Back from Parents Week-end!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point
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<p>We're back and what a wonderful week-end! Enjoyed spending time with our happy, proud, and confident Plebe son! He was absolutely "beaming." Great seeing other parents from this site and some we had met at Indoc-thanks Zonker for the terrific name tag! Our son told us to try to sit on front row 40 yard line for the parade/swearing in so we'd have a great view of him and 2nd company! He stood right in front of us. Seeing him smile and repeat the oaths with so much pride was something I'll remember and treasure forever. Then, pinning on the gold eagle!!! Moments like these are definitely "priceless" like the MasterCard commercial!!!</p>

<p>Saturday night, we stayed at The Castle on The Hudson in Tarrytown. It was fabulous. Italian dinner at Isabella's in town. Sunday morning, we drove to Sleepy Hollow for breakfast at The Horseman (as in Headless.) The Castle has a gorgeous heated outdoor pool and hot tub (open until Columbus Day.) "A place with a nice pool for relaxing" was our son's only request for liberty! It was a challenge finding one open after Labor Day. The Castle pool was perfect-we got late check-out and spent the whole day there!</p>

<p>We wanted a nice early dinner before flight to Richmond and before sending son back to KP by taxi from LaGuardia. The Castle recommended Harvest -on -Hudson in Hastings. We sat outside with a lovely view. It's a Tuscan farmhouse setting with fabulous menu. It was perfect way to end Parents Week-end. We would definitely return.</p>

<p>Leaving the restaurant after dinner Saturday, our son (proudly wearing dress whites) walked just ahead of us with his girlfriend. A guy came out of a bar and started yelling to our son, "Hey man, thanks for all you guys are doing over there in Iraq-Sempre Fi, Man" and to his girlfriend, "You're one lucky woman!" Son was a bit concerned it might be a sidewalk bar brawl similar to the one in The Guardian, as it seems the guy wasn't particularly fond of anyone "Navy" though. Definitely a new experience-the uniform does draw attention!</p>

<p>Sunday afternoon, after a wonderful week-end, son started talking about "going home" and he meant to KP. When I heard that, I realized everything is OK.</p>

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<p>In many of the comments, I read words like "kids", "the boy" etc. Moms, did you recognize the transition, these are men now. If you didn't see that you weren't very observant. They have been through a lot, they have trained and learned a lot, the transformation is there. They now want YOU to see the difference in how you perceive your cute little adorable loveable kid. They are metamorphosing into men and women, let them know by your words, actions and attitude that you see it.</p>

<p>Here is a secret of good parenting. A parent of an adult is the opposite of a parent of a child. As a parent of a child you oversee and watch carefully over everything. You are there for them, teaching them constantly. Now they are becoming adults. Do you realize that there is not one subject in the world that all you have to do is open your mouth and your son and daughter can give it back to you word for word what you believe on the subject. They have been hearing it for 18 years. They know, they are working on it becoming their own. There will be some bumps in the road, but mostly they will take on what they learned, if given a chance to do it themselves. If they are struggling for recognition as an adult and struggling for identity, they will sometimes "rebel" from your teachings to prove they are adults.</p>

<p>A parent of an adult, keeps her or his mouth shut for the most part except for emergencies or major problems. If you try to hold on to the adult person you raised, you will lose them. If you let them be adults and back off and let them fly, they will come back to you as a friend.</p>

<p>We have watched this process for 35 years with college students and almost 40 years with our six , who are all great friends of ours.</p>

<p>You see, you are in as much of a training period as these students. Good luck.</p>

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<p>Parents Weekend was wonderful. You were lucky RichVaMom to know where to sit for swearing in. I could not find my son and of course I wasn't near his company which is also Co. 2. But the ceremony was beautiful even though the weather wasn't. I enjoyed bringing him home except when he called me on Saturday around midnight in a panic that he had lost a part of his uniform. I don't know what it is called, the black snap-on on the shoulder. He bumped into his high school football coaches when we came out of the resturant after dinner. How cool is that - in uniform and he sees all these guys. Well they were hugging him and he thought maybe it came off in the process of the hugs. So at midnight I'm in a parkiing lot looking for this thing. He left his friends to come look for it with me. Boy have times changed. He was so nervous. Luckily we found it (in the car no less). That is when I realized how important kP is to my son. He doesn't want to screw up. And yes KPMom I did feel as though my son is a man now. In fact, I didn't even dare mention curfew when he went out. (That was one of our biggest squabble before college). Believe it or not he wasn't even in that late. I realized it is time to let him have his wings and make his own decisions. If he is mature enough to handle USMMA, he is mature enough to decide what time to come home at night. But all in all, my son has given me some wonderful memories from KP. I thank him for that. And Beat Retreat was fabulous other than way too hot. Sorry I didn't meet many parents since I kind of stuck with my son. I did meet Zonker. Hi, Zonker. Thanks again for the tag.</p>

