Family Strong
September 28th, 2008 by rsm
One of my soldier’s fathers called me the other day. He was concerned about choices his son was making. It’s happened before in my life, but this is fairly new to me in my official capacity.
I remember him well. He showed up with his son to our last drill, a weekend for families to come by. A chance to really organize our Family Readiness Group. We shook hands, we talked. I gave him my number in case of issues or concerns, and I meant it.
One of my good friends, the one who swore me into the service in the first place is now my Battalion Commander. This is the type of leadership he models so I seek to emulate it. I take care of my soldiers. That’s my job. I’m not always going to be the coddling, nice guy, but I’m going to watch after them.
“It’s just, he’s a bright kid and I’m afraid he’s messing up his career,” the soldier’s father told me.
Doing my best to reassure him that this wasn’t likely the case, I let him know that his son would be alright. If he took a risk to do something and failed, he wouldn’t fall far right now.
“He’s a good man. You’ve done an excellent job. He’s incredibly smart, seems to have a number of things together, but he’s 18. He’s still very young. There are maturities that will come in time. Maybe it’s because I see how so much of what he does operates at a higher level than other people his age that the occasional impulsiveness stands out.”
“You think he’s going to be alright?”
“I think he’s going to screw up a couple of small things, learn from it and is going to be alright. But I could be wrong. He might not mess anything up at all. But with the prep and care you’ve put into him, you should be proud to know he’s a good man.”
“I just… sir, I really appreciate you spending all this time talking with me.”
“I can imagine it’s pretty tough when it’s your first and only son right when he moves out of the house and you’ve had a great relationship,” I added.
It feels strange to think about giving advice to someone on their child when I haven’t had one of my own. That’s why I just listen and reinforce what they already know.
These families are what hold us together.
h/t Debbie
Great. Way to make me cry before I head to church. Sheesh.
(thanks for posting that)
Very cool.
They say blood is thicker than water… but i don’t believe that. The people in my life have shown that. Just as military men and women and their families, even extended, show that everyday. It doesn’t take having a child of your own to know the love of encouraging, inspiring, nurturing and pride of having a child. Don’t sell yourself short. Your words, imo, were exactly what needed to be said to that fearful father at exactly the right time.
And it probably doesn’t get said enough… Thank you to the families for the sacrifice you live, the support you give and the unconditional love.