Son unable to pass running test

[Jacqueline Rooths]

My sailor called today upset. He did not pass his running test and as a result will not graduate. This is his second delay - 1st grad was to be 1/23, but had to take a class - which he needed; second grad was set for 1/30.

I don't know enough about the next - except he is placed in another group of persons who has not passed their physicals. Can someone give me some words so that when I write him tonight I can write him.

He kept saying that he was a failure and he is not. He took a big step to get there; his life was caught up in much drama. Now, this.

[Janet]

Hi Jacqueline, my son fell during his final run and tore a muscle in his leg. He was sent to ship 06 (medical and FIT) and spent a good amount of time there. They will work with him until he's able to pass the run. Tell him not to give up on himself, everyone there wants him to suceed and move on past this bump in the road. Just send alot of encouraging letters and cards and tell him he's not alone, there are alot of recruits who have had trouble with the run and have went on to graduate. I will say an extra prayer for him and you. My son will be home soon to recover and will be able to go back in the future. Take care! Janet

[intheknow]

All signs point to him passing....

[Jacqueline Rooths]

Janet and intheknow thank you so much for your comments - I wrote him a multiple page letter - I don't even know if he had time yet to finish, with encouragement. This is the first time that Andrew ( a loner) has not been able to totally quit what he is in, because of this and that is growth. I honestly believe that it is good for him to stay a bit longer. He will learn the benefits of a team and continue to grow - also, he admitted that he needed the anger management class. Bein mom, I have wanted to help him, and I am so glad that he is not in my reach, because I can be a hinderence. He has a strong compassionate streak and is very loyal; my prayer is that he becomes part of team for life. I thank all of you for your prayers - man, am I glad I saw the advertisement in the magazine for this group. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

[Jacqueline Rooths]

I don't know you or how you might know, but I thank you.

[intheknow]

Jacqueline, your son is going through big changes in this experience. Bootcamp is a chance for him to be liked for who is is - and not based on what jeans or sneakers he wears, what his parents drive or where he lives. Their souls are exposed and raw in bootcamp and their strengths and weaknesses wax and wane as the weeks progress. In the end your son will emerge fully knowing we he who is he is where he wants to be.

[Jacqueline Rooths]

AMEN!!!!!

[intheknow]

So glad he passed, I know you are proud.

[Jacqueline Rooths]

Thank You so much - I have danced, smiled, cried - yes, I am. Most important - He is proud of himself. This morning, your words really inspired me - Thanks to you

[intheknow]

I am happy for you both. Children are a strong reflection of their parents. You have raised him well, he found strength when he thought he could find no more. That is a testament of how he was brought up.

[Jacqueline Rooths]

You are so kind - I am so grateful for this change in him.

[Jacqueline Rooths]

Andrew just called he passed battlestations and will graduate on Friday. How I wish I could attend the graduation. I am so happy and just want to THANK GOD and all of you. inthe know - he is so encouraged.

[Janet]

That's great Jacqueline--I'm so happy for you and especially him! Sometimes life's struggles allows us to enjoy the good things with much more appreciation. I know I have I learned that along this journey. My son will be home on Friday--so it seems like Friday will be a great day for both of us.;-)