There are many struggles our children, our sailors, go through. Each step works to define them and to test their metal. I can only use my sailor as an example. 

First he enlisted about 3 years ago. He had a hold in the Dep because his security clearance was held up for 2.5 years! He still went to all the Dep meetings. He forged on. He saw fellow deppers go to basic and come back for recruiting. Still he waited. Still he did not give up. 

Last winter in mid November he finally…

As a former military member I was always able to take advantage of military specials. MWR is a great one! Your child can rent snow mobiles, skis, mountain bikes, go on roller coasters, get special concert passes. The opportunities are endless. In my area the Navy has beach cabins for rent at a low cost! There are so many great possibilities and it gets them out meeting new people. 

Don't be afraid to encourage the use of the MWR facilities. Each location has some very special things…

Tomorrow my son flies to South Carolina. Already he is starting to adult well. He knows he needs to research for a good vehicle to get around, even though he cannot drive for 4 weeks.... My son loves escape rooms. We did two of them after he graduated basic back in February. Yeah, temporary hold for almost 3 months. 

Let me tell you if I get a chance to go down and visit I will probably do some escape rooms with him again. So if anyone else has an MM starting in May, and you like…

Jesus has smiled on my son today. At about 9:30 pm his time, my son finally got the notice that his waiver has been given. He ships out in 2 days for South Carolina! Nuke Mom now! So excited. The power of prayer and the love of Jesus has set my son free to continue his journey.

Nukes! I cannot wait for the opportunity to see my son fulfill his goals. This has been his love. This will be his life!

My advice to other moms who are watching and waiting for their children to make it…

As a former commander of a unit in the Army, I see that my son isn't given the counsel he needs. Temporary hold is no joke. This is their chosen career and they should be able to seek advice from JAG officer. I fear that he will be out processed soon, separated from his goal. It isn't all happy for these kids. Some need direction. Some need a skill. Many, so many are there to serve, serve their nation with pride in their hearts.

Not all get to stay Navy. 

Some will be turned…

The Navy has specific things they will waiver. Some they will not. My son's asthma is not bad. He has had very few problems with it over the years. During the Gulf Wars more people were MedEvac'ed for asthma than anything else. I understand the Navy's concern. 

He made it. He improved so much through the recruit training. He made it through graduation. He is so proud of himself. We were proud of him. I have tried to guide him to the Chaplains, to JAG, to maybe find that one doctor who…

My son, his dream, his plans. They are going away. He is still fighting to stay in, but they found he has asthma. I know as a former military commander, these things are not the best to have in a unit. Still he made his way through recruit training. 

Now he sits. He is fighting, but his spirit is broken. This was his dream. It may be lost