I had 4 inspiring days last weekend full of respect, precision, appreciation and pride. As parents, we teach many important qualities to our kids in hopes that they will display these qualities into adulthood. Unfortunately this will not always happen. In my opinion, from what I saw last weekend, every 18 year old, before going off to college or into the world, should have to leave the comforts of family to commit to 8 weeks of living "without". This 18 year old will learn how to listen to and respect others, about teamwork, as well as knowing how to push oneself to complete physical challenges. This will all be taught by an instructor not a parent...then if...and only if they get through it, are they allowed to move on and attempt to change the world. (Only if their bed is made because that is the first accomplishment of every day) If you don't get through it, you do it again and again until you get it...and trust me you will.
Please..Thank You...Excuse Me...Yes sir...No Ma'am
This is what I saw when we went to Jakes graduation from Basic Training. The instructors taught them really the same things that they learned when they were little kids, just in a harder environment. They push and they push and they teach these boys and girls to be men and women.
Every day they woke up at the same "crack of dawn" time, MADE THEIR BEDS, worked out, ate a healthy breakfast, had to work as a team, surpass challenges, listen to lectures, get yelled at, march not walk, hands clasped in front or in back, speak with respect, dress to perfection...All without television, music or phones...This brought lack of having any connection to friends and family as well as no connection to the outside world. 
The first minute we saw him in the midst of 700 graduates, I saw a different Jake, He was standing at attention and could not move until either Eric or I "tapped him out" (which meant he could not move until one of us tapped him on the shoulder) at which point I got a much needed Jake hug! He smiled that Jake smile and I just wanted to go back 20 years, pick him up and take him home! I could not believe the amount of happiness and pride I felt seeing him. As much as "this sucks" as he put it, he has learned life lessons that I know he once learned when he was 3! These lessons were just instilled a little differently.
Doing Without = Gratitude
No Phones
No Music
No Television
No Tablets
No snacking
No caffeine
No Alone Time
Being Pushed=Physically Fit
Here are a few conversations between Jake and I.
Jake wanted a gourmet cookie...I got Jake a cookie...
Me: "Let's go...why are you just sitting there?"
Jake "I can't walk and eat, I have to sit"After getting him a Starbucks:
Jake "Mom, will you carry my coffee, I can't walk holding a coffee!"
Jake "I have to find a restroom."
Me: "They are down the escalator"
Jake: "I need you to walk with me, I can't be alone"
And the best one...
A girl walks by and say's "Welcome to the Air Force Airman"
Me: "She's Cute!"
Jake: "Yes, she is...should I ask her to text her number to my mom's phone!"
(remember, he has no phone!)
These are just a few things that I watched Jake do or say during the past weekend. As I walked with him and looked around, I noticed people looking at him...up to him. Total strangers congratulating him, welcoming him to the Air Force. You see, when you graduate Basic Training you wear your new uniform with your new stripes, your new bars, and your new outlook. 
I watched many new airmen walk with pride after achieving such and amazing milestone in their lives. They have learned that they can get by "without" the extras in life...for 8 weeks anyway!Congratulations Airmen and Welcome to the United States Air Force!
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