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| Joining the Marines |
My son just told me he has made the decision to join the Marines. He is 21.
He actually started the conversation by stating he had something very important to discuss with me and I gave him my full attention.
He instantly presented me with the Marine Advertisement Handbook.
After a few moments passed, I looked up and asked him why.
He stated that he has been considering joining the military for almost five months and originally thought that the Air Force would be the area for him. However, as he researched more he found that the Marines suit him best.
Again, I asked him why.
He said the Marines are the Best. They offer on the job training in his field of choice - computer technology and that the lessons learned through the military program of four years will provide him with self-confidence, self-esteem, friendships and college tuition. He wants direction in his life and something he can feel a part of as well as being proud of what he does - not just a job. He wants to be part of the bigger picture.
I started to cry.
I asked him if he recognized that the eloquence of the Marine Advertising Handbook didn't show the reality of the decision he is making. The reality that we are at war. We are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq and under a new administration. The reality that he has never fired a gun other than in a first-person shooter. The reality that after boot-camp he will probably end up in Afghanistan or Iraq - or wherever fighting against people that our government has labeled, "the enemy" but that they may not be any different than he is. The reality of pulling the trigger will change him forever. The reality that he may not make it through his "tour" or that he may come back missing a part of himself that will be gone forever - physically and mentally.
He insists he understands the reality of his choice.
No one in my immediate family has ever been in the military. My husband's father was in Vietnam (he never talks about it), and my husband's brother was in the Marines. I am asking that he speak with both of them and take two weeks to make a final decision.
My heart is very heavy because I still look at my son as MY son - a gentle natured young man with high aspirations, a warm laugh and a hug that removes all worry.
I told him (through tears) that I was proud he wanted to make such a committment, but as his mother I did not want him to do it. After two weeks if he decides after consideration of other options that he still wants to make this commitment, then I will support his decision. But my heart is heavy and I fear the worst. I am a realist, a worse-case scenario evaluator. I never wanted this type of situation for my son, but I guess I have to recognize that he is a young man and capable of making choices. Thanks for listening.
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Posted by VeronicaDee on 2009-02-08 01:37:18 | Rating: | Views: 114
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