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Native Texan wrote: What troubles me is the statement that some of the Mids were "embarrassed" by their parents being involved. This is the type of behavior and attitude that IS expxpected out of a pre adolescent and early teen. By 18+ you ought to be "over it" and now find the company/attendance of parents as something to cherish. How do this Mids feel about parades? Is that also embarrassing?
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<p>I think I wrote the initial comment, and to be clear on my part, my son wasn't embarrassed. Rather, he thought having parents there made the exercise seem a little more trivial than he thought it was meant to be.</p>
<p>On parades, unless something has changed, they are pretty much universally despised. :)</p>
<p>^^^ well, not quite universal- I still love to see them! (and I have lots of company too!!!) ;)</p>
<p>;) No, no, no, you misunderstood me. Spectators love them. I love them now too, as a creaky, old alum. When I asked my sons...identical answers. "Parades suck."</p>
<p>I went to all the Plebe Summer parades for both and sat in the bleachers. It's nice to live close enough to do that.</p>
<p>I do always look for the "usual" signs on Worden Field. Lost covers, the occasional shoe left behind because someone stepped on the heel, etc. The odd dropped rifle when the first cannon fires in salute. And the occasional Mid who locks his/her knees and keels over. You can almost tell how hot it is by the number who pass out.</p>
<p>nah, I got you the first time!! :)</p>
<p>My mid hates p'rades... can't understand why I would even want to drive down 5.5 hours to sit and watch one in the scalding sun or torrential downpours.... where do I even start to explain????</p>
<p>I just tell him to go with the flow and keep his eyes in the boat.... but in my heart "I" know that "he" knows I am there.....why I am there.... and "I" know that "I" am welcomed! </p>
<p>Apron strings have long been cut.... but "family" is still the "tie that binds." No Navy in the world will ever change that.</p>
<p>(but I sure do hate it when I see those poor Mids hit the deck!!!)</p>
<p>Update:<br>
I just wanted to thank "everyone" for the kind comments sent my way these past few days- you have been keeping me busy with PM's for sure, and it is so reassuring to see how many of us are on the same page with supporting our Mids!</p>
<p>Bill, in particular, I want to "publically" thank!
Bill suggested I post this to the USNA parent's list serve, which I did.
The response has been overwhelming.</p>
<p>I also heard from someone who was personally involved with Lt Winchester and his family. The grief remains beyond description. I thank you for sharing so much of the story with me; it has only deepended my own appreciation of what they continue to go through and the courage it is taking to get through each day. </p>
<p>What a road our kids have chosen to walk.
Celebrate them; they are precious indeed.</p>