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<p>Beat Retreat was great, especially when they combined "George M. Cohan's Own" with the Nassau County Police, very moving. It does make one realize how hard the new band members work, knowing this is the only Academy that uses actual students to perform in it. Quite impressive.</p>

<p>Had a great time with our plebe son, who is right at home with his many new friends. A real bunch of great guys too, in his class as well as the upperclassmen. Most impressive. There is a sense of more of a family atmosphere at USMMA versus USMA (where oldest son went), I'm guessing because of size, but also because of ADM Stewart and others. The only problem was the dang weekend was TOO short!</p>

<p>As for the food, Delano wasn't bad at all. We ate out Saturday evening at Pancho's in Great Neck. Good Mexican food close by. We also took the plunge at ate at Peter Luger's on Sunday. Not trying to snub the #1 rated steak house in the country, but I've had better steak at Longhorn's. It wasn't bad, just not worth the mountain of cold, hard, cash they require.</p>

<p>All in all, a fine weekend that let us see our son having adjusted well to his new life.</p>

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<p>majmattmason, you are so right about the USMMA band. Those young people must work SOOOOOOOOOOOO HARD. I mentioned to my son that "band" seems such a huge commitment (our son plays several instruments but wasn't willing to say so and get roped in) What a huge responsibility-Beating Retreat was so impressive. Thank you. </p>

<p>As for ADM Stewart, son calls him his "idol." </p>

<p>The Parents' Week-End on campus seemed to include way too much "down time" as we were always seeking out a place to sit and talk and WAIT for the "next event." Wish there had been more planned events/tours or perhaps, MORE LIBERTY TIME. We spent way too much time in the shops and HOURS sleeping on the sofas at Land Hall or Waterfront.</p>

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<p>As promised, I recorded Beat Retreat, and it filled 4, 30-minute disks! I am about to sit down and organize it all - will report back with end result. Perhaps, if successful, I can send copies to those who are interested. I don't know much about youtube, but I'm pretty sure I can't upload the whole show. Any words of wisdom from out there?</p>

<p>Beyond that - parents weekend was truly a great experience. It's so obvious that the class of 2011 is proud of their accomplishments and their future. Lots of supportive parents there - a beautiful weekend and lots of HANDSOME young adults. Congratulations to all!</p>

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<p>I'm still catching my breath and drying my eyes after the awesome weekend!!</p>

<p>Son was smiling, (not beaming yet, until he gets his eagle ;) although in crutches, observing with pride his Company 2.</p>

<p>We got to hang out with him more (Dad, Older brother & younger sis) since he wasn't part of the regiment. We had a great time meeting his new friends & "family". This just means we get to return to KP for a personal ceremony. You mean WITHOUT the parade & Beat Retreat???!!!..Wasn't that a terrific nite? Very impressive Band!!!</p>

<p>Thank you Jamzmom for your moral support & 2010Bandco mom for letting me know in advance of what WASN'T going to take place. Otherwise we would have been in shock.</p>

<p>I can't thank you enough, KPMOM, for supporting my son through this...It was great meeting & hugging you at the FB game! Wanted to meet you at brunch/chapel...but son just wanted to sleep, sleep, sleep in on Sunday.
(The transformation is happening little, by little...he so wanted to be in uniform.)</p>

<p>KATHYNP Soooooo glad to see you again. So Sorry I missed Zonker and the "screen named". I got caught up at the Colorado parents table & Land hall just hanging with our son. Loved just hanging out!!! Son Got to sit with older brother during the FB game commenting on plays just like at home ;)</p>

<p>I can't believe I missed meeting Is2Day!!!!! So wanted to give you a hug.
Must return to KP....soon.....</p>

<p>BTW.. Burton & Doyle steaks, fish, sushi, (yes sushi), were exceptional!!!!
Son had his first whole lobster ;)</p>

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<p>Our first parents weekend with our plebe, class of 2011 & it was awesome! We actually sent a quiet, mature young man to the academy on July 5, 2007. When we met up with him we saw a more mature, PROUD young man that had a respect for the academy, respect for his fellow classmates, DI's & company. He quietly & proudly showed his parents around the academy. (you could see it in his mannerisms & eyes) We were amazed that he spent all his free time with his parents!</p>

