn't show up for their training today then tomorrow he will get a call to go.
All his bags are packed, he has purchased all the supplies he'll need for the month of July and he has cash for a taxi in case I cannot drive him. It's weird to go to sleep tonight knowing that tomorrow he might be rushing off at a moment's notice and would be gone for the entire month. That will be the longest he has ever been away from home.
I think I am having pre-empty nest anxiety... he is going to be 17 this month and really is quite grown up (I am so proud of him and the man he is becoming). Next year he will be choosing universities and going off to start his life all on his own. It almost seems too soon to me, time has gone by so fast. It's a great thing, growing up and I am so happy for him. I have to find a way to let go as much as he needs me to. I wonder how other parents deal with it?
7 comments:
Oh dear, you must have butterflies! My oldest is 17 and wants to join the reserves, the problem is he is too intent on playing video games to get his act together. As you can imagine, I'm not pushing him.
I don't know how any parent deals with letting their young ones fly on their own wings, but as long as we are there when they land, it will be okay.
Good luck, and for goodness sakes don't slobber all over him when he leaves. (Just practicing the stiff upper lip stuff for when my kid leaves!!!)
My dad grew up in leaside, and the day he shipped out to war in 1944, he went by train from Union Station in Toronto on his way to Cornwallis.
He and his father never saw eye to eye on anything and when my father left, his father was not there to see him off, as he worked on a CNR road gang.
When the train pulled out of a siding in Oshawa, my father saw his dad on the side of the railway embankment, working away while the other men in the gang stood with their caps in hand waving at the train.
My father made it home safely from the war; his father died of a heart attack in April of '45 and never saw him come home.
My dad asked his mother why he never acknowledged him when he saw him on the train..
"ah.." she said "it was because he didn't want you to see him cry, as it was the proudest day of his life"
There is nothing more noble and selfless as serving your country. Always let your children know that you are are proud of them for wanting to make a difference in this world.
I also joined the reserves when I was 17 (many many years ago), and I feel my time there effected me only positively throughout my life and I still think of it very fondly.
Sadly, neither of my own sons joined since they had other interests: good luck to your son, you should be proud.
My sister dealt with her son beginning college last year with talking about it over the phone with me about three times a week with me and, then, obsessing about minor issues with him throughout this college year. I had to keep reminding her how grateful we should be that he has never gotten into serious trouble! So, in short, she dealt with it: slowly but surely!
Well congrats that he got through the Basic Military Training.
My son wants to go to the preliminary year at St. Jean Sur Richelieu military college, but at least I have a year to wait! I only have to worry about driving lessons!
I guess it helps if you have an older child who has already left the nest.
I saw your tweet that he was headed off for training...good for him! I hope it goes well for him (and for you!).
Wonderful comments! Thank you!
Wes did get his call today and he is going to be falling asleep in Wainwright tonight. I liked Wainwright (for the most part). I hope he has fun!
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