Imagine for a moment that you are watching that fateful exchange just before Capra's Clarence is dispatched to watch over his charge.
"Clarence, now that you have seen this young man's life up to this point and know what is in store for him in the future, what do you intend to do to direct him on the right path?"
"Well Sir, I expect the first thing I will do is throw a psychotic girlfriend at him to shake him out of the job he's now doing. You know, I don't really believe he was supposed to follow a nursing path to begin with, but the money's good and he is the type of young man to sit where it's comfortable".
"That's good Clarence, what then?"
"Well, I suppose I could encourage him to go live in his Grandmother's basement where there is no room for his things..."
"And?"
"I might have to work on his friends a little, maybe inspire them to look into serving in the military, that might give him a kick in the right direction".
"Alright Clarence, that strategy might work. Knowing what you know about what is in store for your young man, what do you have planned for him in the immediate future?"
"I've been thinking about this one! First I will have him speak to a AF recruiter who is extremely apathetic and not very encouraging. That recruiter could either turn him off completely or make him more determined-- I'm hoping for the latter. I will inspire his mother to cheerlead him into finding a better recruiter. His step-dad will also encourage him and he will find one who is a little easier to talk to.
He's going to have to travel quite a ways and it will cost him, but he'll be close to his longtime girl-friend who will also be trying to get in."
"But Clarence, you know that the military at this time will be under the false assumption that they are over-staffed".
"That's no worry Sir! With the new fitness testing required I figure a lot of jobs will open up quickly!"
"Go on..."
"Well Sir, then he will have to go through a paper chase like you've never seen. He will have to clear up things in his past that should never have been put on his record to begin with. When that's finally sorted, I will have him accidentally leave his Social Security card behind so that he has to wait another week in the unwelcoming and poorly air conditioned house of his friend. He'll run out of savings and have to cancel his trip planned to see his family when they come to the states. His funds will get so low, he'll refuse to use his birthday money to eat out even though it's what his Grandma will have intended it for. He'll be discouraged, but determined. When he's finally there to take the ASVAB test after months of organizing everything for that fateful day...
I will make the system crash".
"Brilliant Clarence. You just may earn your wings if all of this goes as planned..."
I can't see the bigger picture. I don't know whether the obstacles being thrown at Son #1 are to keep him from harm's way or to make him really want this. I just have to have faith that the angel in charge of his fate isn't a bumbling fool.
Oh Jeri! I'm so sorry. So sorry. I'm not really a "if it's meant to be" kind of girl, but sometimes it does have a certain ring to it. I hope if this is the best thing for him it happens, and if not something even better happens for him. How discouraging! Hope he's able to keep persevering, keep moving forward and not be overwhelmed by all the obstacles in his path. This all truly stinks.
ReplyDeleteOh man!!!! What next? Wait, don't ask yourself that question. It is always something, isn't it? Cripes!
ReplyDeleteJeez! What more could happen? But I think you're right, either all this drama is going to solidify his resolve or break him.
ReplyDeleteI hope it all works out for the best.
He's experiencing life as it is for many, unreasonable, uncontrollable and unfair. I hope he understands that, when he does get in, he's going to be yelled at. Someone I know was a bit spoiled but determined to join the Marines. He had a hard time being yelled at in boot camp and was devastated when they kept on yelling at him once that was done. He really thought that boot-camp was the only abuse he would encounter. By the way, our consensus, from experience, is that recruiters lie about anything that's not put in writing. Oh,and they lose important paperwork like birth certificates. And no, we are not anti-military. He's part of our family now. Just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I don't know if these are signs NOT to go in that direction...or if making him climb over these walls will make him stronger! Pray woman....PRAY!
ReplyDeleteWow, this sounds like pure torture. I am sure he will hopefully become a better man for it.
ReplyDeleteI hope things end up working out well in the end…sorry that this is happening.
ReplyDeleteWell, even if his guardian angel IS a bumbling fool, the Great Overseer has a way of making things work out for the best, so I would try to not worry too much Jeri! STill, how can a mother not worry too much? Good luck!
ReplyDeleteIf he can keep his cool, and still be positive after all the roadblocks that have been thrown his way, he has demonstrated great character, and perhaps the determination that this is the path he should take.
ReplyDeleteI know my life often seems like that Murphy's Law is a constant companion, but I continue to muddle through...there isn't much that can bring me to a complete stop anymore.
Oh dear!! How frustrating! And to have to sit on the side lines and watch it all happen?! Makes my stomach turn. Sounds like some of the stuff my son went through during this time. They do make it through and turn out to be excellent men!!
ReplyDeleteHugs and hang on!
SueAnn
Wow! Son #1 certainly has been having a time of it, hasn't he? Don't worry, things will work out the way they are supposed to work out.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow!
ReplyDeleteGood. Grief. What is next for this poor kid?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I do understand all of this since I have a similar son. May I just say, "Whatever will be, will be." That's my new mantra and I'm sticking to it. Still, we can always hope, can't we?
ReplyDeleteOh my! It does make you wonder, doesn't it. Hope it all works out and SOON for him. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteWowza! It baffles the mind. I have to believe everything happens for a reason. And I stand on Jeremiah 29:11 A LOT.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he's being kept from harm AND gaining determination. I don't think its always one or the other.
Plus I'm pretty sure Real Men aren't born, they're Made. Tell him we'll all be ringing bells when he's in.
Praying up a storm this side of the pond, C~
Things like that can be so hard and really make you wonder what's to be learned or what the bigger picture is. Sorry! Hang in there.
ReplyDelete