Family stuff

[valarltd]

Is there a word for proud yet heartbroken?

We can't afford college. Chris got next to nothing in financial aid. Last year, we made decent money. This year has been...difficult.


Today, we talked to three military recruiters.
He's looking at the Army, the Air Force and the Navy.

I'm proud of him, terrified for him, and heartbroken that he has to do this.


I'm having class issues with it, just to top things off. It's a reminder how far out of the middle class we are sliding, how hard the corporate interests are working to destroy the middle class. It's knowing that we're hanging on with our fingernails. My kids should be able to go to college, but there is nothing there for them to do it on.

My son is a man. And he has made a man's decision knowing the realities of it.
This makes me proud of him to no end.
Now excuse me, I think I'm going to go cry.

Comments

[xjenavivex.livejournal.com]

::hugs:: There are so many things I want to say. I want to offer comfort maybe even encouragement. Really though, just hugs.

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

And of course my husband took it badly.
So hugs are very welcome

[zoethe.livejournal.com]

That's really tough. I'm sorry you're going through this.

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

We'll make it. At least Iraq and Afghanistan are over. Of course Syria, Iran and North Korea are still on the table...

[coneyislandbaby]

*hugs*

I don't know if there is a word, but I do understand the feeling.

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

((hugs)) Thanks

[julian-griffith.livejournal.com]

*sigh* The king's shilling...

I admire his courage and I'm infuriated over the economic injustice and I'll be... I can't say praying, as I don't, but wishing very fervently for his safety.

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

It's okay, I'm already talking to everyone enough for two.

Besides, I have an in. Talking to Mom always gets things done, even when Mom is Hera and the god in question is Ares. 8)

I'm angry and fearful, but I'm behind him on this.

The D-Man Checks In

[(Anonymous)]

Indeed a man's decision.

The trick now is to get him into a career field--like X-ray Technician--that will not likely put him anywhere near a battlefield, and which will also benefit him in the civilian sector when he gets out of the military... unlike driving a tank, or operating a sonar, or launching a missile.

A whole new world is going to open up for this boy. Going into the military was one of the smartest decisions I ever made, and once you join that fraternity--as I have since discovered--you never know when or where you will run into another veteran, or how this might help you in unexpected places & ways.

The G.I. Bill...
Access to VA loans...
Military pension if he puts in 20+ years...
Loads of benefits inaccessible to civilians.

It's a good life, so long as he plays it smart and uses his time & benefits wisely.

Re: The D-Man Checks In

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

I know. On one hand, I know all that.
On the other, this is my baby. My adorable, cuddlesome Kissy-Cat who was always Mr. dependable and compassionate.

We took the Marines off the table to avoid destroying all that in him.

Re: The D-Man Checks In

[idadebeautreux.livejournal.com]

There is always Coast Guard. They're often overlooked as a military branch, but they do a lot of important stuff. And this is not to say that there isn't danger in their duties, but it would be more likely that he'd remain stationed in the US. My college roommate married a career Coast Guard guy she met on a research cruise (she studied fish biology and aquaculture) and aside from having to move every few years, it's not a bad life. He rotates between duties - one assignment will be ocean/boat-based for a couple of years, and then the next assignment for a few more years is a land-based or desk job. I'm not sure all of what he does on his daily routine, but many of his ocean-based assignments have been for research, scientific discovery, weather-related science stuff, etc.

But even still - yeah, it's a rough situation. I can understand the mix of emotions you must be feeling!

[stormsdotter.livejournal.com]

*sends hugs*

What about the Coast Guard? They stay pretty on American soil (well, water) and get to actively help people. I looked into it before I realized I'd flunk the physical.

big hug

[slashmommy.livejournal.com]

My kids will most likely be in the same boat when they get older as were my nieces and nephew. I recommend Air Force and Navy. Unless he becomes a pilot he's not likely to go into combat. My dad enlisted in the USAF rather than waiting to be drafted in Vietnam and he spent the entire time in Texas learning to use computers. Navy is another good one for providing training and not necessarily being on the main lines. A lot of Navy and Air Force work is maintaining supply lines to the troops. It isn't all fighting even during times of conflict.

Good luck.