78 days until my baby (phsbum), the youngest of my 3 children, is launched into an unknown world.  I try not to let my head go here very often simply because it is overwhelming, but ... I also have to adjust and accept the idea.

Like many of us, she seeks adventure and purpose, acceptance and challenge.  In 1975, I joined the Army, too, but when I did it I was in undeniable rebellion.  She joined at my suggestion, at least timing wise.  It's been her dream / plan for several years.  She's rather obnoxious in her zeal at this point, but I have a feeling some of that will wear off as Basic training begins.  For now, it serves as motivation when she goes running every am and pm.  It will carry her through the summer. 

As her mom, I'm walking a fine line, or trying to, between being supportive and encouraging and ... preparing myself and her for the separation as much as I can.  I have a couple of ideas that I won't share here because she reads my blog!    It is hard to maintain a balance, though, as her eagerness to leave is normal, but still difficult to wrap my head around.  I am grateful that my son is more or less still living here ... at least most of the time he sleeps here! 

A neighbor young man has joined the marines and leaves next week, so the rivalry has been vocalized a few times!  There has been a string of films with a military flavor streaming through our home.  Films like Private Benjamin, Courage Under Fire, Jarhead, Saving Private Ryan, Bat 21, Midway ... and many more ... old and new, doesn't matter which military engagement ... She runs, she does her situps and pushups - struggling with the pushups some.  I keep telling her it's a mind game.  Basic training is physical endurance, but it is primarily a mind game.  Play by the rules, and all will be fine!  (These are rules for Basic training only, not life in general!)

Never be first,

Never be last,

and NEVER, never volunteer!

The point is ... under no circumstances should you draw attention to yourself, for better or for worse!  There is plenty of time after basic to volunteer and / or draw attention to yourself!  lol  Hers is a 4 year enlistment, and after the first 20 weeks at Ft Jackson, SC, we don't know yet where she will find herself. 

I'm trying to think of ways to make memories, but I realize  she's already filled with them.

~ B