As a military mom I know all the emotions you are feeling right now
. It's sad you had to learn his plans the way it happened, but your boy sounds like a wonderful intelligent young man with his head on straight and knows where he is headed, be very proud. It's a test of faith when we see our children spreading their wings and preparing to leave the nest, specially military and realizing current events. Even though this is not what you hoped for or planned and may have doubts ~ your love, support and encouragement is what he needs most.
We knew when our son was 12yo his dream was to join the Army, be Airborne and a Ranger. It was not what we had dreamed for him, he was the only son among 3 girls, but, afterall don't we encourage them to follow their dreams? Like your little boy, before ours left for military college, he left a note too (under his pillow) telling us
'how much he loved us and appreciated everything we'd done to get him this far. We were not to worry about him, as many never get to live out their dream. No matter what the future brought or how far he went, he'd always remember where home was.' OMG, I balled like a baby and still get choked up some 18yrs later.
Fast forward, our son is soon to 38yo, an Army officer, both Airborne and Ranger qualified, and can retire in a 5 yrs. I'm not going to tell you it will smooth sailing, but you'll quickly learn to depend on your inner strength, faith, family and friends, to help through the highs and lows. We have the best trained military the world, so be proud of the sacrifice he is making. When you go to his graduation, you will see a soldier full of confidence and pride, ready to serve his country. Godspeed you Mom, your son, and all our troops with deep appreciation for their service and sacrifices they have made to our country and for each and every one of us.
