+3

+3 is not a good thing, at least not in this case. #1 and I went to drop off his paperwork and have his photo taken yesterday. He was looking forward to scheduling his physical and ASVAB. However, we had a nasty surprise. He is 3 lbs. overweight. We got a nice pep talk but got sent home. Sgt. A was the one to talk to #1 about this, and although it was a disappointment, I came away from this even more impressed by the Corps and how they look after each other, and that includes recruits.

I came in a few minutes after #1, so I missed the weigh-in. However, when I walked in, I got to hear Sgt. A talking with my son. He told him that as eager as they all were to get him tested and finish up his application, he didn't want to send him to a physical only to be turned down. What he said was,"I feel so bad for telling you this, but I'd rather tell you straight up. I just don't even want to think about sending you to the doc and then watching you go through the heartbreak of being sent back down." Those of you who already have your very own Marine can probably just hear the kindness in Sgt. A's voice. I got a wonderful feeling for how much they take care of other Marines, even Marine wannabees, and I found that reassuring.

On the way back home, #1 was obviously disappointed and was feeling a bit down. I told him that he had the luxury of feeling sorry for himself for exactly as long as it took to get home, but then he'd have to get back up and start again. He just gave me a look, but I got a nice hug when we got home. He went to change into his workout clothes right away. I went upstairs and cried. I won't let him feel sorry for himself, but I can certainly do it for him, as long as he doesn't see me doing it. I am his mom, after all.

#1 is now really pushing himself during his workouts. Right now, he's upstairs doing chin-ups while holding a smaller brother on his shoulders. Later, he'llbe out running with one of the collies. He heard very clearly what Sgt. A was saying. I'm glad I got to see how concerned Sgt. A was, but I'm also glad that I know that the Marines will make sure #1 gets what he needs, whether it's a kind word or a good kick in the butt There are some things a mom just can't do, so I am really starting to like these guys!

Posted by at 11:10 AM | Comments (1)