<p>He wanted to be with us at every available opportunity & we let his schedule guide our weekend. It was great to see him at Beat Retreat carrying the American Flag next to the Nevada Flag.</p>

<p>He found us at half-time at the football game, had a "little munch" from moms bag of goodies & then off to join his class for the second half. </p>

<p>It was a great weekend!</p>

<p>All the "kids" & yes they will always be kids in ("someone's eye") (we are 48 & still kids in older eyes) are excellent!
Proud young ladies & gentlemen.</p>

<p>As stated above, an awesome weekend, with awesome "kids" in an awesome enviroment! It doesn't get much better than that!</p>

<p>We are so fortunate that we have a son that has the privilage of attending USMMA.</p>

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<p>PJMOM</p>

<p>Sorry I did not get to meet you or your son. I did see him on crutches and my heart went out to him and his family. I am so glad you are all upbeat about the delay. As a parent I know the same could have happened to any of our plebe candidates. Please let us all know when he gets his wings so we can celebrate with you. Until then we will be praying for a speedy recovery!</p>

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<p>PJMOM the good news is you can find him in the class picture :D</p>

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<p>It was definitely a great weekend. I'm sure that everyone took pictures. If anyone has some good photos of the beat retreat color guard, please let me know. We didn't find out till afterwards that our son was in it (apparently Capt. Forced changed it from a 4 man color guard to a 6 man color guard, without telling the color guard!).
I've put some of our weekend photos up on our parent's assoc. website for all to see: <a href="http://www.kpsc.info%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.kpsc.info&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>Welcome back to all the parents. Many thanks to APE for providing a look into what I had to miss out on. See ya'll next year hopefully! The kids looked awesome indeed. They seemed to shine & it was mostly due to parents being there to see how far they've come & how hard they worked to get there. Well.... that & they knew you would take them away......and they could get out of uniform......and they could eat non-Delano food......Congrats to all Plebes & Plebe parents!!</p>

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<p>I'm with MajMattMason. Most of the Charlotte NC steak houses would best what we were served at Peter Lugers ... and for less than 1/2 the price. And we're certainly not know for great steaks in this area. It was nice and filling, but the steak had quite a bit of connective tissue .. All in all , not the quality that one would expect for the rating. (Maybe they have a different scale in NY?) I did lose a lot of weight that night... mostly from my rear right pants pocket (wallet contents, mostly). </p>

<p>The great big gold-wrapped chocolate coins ("Luger-rands") were a very nice touch ! </p>

<p>However, that said, I didn't say a word ... my plebe LOVED it.
He ate until STUFFED... + 4 more pieces of meat.
Then, just like little babies who have finished a big meal --- he got that 1000-yard stare, sat back in his seat, listed off to port about 15 degrees, and disengaged from conversation. Wasn't long before we were in the car heading back to hotel, with one snoring kid in Whites in the back :) </p>

<p>I did have to remind him at the start of the meal... "SLIDE all the way back in your seat, not just the first 6 inches. LEAN back. LOOK at the rest of your family at the table. TALK to us". He grinned sheepishly, and said it felt strange.. hard habit to break. :)</p>

<p>Beat Retreat and all the rest of the weekend was really nice.</p>

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<p>Awesome weekend in every way. I'm looking forward to doing it again next year now that I know what to do and without grandparents (worthwhile, but felt restricted). I loved staying in Great Neck; would definitely do that again. The Andrew, for us, was not as nice as The Inn at Great Neck, but it was fine. It must have a smoking section because I smelled smoke the entire time. I can't stand the valet parking, but that's at both hotels. We spent a lot of time waiting for our car, but the good news was that we met a lot of parents that way. Walking around Great Neck was a treat - coffee at Dunkin Donuts, shakes at Cold Stone, nachos at Panchos (Bonus: ZONKER (aka father of HONOR PLEBE (congrats!) & son joined us!), the little mall and shopping are easy walks. I would STAY on Sunday night - seems like this leave gets extended often! Wish I had known. I felt that the Parents Weekend was very well organized by the Academy considering how many people they were dealing with, but would agree that we had a lot of downtime. We ate at Burton & Doyle - my son also ate an entire lobster and everything else he could get his hands on - it was a sight to see him negotiating his food in his whites. Excellent meal - too much food and way too expensive. Think we'll go somewhere else next year. Took son and friend (whose parents had to leave early) to Long Beach for the day on Sunday and walked on the Boardwalk. Wow - that was an experience. I can't get over the random people who complimented them, e.g., one lady "I love our men in uniform and I love our country!" I thought she was going to hug him! It was a moving experience - especially for me. Returned son and friend to Great Neck where they joined about half dozen other Plebes for dinner and a movie (he opted to be with KP friends over us during that extended time - good and bad). Grandparents loved it too. Beat Retreat was too long for them - first hour was fantastic. The band is excellent! Would also like to spend more time talking to CC friends next year. Can't wait!</p>

