<p>Thank you to the upperclass mid mother who spotted my gimpy mid (broken toe) in the Yard earlier this week, and offered him a hug. </p>
<p>I understand he gratefully accepted. What a sweetie you are! It's hard to be so far from our little lamb when he's hurt, and while he would probably not admit it, he LOVED your kind gesture. Thank you again and again.</p>
<p>Random acts of kindness seem to be the norm with all Service Academy parents and friends. We've experienced the blessing that these very special folks bestow randomly. </p>
<p>We were too far away, and (several) wonderful families have made it their outreach to include my mid, and many others under their wings. </p>
<p>I KNEW that academies brought out the best kids... And it has certainly done the same for their families. My mission now, Pay it Forward.</p>
<p>NoCalMom and zonker: it was great to see your posts (late!). One of my chief concerns for my S who would love to be at any SA is that he will feel so very much... on his own. At 17, I would have gone home-sick insane,and while in many ways, S is different than this mother (Thanks be to God), I still have a small concern that he will feel so terribly alone. It is nice to know that visiting parents will recognize loneliness, injury, or other 'booboo' and give those kids a hug! </p>
<p>Keep up the great work!</p>
<p>After three years, my S's friends automatically give me a hug when they see me on the Yard whether I'm with my boy or not. It's funny to see them switching their bags to the other arm in anticipation! We encouraged our son to bring as many people home with him as wanted to come (we only live an hour or so away) so (especially during plebe and youngster year) we've entertained quite a few Midshipman and now we think of them as extensions of our family</p>
<p>Yeah, I think my son's company-mates would be disappointed if they didn't get a hug and a treat in care packages. I am very rarely there, but, hey, hugs all around! It also helps us to get our maternal fix! I always tell my mid to let people do nice things, since both of you get something out of it.</p>