T-6 days until I drop daughter number three off at West Point. I keep looking at her when she thinks I’m not looking trying to memorize her face, the casual way she relaxes on our couch, her infectious laugh as she watches a funny Vine video on her phone.
We try not to talk about what lies ahead for her and just enjoy our last precious days together. Her summer will be vastly different than her peers or that of any summer she has ever experienced before. Grueling road marches in the blazing sun, endless push ups, and older cadets screaming in her face, yelling at her for every misstep will become her new normal.
Our farewell will last exactly 90 seconds at 6:30 am on July 2. We’ve been told that 80% of new cadets want to quit on the first day. That number drops to 50% on day two and by day three most have acclimated to the new routine, the heat, the yelling and the physical strains of basic training.
Bethany will be allowed to call us one time for ten minutes on July 20 sometime between 12 and 4:30. My family will be on vacation on this day, so you can bet I’ll be locking myself away somewhere quiet so I don’t miss her call! This day for the cadets is called “The Ice Cream Social.” Cadets are dispersed amongst West Point families who live on post and offer to take them in for a few hours. During this time they are fed lots of junk food, given access to a cell phone, and can just relax. It’s a nice break from the constant stress of Beast Barracks.
West Point cadets can receive mail and I’ve promised to write everyday. Mail day is the highlight of the week for cadets. This rolls around once every four days or so for them. We’ve been told to number our letters since they receive their mail in bulk. We’ve also been advised to not slip anything inside the letter…even a stick of gum…as this is prohibited. Older cadets often open the letters first and take out anything good for themselves. Awesome.
On August 16, Bethany will become an official cadet, moving up from “new cadet.” This is known as A Day at West Point where cadets are accepted into the Corps of Cadets. We will be allowed to spend the weekend with her! I look forward to hearing about her experiences and seeing the changes that I know will have taken place after this demanding summer of physical and mental growth.
I know Bethy is a little nervous about how she will manage Beast Barracks at first. Who wouldn’t be? She knows she is mentally strong enough (SO true), but is at times concerned that she can keep up with the physical demands. This is a legitimate concern, but I have confidence that she’ll do fine. So much of physical endurance challenges is telling yourself you can do it and Bethany has a very strong desire to succeed. Additionally, she’s been working with a trainer and running so I think she’s better off than she gives herself credit for.
So, I’m going to settle in for the last six days here of enjoying my time with Bethany. Right now she’s watching The Bachelorette on TV. I’m watching her watch The Bachelorette…nothing could be more beautiful.
Slide Show of R Day at West Point:
R Day is Reception Day…The first day of Beast Barracks, the day new cadets arrive.
Hugs to you! You’re daughter absolutely rocks!
Thanks! I’ll tell her you said so. I think she does too!
Your posts are always really great! Best of luck to both of you. 🙂 I’ve heard that the drive home after dropping off your kid is always the longest one. Here’s hoping she does awesome!
Thanks so much. Yes, it will be a long drive home. This will be my third college drop off so I know all about that drive! 🙂
very very good luck to both of you! being a military cadet must be very tough stuff, but i bet beth can handle it – she looks like a strong gal ^^
Thanks!! She is strong. I’ll miss her muscles around the house!:)
Good luck! She will do it!
Thanks! I think so too.:)
Learned a lot from your post. Will she be required to cut her hair off? Hoping the best for her!
She could go with a pixie cut, but most girls keep it long and put it into a low bun. That’s what she’ll do.
Excellent! What a fine young woman she must be. It will be hard to let her go, but it sounds as if she’s ready. Thanks for including us!
You’re welcome!! Yes, she is definitely ready! 🙂
We all went to my nephew, Matthews graduation last Spring, and it seemed like yesterday that my sister was feeling all the things you are, and now. He’s leaving Georgia as a Ranger..Beth sounds very prepared and you will be such proud parents! It’s truly the most remarkable place I’ve ever been ! Good luck to your wonderful daughter – and with God’s help,may Our children always be safe.
Thanks so much. I appreciate your encouraging words.
Wow hats off to her and her mom:)! I belong to an army family so I always say that army life is the best life especially if you’re a kid! But being a cadet is some special stuff. We have had a gradual increase in women recruits in the Pakistani army and it is always something to gloat about. So here’s to a lot of pride and gloating for the brave girl’s mother:)
Thanks for a peek in the life of. I respect those who have chosen the military life. It’s a disciplined life filled with challenges and rewards. They grow up so fast, don’t they?
They do grow up fast!! Traditional college life wasn’t for Bethany so this is a good choice for her. I think it’s kind of scary!! My husband went there so she sort of knows what to expect.
Well written! I like the way you ended the post. Very sweet! A mother’s love is strong!
Thank you so much!! 🙂
Brave, the lot of you. xx
Oh how hard for you. I hope it all goes well for all of you, that Bethany enjoys her time and you are okay with her going 🙂 Thinking of you x
Thanks! I’m fine with her going, but will be happy once she is through with Beast! 🙂
Unbelievable! I wish her the best! It sounds like she is a strong person and is driven. As for you, mama – we’ll help you get through it. Here I am complaining about my empty nest and you have this worry ahead of you. I will pray that all goes well and look forward to hearing your future tales of her experience. 🙂
Thanks, I’ll need all the help I can get! I appreciate your support. 🙂
It sounds like a hell of an experience and something to be proud of, both you and her.
Yes, I’m very proud of her! It will be a tough year for her, but I’m sure she’ll be fine. Thanks for your comment! 🙂
That’s so exciting!!! Congrats to you and your daughter! 🙂
Thanks! I’m very proud of her and know she’ll come through just fine. 🙂
Oh, I really get so behind on my reading! Hope you made it through the dropoff okay!
Pingback: West Point Really Works! | greatsnaps, goodtimes and me