the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform code of Military Justice. So help me God." We are proud to announce that our son JP was graduated from home school Friday, December 19, 2008. On Wednesday, April 8, 2009, JP was sworn into the United States Navy.
He will participate in the Deferred Enlistment Program (DEP) and continue working at our local pizza shop until his departure for basic training in November. Upon completion of basic training he will enter "tech school" for training as a Cryptologic Technician.
At the age of 12 JP contracted a life threatening illness. During his recovery, his eldest brother, AB, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. For the past seven years, JP has been consistently told that he'd better save money, get good grades for college scholarships, enter an apprenticeship, etc. because the U.S. military would not be an option for him. He was repeatedly told that none of the U.S. military branches would accept him due to his medical history. This has been a heavy burden for JP to carry because unlike his older brothers, JP is not an academic person. He really doesn't like text book or a school learning environment. He's never had a desire to pursue a college degree. He's always wanted to graduate high school and go to work in a trade.
A couple months ago, JP decided that despite all the nay sayers regarding his medical history, he was going to apply for the Navy and see what they had to say. After weeks of waiting for his medical records and a grueling physical, he was accepted. He is very excited about the new chapter of his life he is is embarking upon.
Mr. B and I are satisfied JP is comfortable with the direction he has found for the next four years of his life. I personally was very concerned because for JP, college would have been like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. I didn't want to push and shove college upon him - I know every moment would have been agonizing and he'd most likely end up quitting. At the same time, the thought of JP floating out into the sea of life without additional education or job training was also worrisome for us. Yes, we are quite satisfied that JP has goals, direction and a plan on how to get where he ultimately would like to go in life.
I continue to stand upon the Word of God where ever my children are concerned. God has blessings and plans for each of them. I trust He will lead them where He wants them to go. If they stray, I stand in faith that it will be only for a short season. For JP God has promised the following, "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalms 1:3.
I know this is an older post but I had to share. My 2nd son also had medical issues and was always told the military would not be an option for him. Lo and behold....March 2009, at the ripe old age of 28, he joined the Army. We were shocked but also looked at it as the Lord's doing. No way we would have thought he'd make. Keeping our sons in my prayers. God's Blessings
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