son didnt pass run, what to do????

[Kari (Brads mom)]

my son is supposed to graduate the 16th - i just got a call from him that he didnt pass the run. he is so upset and crying. he said he is pretty sure he gets to try again, but doesnt know when and thinks he wont have a chance to know or call til next thursday and ill already be on a plane then :-( i dont know wht to do - i tried calling his recruiter and he hasnt heard anything and wasnt sure what to do. does anyone have experience with this??? i feel so bad for him, and im also scared to death that i will fly there and not get to see him, or have a chance to change my tickets if thats even possible! :(

[Ruth VH]

you have to go because if you didn't, you know you would regret it...I hope you get to see him. If he doesn't make it, encourage him...tell him your are proud no matter what and that you know he will make it eventually. He is sooo close...and to still be able to do battlestations is a good sign. Remember the little engine that could story...I think I can.. he needs to know you "think he cans"! smile....smile....smile Have a good trip.

[Cynthia (#410)]

Dear Kari, this very same thing happened to us. My son did not pass his PFA run before we arrived in Chicago and did not get to go to PIR. His RDC was nice enough to let us spend a couple of hours a day on base with him since we had come all the way from Houston but as I understand that was up to his RDC and we got lucky. PIR is worth going to even if your son is not in it. It is a wonderful ceremony that he will get to participate in eventually. If he doesn't pass his PFA before PIR then he will be put into a FIT division to work on just his PFA requirements. The RDCs and other recruits work together to help everyone improve their times. My son only had to go an extra week to get to PIR. Hope everything works out for y'all.
Prayers & hugs,

[Debbie]

My son put in his thoughts as a Navy man who has gone through bootcamp and as a JAG who counselled many salilors.
Here is a thought from myself. When I went through Air Force basic training and I was doing my PT run for my graduation it was during my "time of the month", *sorry if TMI*.. but, because of the cramping I was falling behind and I was the GuideOn (the person who lead the flight and when marching carried the flag). I started chanting in my head, "I CAN, I WILL, I SHALL, I MUST.." I began to pick up speed and eventually I worked through the pains and the feeling of I Can't Make It!, and I made it. I know he has to dig deep and pull it out of his soul but he can do it. Through determination .. through pride... through sheer will he can and will do it.
Praying for his strength, his determination, and his will to move him onward.
Debbie

[Jeanine #762]

Just to know you are still coming and will be there no matter what will give him the added umph to do that run. Is his A School in GL? Christmas Standdown is coming and maybe he can still come home for that. I think it is Dec. 18 to Jan 3.

[Susie-Mom of BlackGryphon]

Hi Kari, you are probably getting ready to watch your son as I write this! With a time so close to required, I'm sure he was able to pass with the encouragement of his shipmates. I wanted to give you some different encouragement, that is, I think if is wonderful that your young man cares enough to take this seriously. My son has been in the Navy for a year and cares intensely about being the best sailor he can be. It is always encouraging to me to hear about these young men and women who are so determined to do their best. Congratulations, Mom, for raising one of our countries best and brightest!!

[Carla Street]

You're a super mom. You've got it hon. As you can tell, they will work hard to help him succeed. If he has trouble still, support, support, support. Our role as parents change at this point in their life. He's going to be okay no matter what happens because he's a great person. The cliche, for every door that closes, another one opens is totally true. My daughter got pneumonia, twice during RTC, broke her toe before the run, tons of stuff happened, and they helped her thru it. The chaplain ran beside her and egged her on. I'm looking forward to hearing how well he did by the time it all comes around. It's not easy, Remember, he's a good man, he'll be okay!

[LisaCoMomOfSailorAaron]

Kari, Aaron called. Said he finally passed the run today but is confused as to whether he will be able to graduate or not. We will see. Good luck to you and Brad also.
Lisa

[Janice]

I had to change my tickets with Northwest this past July and I had to explain it was for my daughter in the Navy and that her orders had "changed" the lady got me a supervisor and they did change the date for me for $35.00 vs the $200 it should have cost. Just call and see. Good luck and God bless.

Janice

[LisaCoMomOfSailorAaron]

Kari,
Did Brad pass? I sure hope so. If not I hope you at least got to see him.
Lisa

[Terri (Proud Mom of Josh)]

Kari,
My son was supposed to graduate on the 16th also, but has a 3/4 inch fracture of one of his legs where he ran on shin splints. We had to change our plans as he called last weekend and said he was going to have to wait another 18 days to see if his leg healed, so we know exactly what you are going through.

[judith]

Hi Kari,

This happens in boot camp. Yes! He will have another chance at his run. This is all part of passing boot camp training. The recruiter can not assist you at this point, the ball is in his court, he needs to make the best of it and "Go For the Run." I am not trying to be cruel, this also happened to my recruit. After he did not pass the run our entire family did not see him for over eight months.

We are past this and our Seaman has made many positive accomplishments with his A School and other training for his position.

Yes, he is upset at disappointing his family, himself and the entire unit. It is a crushing experience for the recruit and receiving the phone call he will not graduate. Prepare yourself for both the good news and the news that he will be left behind and go on to his next designated training.

I realize I am sending this on his graduation date. I do hope with all my heart as a mother that he has successfully passed.

Keep me posted,
Judith

[Kari (Brads mom)]

Thank you so much for all or your encouragement, thoughts and prayers................ I went ahead and went to Great Lakes Thursday morning knowing there was almost no chance of Brad graduating on time - but since i could not chnage my tickets and also was told by a few people i would be able to see him for a short period of time, I really felt I needed to be there. Friday morning at 630am i went to the public affairs office to double check his status and beg to have a visit ;-) and an hour later they told me he was running RIGHT THEN!!!!! at 1030am they finally got word from his ship taht he PASSED!!!!! only my son could manage to pull off somehting THIS last second ;-) he did not go through the actual ceremony, but he did officially graduate with his division on time!! I was the happiest, proudest mom ever!!!! we had a great weekend together :) thank you guys again!