Let the hoop jumping begin!
I think that hoop jumping is going to be our unofficial MOS for the next several months. It came down the wire yesterday that Mr. Hooah! will now need to pick an MOS (from a list of the most needed in the Army), go through AIT, and then he gets to reapply to OCS. Then they can decide if they still want him in that capacity, and then they can decide if he can indeed start mid-cycle or not. So, many more months of sacrificing financially and being away from one another for many “maybes.”
I am feeling very discouraged and very disenchanted at this moment. I understand that being an Army family is a life of sacrifice. I know that. I knew that when we did this. It is not easy to swallow when you sacrifice life, limb and livelihood and you know that they could slam the door on you and not bat an eye. It sure seems like a hell of a lot of risk, for no reassurance in return.
I know that we are not afforded guarantees in the military. The only thing we are guaranteed is that it will be very tough, and there will be a tremendous amount of sacrifice. I also know that the upside is the opportunity to participate in a community that is filled with incredible Americans. The camaraderie is exceptional, and the company we keep is worth more than gold. I have to remind myself of the benefits right now. The costs are seeming to add up faster than I can calculate.
Keep us in your prayers. It’s going to be a topsy-turvey ride. Some people have to take the long way home. Maybe we just need to slow down for a moment and try to find the beauty in the scenery while we are on this longer path. I don’t know what that is at this moment, but I have to believe it will be there.
Ok Claire I’m a Navy Mom what is AIT and OCS???
Sometimes the path of least resistance isn’t always the best path..I really hope this path leads to wonderful things for Mr. Hooah and Family. Hang in there…
Claire, this is sent with a cautious caveat that I speak as a civilian ;-)
You know how in a corporate career we sacrifice our lives (in a manner of speaking) knowing full well that the door could coldly slam shut on us any day? Lots of risks/stress/gallons of Pepcid - with absolutely no guarantees in return? A lot of similarities, with perhaps one major difference: what you choose to stand up for.
Regardless of the injury that Mr. H. now deals with and the stresses you face - what has always struck me the most is the courage you have both displayed. Mr. H - in joining the Army much later and you - in supporting him wholeheartedly. There are very few people I can think of that would take that step mid-career.
Regardless of the time it may take to find a resolution with the Army (heck - have you tried to get an answer from corporate HR lately? :-) ), you’ve already won big in terms of courage and dignity in the face of adversity.
Charles Swindoll once noted: Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.
Something tells me both of you will make through a slightly challenging phase and I will look forward to reading life lessons around this when the dust settles.
Stay strong. I’m praying for you…
My husband always says everything happens for a reason. I know that sounds trite, but maybe it is true.
Good luck to you both …
http://blogs.tampabay.com/standingby/
Hang in there. (it sounds lame I know) I wish nothing but the best for yall and that Mr Hooah! is able to complete what he has started in short order.
Shelly, I am sorry. I forget that not everyone speaks Armyease. lol I have Navy guys in my family, but I can’t remember the terms for that branch any more either. Each branch has their own languages, don’t they!
MOS:Military Occupational Specialty.
AIT: Advanced Individual Training (this is when you get MOS specific training)
OCS: Officer Candidate School
Piper, Thank you for your very well stated and heartfelt response. I am going to ponder what you said. I do agree very much with your points. I think that today I hit the bottom of my energy reserve tanks. When that happens it is hard to look on the sunny side until I get some rest. I truly appreciate your gentle reminders! You are a gem! :)
Jan, thank you. I don’t think it sounds trite at all. I agree very much with that sentiment. Thank you for the encouragement.
Reasa, nothing you say would sound lame to me at all. It really means a lot that everyone cares and is so willing to show it through comments and emails. It has kept me going. I think that once I get caught back up on my rest I will be in my game again — cheering and rooting. Right now I am flat on my face, but at least I am breathing! :p