Marine Moms Online ask....

When does the pride overshadow the fear?

…Your tears will turn to pride as you get the letter that says "You aren't gonna believe what I get to do…" or something along those lines. It happens at different times for each recruit, so I can't tell you when it will come, but it will. You will still cry, but for a different reason. Your little boy is changing in ways he didn't even know he could, becoming a man and a Marine. You will truly be amazed when you see him at graduation.

…Be very proud of your son. You did a great job raising him. Not every mother can say, "My son is a United States Marine!”


…Boot camp graduation will bring that pride front and center, fear too. You will never get past the fear really. It will just get easier to deal with it. Love your son. Be proud that he took a path that waslegal and honorable. When they told me I had become part of the Marine family, I wasn't interested. But, now I get that too. These MarineMoms are the support you will always need and appreciate. Just when you think you can't breathe, we will give you a gentle "we know...we've been there...hang in....try this..."

…The fear never goes away and the Pride grows stronger day after day. You learn how to live with the fear and you look for ways to show the pride you have in your Marine. You may as well learn right now that no one else will understand how you're feeling unless they also have a Marine in the family

…When does the pride overshadow the fear? Never. They vie constantly in my heart for the upper hand.

Your pride will definitely be showing by the time he receives his EGA at the graduation. You won't be able to hide it. The fear, well that will always be there, but with God you can get through it. Good luck.

…Hang in there Mom! You're in for the roller coaster ride of your life but it's all good! Give yourself sometime to adjust. Take one step at a time. And learn to accept that "it's a Marine thing!" We're here for you. We've all been there - done that and there is no such thing as a stupid question. Consider yourself Marine Mom Hugged! Welcome Aboard!


…As a mom, I find you are always saying prayers for their safety. You do have lots of fears but after all these years, I know they receive the best training, and I know if my son gets hurt or killed, he was doing what he loved doing and he was with his Marines.


…You will feel that pride when you see him stand up tall and proud like you have never seen him stand before, when he hugs you like he has never hugged you before the first time to get to hug him at graduation, when he is respectful like he has never been before.

Your pride and fear are two completely different feelings and you will have them both; at times one will be stronger then the other.

…I have NO answers as to WHY, but the pride will override the fear - if only for a short time - every time you stop to get gas and someone sees your car magnet and comes up and thanks YOU for the sacrifice YOUR son is making for THEM....or when you sit in those bleachers and see YOUR BABY become a MAN by getting his eagle, globe and anchor pinned to his uniform, or the first time you see him in his dress blues (which will probably be shortly after his graduation when he shows you the pics they had done while in boot camp). You will feel the pride, mom.

###Thanks, Diane!