Few people, in the course of their lives, know exactly what they want to do when they "grow up". Oh, we want to be firefighters, doctors, scientists, mountain climbers...the list goes on...when we are young. Around Middle School, some of those dreams begin to seem silly, or we outgrow them. By High School, the pressure is on. What college will you go to? What will you study to guarantee you the perfect job when you graduate college?
The first thing you learn is that none of the jobs you dreamed of pay worth a darn. The second thing is that every job requires even just a little college. Computers have even taken over the mechanic's garage. The third thing you learn is...college is expensive, and you notice your parents with a clenched jaw, until you choose your college, and, least they know where they stand, financially. The fourth thing, you hopefully learn, is that you have to work from that point, until nearly the end of your life. Second thoughts on attending college? Of course. Until you realize, college means being on your own! But, then you're told, you'd better get a job to pay for the junk food, and beer. Hmm, maybe that's not so awesome. So many paths to choose; so much confusion!
But, what if....just what if...you'd known since the age of nine, exactly what you wanted to do? And stuck with that plan. Oh, a detail may change, but the overall plan stays in tact your entire school career. Your parents don't have a clenched jaw, so much as a twinkle, or a tear in their eyes. After all, wanting to be in the military since 9 years old is something to be proud of! And the only thing that changed was the branch. What kind of pride would you have knowing you were going to be a representative of the USA. Set aside the childish doings of a greedy, outdated government...YOU would represent you country! And second thoughts? Not a damn one.
The day comes, junior year, and you meet the local Marine recruiter in your school counselor's office. You leave with an appointment for you and your parents to meet the recruiter the next week. Because you have support from your parents, the paperwork begins. The next day soo many papers get signed, and an appointment to go to the Military Examination is set for next week. You find out you will spend your first night in a hotel--alone. Second thoughts? Not really.
Then a glitch in the medical exam makes it necessary to make another trip to have a consultation. By this time, several weeks have passed. Still no word from Sargent on the dates for that. In that time, Junior Prom happens. With a pretty girl on your arm, the thought occurs to you that this is your last prom. Second thoughts? Umm...
In the meantime, friends are wishing you luck, because in 7 or 8 months you will be in Boot Camp. They're afraid for you. Their words, "I don't want you to die" ring loudly in your ears. This isn't just a future endeavor, anymore. It is now. Second thoughts? You're damn right! You want, no, need to spend more time being a kid! You don't want to die.
The time has come to go for that final consult before signing the contract with the US Marines, and Sergeant stops at a gas station. In the bathroom, you call your Dad. Second thoughts pouring out, and you are assured that no matter what you decide, you will be supported. Now for the hard part. "What is your reason for stopping now?" you are asked, and your response is exactly what you told your Dad. "I don't want to die." Sergeant drones on with statistics and taunts. You've made your decision. It's all just happened so fast...much faster than you thought, and you can't wrap your head around not being here.
But here's the kicker. You have NOT given up the mission. After graduation you will start over again with alll those papers, and exams, so that you can finally achieve that esteemed title of United States Marine. And your parents will shine with pride, and shed a tear or two. You will have stuck with it for nine years. Twice the time most of your friends will spend in college.
OooRah, Son.
