Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Army Boy Update


He’s home!

Yessiree — and not just for a visit. My eldest is back living in Toronto.

(For those of you who don’t know what the heck I’m talking about, see my January post Morning After/Day Before.)

What? When? Why? How?

Sorry, I can’t go into any detail as to why — and not because of any deep, dark military secret. The reasons for his request for release from the regular military are his own personal ones. That is his story to tell — not mine.

(But I will say this — he passed basic training with flying colours.)

He came to this decision over a month ago and was not influenced by any family matters (which were unknown at that time).

I’m proud of him. He had to make that decision on his own in an environment which was not (to say the least) supportive of such a move.

However, Mom is not entirely free of worries on the military front. He plans to join a Reserve Unit on Toronto.

But, needless to say, I’m still thrilled!

Does anyone remember this song?

"I don't want no more of Army life,

Gee, Mom, I wanna go,
Back to Ontario,
Gee, Mom, I wanna go home…"

I must admit, it wasn’t a longing for home and Mom that brought him back. But who cares? He’s here!

Life is a merry-go-round, n'est-ce pas? Full of ups and downs.

This is one fantastic “up.”

17 comments:

Lulu (Dan's cat) said...

Your son is a true hero. In fact, I would like to sit in his lap and purr a bunch of "thank you"s to him right now. I'd also throw in a few "congratulation" nuzzles for a job well done!

MEOWWWW!

Anonymous said...

How great is that?! I'm relieved and I'm not even his mother...

Even if he released himself from further duty the basic training and Reserve Unit will look good on a resume.

And I'm sure there was a teensy bit of "longing for home" that brought him back otherwise he would relocate in Yellowknife...or somewhere like that.

oreneta said...

I just let out a big sigh of relief and happiness. This is such fantastic news for you, and I am so glad for you. I am also very impressed with your son. That is a tough thing to do, but he must have both the foresight to see where things are headed and the strength of character to pull off what he has to.

Good news is so great, isn't it? The sky just looks brighter all of a sudden.

That is excellent. Although I am sorry that he had to go through the whole thing, congrats on passing basic so well. At least he can be certain that he has tried it and made a decision based on knowledge and personal experience, not on heresay or anxiety.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous news all the way around!

Rebecca said...

That's great news - happy to hear it!

Beth said...

lulu (dan's cat):
Such kind words, Lulu - but you might have second thoughts as to visiting and purring. Our BIG BLACK mutt Major might not welcome you. (If you want to see his picture, check out the November 17th post.)

trish:
Your feeling relieved too is so sweet.
As for his return to TO - maybe a certain someone (not mom) influenced the locale??

oreneta:
Another relieved mother! It must be a universal thing.
It was definitely a live and learn experience for him - and a tough decision to make.
And I am so happy...

lynn:
Fabulous and so very welcome!

rebecca:
Thanks - everyone is glad! (Well, except maybe a certain organization...)

Anonymous said...

Ah yes...I hadn't thought about the fact that there could be another certain someone...

Beth said...

trish:
Not there yet, huh? Just wait.

Anonymous said...

Hurrah! Great news! Hold onto it!

And boy do I remember that song...one stanza really sticks out in my mind...

"They say that in the army
The food is mighty fine
A pea rolled off the table
And killed a friend of mine

Oh, I don't want no more of Army life,
Gee Ma I wanna go
Back to Ontario
Gee Ma I wanna go
hoo--ome!"

That's how we sung it, anyway.

I say it's time for another celebration! Bring out more cake!

robkroese said...

Hooray! You needed some good news. :)

Beth said...

patricia:
Yup, that's the verse that stands out. And isn't there another one about coca-cola and turpentine???
For sure, I'm "holding on" to this great news - but I am not baking another cake...

diesel:
Hooray, indeed! Life just keeps on happening - and lots of it is damned good stuff.

Unknown said...

Excellent. Glad he's home, though I haven't heard of that song at all. Maybe that's because I'm not Canadian.

Princess Pointful said...

It's nice that when things feel there lowest, something like this comes through for you.
It's kind of like life wants to test you for a bit- but will then let a compromise in.
Glad to hear :)

Angel said...

YAY!!!!!! it takes a man to join the army, but a MAN to say, no thanks- not for me. He has his reasons and obviously you raised him right. He can stand on his own teo feet and that's what we as mothers want for our kids, right?

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!

Beth said...

dorky dad:
It is most definitely excellent news!
(And that song is thought to have originated with Canadian troops in WWII.)

princess pointful:
Well, I'm feeling a bit like Job these days but, yes, life does tend to try and even things out. (Thank God.)

beth:
Ditto to your "YAYAYAYAY!"
And I am so very proud of him.

Attila the Mom said...

It's the power of Mom mind rays. LOL

Congrats!

Beth said...

attila:
You laugh...but I think there's gotta be something to that theory!