To say 2022 ended with a bang is an understatement! My son blindsided us at the beginning of December by tagging along with his buddy to his PT meet. We figured what is the worst thing that could happen? After signing the papers and insurance stuff (in case of injury and being a minor) we sent him on his way to go work out. Well we got a call about 2 hours later from one of the recruiters from the meet. Thinking it was just letting us know they were back and such we headed to pick him up. We walk in expecting to grab him and go and they were like "Hey we wanna talk with you". That is when it all began. We walked out with my son looking to join the Marines through NO pressure (we made sure of this multiple times as he is only 17). The next week or so is all about getting the proper paper work and his testing done. He officially signed at the end of the month.
Since his signing we have been just in shock still. I mean don't get me wrong I love him and want everything for him but never did I figure him for ANY of the branches let alone the Marines. From what we gather (not knowing much about any of this) his scores are amazing and his recruiter is a blessing walking us through everything and keeping in touch. He talked briefly about what MOS he feels would be a good fit for my son and we agree, we can see him doing it as well but it comes down to what HE wants.
To get my son to open up about any of this is hard like any teen boy he has a limited vocabulary (unless it comes to games lol) I just hope the best for him. In a matter of months he will be off to boot camp away for MONTHS!!!! I have not let it hit me and I know he has not thought about it much himself but hell our cat was besides herself when he went away for 3 days I can not imagine months.
Most the family took it good, my mom was a little hesitant at first but has come around. Grandma on my side is all for it as many of her own boys and grandson's have served. Husband's grandma is OVER THE MOON! She is going on about it to everyone who will listen lol. I know we still have a road to boot camp and then a longer road once there but for now I am at peace and the kid does have a good head on his shoulder's even if he acts dumb half the time. I can only do so much and give him all the keys he needs to make it the next steps without me doing everything.