Today's blog will be very different because it is mainly about Caleb.
Since Caleb was 12 or 13 years old, he has talked about joining the Marines one day. Well, today was his first step toward that. We had 2 wonderful, young Marines come to our house today and visit for 2 1/2 hours. When they first sat down, the Sergeant asked me and Chad what we thought about Caleb possibly joining. I let Chad answer first. Then, I told them what I thought. I told them that I will support Caleb in whatever he wants to do. But, as a mother, this is hard for me. I want my children right here with me (or at least close by). I also told them that I'm a little more nervous about it because of our oldest son's passing. I do fear the possible danger with joining the military. I also told them that I don't want him being yelled at and being made to do all of those hard things at bootcamp. (I got a little laugh out of that one). I just told them that's the mama in me. I also told them that if they could guarantee to me that he would be safe throughout his whole Marine Corp career then I would be just fine with it.
We asked questions and they answered. They shared with us their stories, how long they've been in, their jobs, etc.
Caleb was given a test to take while they were here. It's a shorter version of another test he'll have to take if he proceeds on. While he took the test in the kitchen, we continued to sit in the other room and talk to the Marines. After Caleb was finished with the test, the Sergeant checked the test. He had previously told Caleb the score that he needed to make in order to pass. That score was 32. Well, Caleb made a 65. They seemed a little shocked (in a good way). They said that the average score on that test is usually a 16! So, Caleb did great on the test.
I had to look at several pages of medical conditions to let them know if Caleb had any of them. One page was a long list of things that will prevent you from joining the Marines. I read each and every one. When I finished and went on to the next page, the Sergeant let a huge sigh of relief. He said he was thankful that I was off of that page and didn't find any medical reason for Caleb not to join. I said "Oh, believe me, I tried to find a reason." And, we got a laugh out of that.
We continued on and he talked with Caleb about reasons why he wanted to join. They liked every answer he gave.
The visit with these men was great. They were easy to talk to. They answered all of the questions we had. They weren't pushy in any way. I actually feel better having talked with them.
So, what's the next step? Right now, we wait on Caleb to make his final decision. Whatever he chooses we will support. If he signs up soon, he would more than likely go to book camp around October or November of this year! That's just months away! Of course, he doesn't have to sign up now. It's all in Caleb's hands. I know that this is what Caleb wants to do. It's just all about timing right now. Caleb may want to go ahead and sign up or he may decide to wait a while longer. The Sergeant will call in a few days to check on him.
It's just hard for me to believe that we are at this point. It seems like yesterday that he was born. Now, he's nearing the age of 18 and possibly joining the service. Where has the time gone?
I do know that I am so proud of Caleb. He is growing into an amazing young man. I was listening to him talk today and answer questions and he just talks like he's so much older than he is. He is a wise, young man.
