Now that you have re-established communications with your Plebe, you may need a Navy dictionary... SIQ, MOS, MOOW, bulkhead, deck, ladders... what??? I know that at first I had to stop my first Plebe to ask what things meant and I have to say that he was very patient. We laugh about it now, but …
“Live Like Duke”
Remembering a Remarkable Life | Episode 24 In my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, I discuss how as MidMoms and MidDads, we revel in the joys of Academy life and the triumphs of our children. We suffer their disappointment which inevitably comes along when things don't quite go their way. Our kids have more responsibility …
Whaat! Six Weeks Down!
Hang in there Plebe Parents - You are almost at the finish line! Now that you are closer to seeing your sons and daughters, I am so happy and can't wait for you to see them in their shining summer whites. Get ready!! You will be amazed, overjoyed, proud, emotional, and so much more! It …
Almost Four Weeks Down – You’re almost there!
Almost FOUR weeks down and PPW is creeping closer! What to expect? Many Plebes will be acclimated by now, some may still be struggling, but do not be dismayed parents, the Academy has all eyes and ears out, and they are dutifully coming alongside everyone that may need extra encouragement. As I discuss in my …
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Finally! Advice for the N*avy Dad Journey
I have been mentoring N*avy parents since 2013 but have focused on Moms - they usually seem to ask the questions and search for information. Dads are involved too, but differently from Moms. From my personal experience, we Moms tend to wear our hearts on our sleeve, where Dads may tend to be more reserved. …
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‘Twas the Night Before I-Day…
I remember it so vividly... the night before I-Day Our day began at our favorite restaurant for breakfast on I-Day Minus One. We spent it together as a family, walking around Annapolis to get oriented. We went to the Yard to choose the spot where we would meet after the Swearing-In. Just after noon our …
A Journey’s End: Finding a New Purpose
Changing Roles, Tiger Cruises, and More This Mother's Day is the first without my Mom and this has led to much introspection as we arrive at Commissioning Week. As Moms and Dads we have a definite purpose - to raise our kids, take care of our families, and manage our careers to allow for the …
Who Said It gets Easier?
Wait, It Was Me, and Boy Was I wrong! Saying goodbye is a constant as a USNA parent. Goodbye on I-Day, at PPW, every time we visit, the few times they get to visit us, and so on. As time goes on, it does get a bit easier to say goodbye, but at some point, …
Welcome to Ship Selection!!!
Imagine the NFL draft, the Oscars, and The Price is Right rolled into one awesome event - actually even better, because it has nothing to do with money, and everything to do with service. Ship Selection is the night when Midshipmen that are SWO Selects get to literally shine. Firsties that have been assigned to …
Together We Are Stronger: On Friendship, Courage, and the USNA Journey | Episode 12
I have written quite a bit about the Navy family and life long friendships in some posts, such as Why Navy Moms are BFFs for Life and The Last Real Plebe Summer with Club Eleven; or about overcoming challenges in my posts When the Going gets Tough... and For Mids the Dark Ages Aren't Just …
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