So, What’s On Your Mind, Ma?
This past week has been so full and fast paced. I’m a very independent person and I pretty much decided to join the military on my own. I was meeting with recruiters from various branches of the military for MONTHS before my parents even knew that the joining the military was a thought of mine. Neither of my parents were happy with my decision. Actually, that isn’t entirely true. I’m 22 years old and didn’t really have any direction in my life. So while it might not have been the direction they had in mind… at least I was heading SOMEWHERE. That’s all the really matters to parents. That’s a huge thing that I’ve learned. I kept my research to myself for so long because I was so worried that they would try to talk me out of it or, even worse, forbid it. I’m the youngest daughter of a hispanic family, believe me, they have COMPLETE authority to do so (in their minds, at least).
But I digress. It’s been such a crazy week and I haven’t really had a chance to speak with my parents since they both work and our schedules keep conflicting. I definitely spoke to them while at the hotel, but I don’t think they wanted to add to my anxiety. Plus, this just really isn’t an over the phone type of conversation. This morning was the first time my mother took a look at my enlistment contract and all the information I was given about TRICARE, the Montgomery GI Bill, and my AFSC. I guess, as most children are, I was so self absorbed during all this I didn’t really let my parents chime in.
I love my parents. I know that my parents aren’t happy with my decision. I know that they would rather I went to college or trade school. My mom didn’t let it show, though. Instead, she asked me intelligent questions about anything she could possibly think of. She read and re-read all my paperwork. She asked me if I would let her buy me my things for BMT which I thought was really nice. My dad is insisting on speaking to me only in Spanish. He thinks that sharpening my skills in one language I’ll be that much more prepared. He’s probably right. Either way he sounds like a dork and I love it.
