This past week has been both busy and bittersweet - mainly because John left on Wednesday for military training. Unbeknownst to me (at least until about 6 months ago), he had been harboring a long-time dream of being in the military. It was something that he thought about doing when he graduated from college over a dozen years ago, but never followed through with. But times they are a'changing, so last fall he started talking to a recruiter. He then dutifully jumped through all the hoops to join the National Guard and is now part of our country's armed forces. Bizarre as that may seem - especially to people that have known him during the past 10+ years, he seems happy with his decision. (Although I don't know how happy he really is going to be about getting up at 4:30 in the morning to do PT and competing with guys that are half his age, that just sounds hellish to me - then again, we already know I'm not a morning person. For the record, neither is he but the military doesn't give you much choice in the matter.) He probably won't be home until October because he is doing his basic training then going straight to AIT.
I've had alot of emotions in regards to him leaving for the military ranging from fear to pride. However, I believe he is doing the right thing for himself and therefore for our family. Will I miss him during the next 5+ months? The answer to that question is a resounding yes. Is his absence going to be difficult on myself and our children? Yes. But can I fault him for following his dreams? No - and his life-changing decision to do so has yet again made me realize that it is never too late to follow your dreams. You have the ability to set your sights on what you want and then take the necessary steps in order to achieve your goals. So many people just talk about what they want to do with their lives but never really take the steps to follow through with what they SAY they want. And there's no doubt that following your dreams can be difficult. But isn't it worth it? Aren't you worth it?
Funny how those things happen, boys who you never would have suspected, up and decide to join the military. My husband has been military since the day I met him. The youngest boy was in ROTC throughout high school, but it was the oldest, the one we lovingly refer to as the "hippie child" that has decided because of the current economic times to take the plunge. If you need a shoulder to commiserate from an old military wife, drop me a line. (BTW hubby went from active duty to guard years ago, maybe they'll work together)
ReplyDeleteThat's funny - because we used to refer to John as a hippie. Does your husband like being in the guard? Has he ever been deployed? And why does the military have so many acronyms? haha.
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