<p>Several months ago (it actually seems like years ago) I asked the question about whether or not I should go to to I-day with my daughter. After much soul searching we decided that it would be better for all of us (my appointee included) if we didn't go. After leaving my beautiful baby at the airport today I realized that her father and I made the right decision. We were able to get the tears out of the way today. She will be able to have a pleasant evening with her sponsor family and the other appointees staying there. Tomorrow morning she will go to the academy with some new friends with relatively few emotional outbreaks. Today was rough on all of us but I think tomorrow would have been worse with us around causing a scene!</p>
<p>How did the rest of you handle I-day or whatever the other academies call the first day?</p>
<p>Wouldn't have missed it for the world. No tears, just immense pride shared between new Plebe, Dad and me. </p>
<p>Each family does what they deem necessary - for us it was never an option not to accompany him to I Day. I likened it to taking him to college...I earned the privilege!</p>
<p>Our son decided early on he wanted to say our good-byes at the airport here rather than at the Academy on I-day. I'm certain that was the right choice for our family for all the same reasons you already mentioned. Today was almost more than I could bear, but I am so happy to be able to say I didn't completely fall apart! (At least that's my story and I'm stickin' to it . . . ) He had enough on his mind without me making things harder for him than they already are, and I am so glad he is with another appointee at the B & B sponsor's house right now. At this point, it feels like what they have to offer him this evening will probably be so much more helpful than one more evening spent with mom and dad. Besides that, for some reason it seems like leaving him there would have been a lot harder than having him leave us here, not sure why that is. Maybe because even though I know he was nervous, watching him walk down the terminal made me realize he's ready . . . wish I could say the same. Coming home to the empty house was just awful! By the way, for anyone who thinks I need a reminder, I already know it's going to get better, and it's a natural part of life, and I should just focus on what great kid he is and how proud we are, etc., etc., blah, blah, blah. You're right, I know you are and I'm working on it ;)</p>
<p>We all know that bit about natural part of life, etc, etc...however, how do you just turn off the instincts that guided your life for 18 years? You cannot. It's who we are. This is very difficult for parents, no matter how you slice it. Yes, very proud, excited, yada yada yada.....but there's a great big hole (or will be on Monday) and it's going to take some getting used to! I thought this might be easier as he's the 2nd kid to leave, but it's not; it's still hard. I have committed to myself that I will not cry in front of him...he doesn't need to see that. Monday will be all about him and how proud we are. Tuesday is another story.</p>
<p>When the subject of whether to go to I-day or not was being discussed earlier, I didn't have the nerve to say how our son was leaving. He is an Eagle Scout and has a very good friend who's just about to make Eagle. The friend is not going to USAFA, but is planning to go to Liberty University to become a minister. In one of the weakest moments of my life, I agreed to let the two of them take the son's Jeep and leave 2 weeks early. They wanted to camp, hike, and later I realized do some off-roading. I required a nightly check-in. The day they left both families were watching the boys get the jeep all loaded and the gear strapped down. The next thing I know, I'm getting a quick hug & I love you, and off they go. No time for tears.</p>
<p>They crossed the Mississippi at one of the few places where the levy did not break. They arrived in Colorado Springs last Thursday and called after they had driven Pike's Peak. They drove the Rampart Range Rd in Pikes National Forest. There are many off-road trails and they found a great remote campsite for several days. I'm know there are many more stories of their adventures. (Did I really agree to this?)</p>
<p>His father flew out yesterday and the boys are safe & sound, showered & shaved in the hotel. NOW, I can tell you what a great idea this was! I will be so glad when my DS is the good hands of his new mother, USAFA! LOL</p>
<p>What a fantastic time for your son! Memories for a lifetime. It may have been tough for you, but I'm proud of you!<br>
We took a cruise the week after my girls graduated. My appointee took a friend with her and they did most of the shore excursions without her sister or us. We did get to spend a lot of time with her but she really enjoyed the time with her friends.
I just say a picture on the AOG website of my appointee yesterday smiling! Worth a million bucks.</p>