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<p>We had a fabulous time. Time on campus was well organized, attended two classes, and beat retreat was great. I had to grin as we were walking around the flagpole in front of Jones Hall when he immediately snapped to attention and saluted to the flag upon hearing the call that it was being lowered at dusk – we have a beautiful picture of him in his whites saluting. We stuffed him w a rack steak at Bryant & Cooper Sat evening – wonderful place, great service and the steak melted in your mouth. All day in Manhattan on Sunday w stops at the WWII Merchant Marine Memorial in Battery Park, a walk up 5th Ave through Central Park and a stop at the Tavern on the Green. Ice cream at Trump Tower, Top of Rockefeller Center at dusk for pictures (50% military discount for the family), Times Square early in the evening and then back to KP. One highlight to remember was seeing him and his younger brother “pig” and wrestle w each other in the hotel room until they were both crying uncle – some things don’t change. As we drove to KP to drop him off he became very quite – obviously a mental refocusing on what lay before him. He has changed right before our eyes into a different young man. We traveled Monday afternoon so I did not contact him until Tuesday on AIM – no complaints from him. Just back to the grind, said all was OK.</p>

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<p>A day like today comes around just once in a while.....I received a call from my plebe today from atop of the Empire State Building. He and about 7 of his buds got liberty and went to NYC for some sight seeing. We talked briefly, but he couldn't believe the attention they received!! Pushed to the front of the line to go up the elevator at the Empire State Building... pictures with tourists and native NY'ers...free subway rides...offers of gifts and food (which they declined) and just loads of appreciation and gratitude from all the Americans (and others) they ran into. Got a blow by blow description tonight when he got home. He even said, "Mom, I would never be able to go to NY if I was at Navy!" And I said, "yes, I guess you couldn't."</p>

<p>He's happy!!! He's really happy!!! and I am just soooo glad of that. He said, "Mom, it was just awesome!!!" Yes, yes it is...it really really is!!!!</p>

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<p>I just got off the phone with our plebe who shared a similar experience. He said he and several of his buddies had a hard time walking in NYC because they kept getting stopped by folks thanking them, wanting their photo taken with them, etc. The best comment came from a bunch of girls riding in a limo who asked them to hop in, they were heading to Victoria's Secret.</p>

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<p>kathynp and majmattmason, what great liberty stories! I'm dying to know, did the guys actually hop in the limo and did they actually visit Victoria's Secret??? So happy to hear they are getting such a warm welcome and positive response! They've got to feel proud!</p>

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<p>No they didn't. As the saying goes, "Discretion is the better part of valor". But I'm sure it didn't hurt their egos one bit! ;)</p>

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<p>My plebe even said, "Mom, a little boy came up to me and said, "Hey, sir are you in the Navy?" He said, "Yeah, man I REALLY am!"</p>

<p>Reminds me of a story when he was six years old. He insisted that I bring him to the military recruitment office in town. I told him he was too young, but he insisted! </p>

<p>We walked into the office and the young Navy female recuiter (I don't know the rank) asked us why we were there. I said to her, "Maam, he (pointing to my pre-plebe) would like to enlist." (God Bless her!) She never missed a beat! She didn't laugh or even chuckle. She just looked at him VERY seriously and said, "I see. Well... young man, how old are you?" He said, "I'm six years old maam, but I will be seven next month!" She said, "I see...well.... I have a few questions for you." He said, "Yes, maam." She said, "Well...how are you doing in school?" He said, "Oh, maam, I am doing very well in school." She said, "That is great, because we need smart people in the military. My second question is do you listen to your mom and dad?" He said, "Oh yes, maam, I do." She said, "Very good, because when you are in the military you have to listen to officers and it is important that you listen to your mom and dad now. My last questions is, do you keep your room clean?" He kind of lowered his head and eyes and said, "Well, maam to be honest with you, I'm not very good at that." She said, "Well...it is important to be honest, so I am glad for that, but what I want you to do is to get better at the room cleaning, keep up your grades and keep listening to your mom and dad. In eleven years, when you can enlist, I will be sure to sign you up!" He said, "Thank you maam, I will do my best." </p>

<p>This is a true story...no lie!!! I wish I knew that young woman's name. I would like to tell her that he IS doing his best and he continues to everyday. I'm sure she (as I am) would be soooo proud of him.</p>