We embark on our journey to Ft. McCoy tomorrow morning around 5 am. We’ll be taking my little brother and the girl next door there to start a boot camp program for at risk teens. His intake starts at 10am and hers starts at 2:30. We’re all going together because it makes more sense to take one vehicle instead of two, but that also means it will be a whole day thing. Let me tell you after making the journey there and back last week in one day, I’m really not looking forward to doing it again.
The program, called “Challenge Academy” is a 17 month program to help him get his life together and to graduate from high school. He’ll spend 5 months at the base in a total boot camp atmosphere. Then he’ll have 12 months after that to finish the program and get his butt in order. {My little sister also did this a couple of years ago, although I don’t think she was so “at risk” so to speak. Her grades were just slipping a bit.}
I am so proud of him for doing this and for everything else that he’s done lately. Many people may see him as a bad kid. But if they all knew the crappy hand he’s been dealt in life, they would probably see otherwise. He does make mistakes, but don’t we all? He’s not perfect, but he’s giving a great effort to stay out of trouble. He has been too for the most part, which I give him big props for.
I know we’ve {the Man and I} have been a big help in keeping his butt in line and I also know that he respects us big time for that. We both think of him as another of our sons in a sense and try to do what we can to help whenever we can. I wish we could do more, but I just have to face the fact that we’re not made of money. Although, it would be awesome if we were!
Boy I sure do like to ramble and get off subject, don’t I? Well back on subject, I am not looking forward to that super long ride and a super long, busy and non productive day. But, it might be fun to take a road trip!
I will say though, we are all going to miss him like crazy! The kids are especially close to him and really just worship the ground that he walks on. I remember how much they missed my sister when she was gone and I’m sure this isn’t going to be any easier on them. I also don’t know what my other brother is going to do with himself. Those two boys have been inseparable forever. They are the closest brothers and friends. I suppose we’ll just have to keep him busy.
It’s definitely a comfort knowing that he will be home in June with a whole new attitude and perspective on life. He’ll also be a graduate and will have his whole future in front of him!
