Our Nathan is nearing the end of his Marine Corp boot camp and will be completing The Crucible this weekend. (beginning Friday morning approximately 2am)
When I first read the word Crucible, I was thinking, is he being tried as a witch? Nope, Suzanne, NOT THAT CRUCIBLE.
“THE FINAL CHALLENGE OF RECRUIT TRAINING IS KNOWN AS THE CRUCIBLE. IT IS A 54-HOUR TRAINING EXERCISE THAT VALIDATES THE PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND MORAL TRAINING THEY’VE ENDURED THROUGHOUT RECRUIT TRAINING.
THE RECRUITS ARE BROKEN DOWN INTO SQUADS TO FACE THE CHALLENGES OF THE CRUCIBLE. THEY FACE CHALLENGES TESTING THEIR PHYSICAL STRENGTH, SKILLS AND THE MARINE CORPS VALUES THEY HAVE LEARNED THROUGHOUT TRAINING. THROUGHOUT THE EVENT, THE RECRUITS ARE ONLY ALLOWED A LIMITED AMOUNT OF FOOD AND SLEEP.
THE FINAL STAGE OF THE CRUCIBLE IS A 9-MILE HIKE FROM THE TRAINING GROUNDS TO THE IWO JIMA FLAG RAISING STATUE AT PEATROSS PARADE DECK. UPON COMPLETING THIS CHALLENGE, THE RECRUITS ARE HANDED THEIR EAGLE, GLOBE AND ANCHORS, SYMBOLIZING THE COMPLETION OF THEIR ARDUOUS JOURNEY TO BECOME U.S. MARINES.“
Marching for 48 miles sounds like a blast. They have limited food intake, very little sleep AND are being challenged all the while. This ain’t for sissies.
Nathan is both mentally and physically strong and we know he will do well, but we’d love for him to do it well without sustaining any injuries that could cause him to be delayed in his progress.
We will not see his face until August. I can’t wait until this is over and he goes back to being just a regular old Popo; you know, no risk there either!
Anyhoo. I’m thanking you in advance for your good thoughts. Being a Marine (reserve) will fulfill one dream of his. His other being my Son in law will happen in October. 😉
I will see Lolo Friday, because she also has a ‘big thing’ happening. She’s hanging in there all things considered.
I’ll share next week; God willing and the creek don’t rise.
XOXO
Busy Bee Suz 
Positive thoughts and prayers coming your way! xo
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Praying that he makes it through this successfully and with no injuries. It sounds horrible, if you ask me!
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Holy hell, that is intense. All the prayers and thoughts sent.
Sending love and prayers to all of you. Xoxo
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Thank you. Women are also doing this; the same exact regimen. I just can’t imagine. I AM a sissie.
I also think Nathan might be one of the oldest as he is 28 and a lot of the other recruits are 18ish.
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I can’t imagine being that strong. But how amazing you must feel after finishing? Inside? Whoa.
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Many prayers..for your family and for your soon to be Marine. My son was 19 when he went to Parris Island, and his girlfriend was 18(i know!!) These last few days are incredibly nerve wracking, but all worth it in the end. It is life changing for the family and for them personally. Once a Marine, Always a Marine! There is nothing better than that first phone call!! Welcome to the family!! Xoxox
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Thank you so much. Yes, I give them a lot of credit for being able to step up and take on these challenges. Those who serve deserve so much from our country. Big thanks to your two hero’s as well.
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This kid has all my prayers, good mojo, and positive vibes. In fact, all Marines do. What a challenge, but what an accomplishment it’ll be when it’s over.
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Yes, I’m sure the feeling of accomplishment is amazing.
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That is so intense! Thoughts and prayers on the way!
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It’s so brutal! I understand why, but it’s awful. Calling it a crucible is apt. (Arthur Miller named his play well, too, for much the same reason.)
Is your future SIL’s return not the only thing your daughter is expecting?
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You’re funny. Nope. No babies although some of us can’t wait for that time to come. (*pointing fingers at myself and coach*)
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Yikes, this sounds awful. Lots of good vibes to him and sending a prayer that all goes well. Even with all the prayers, I couldn’t do it. Wait, people CHOOSE this? I mean, I know they do – but how? Goodness. Can’t wait to see what Lolo is up to.
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From what I’ve read they actually look forward to it. A rite of passage I suppose.
Oh, I’m guessing, you’ll not be too please about what she is up to. 😉
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Sending prayers his way. It sounds horrendous! I’m always impressed by people who accomplish challenges like this. My Dad was a Marine in the 1950’s, but I doubt they had to do anything close to this back in those days.
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Thank you.
Yes, I read that they started this Crucible in 1996. I can’t even imagine….but I suppose it gives you a taste of war.
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Wow girl..so much going on. Sending prayers your way for safety and endurance.
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Best of luck, prayers and good wishes for your future son-in-law! That sounds beyond challenging! Also for your daughter for whatever it is.
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Sending prayers and good vibes. That is some list! I know you guys are already proud of him but I’m gonna state the obvious anyway…. you guys must be really proud of him! 🙂
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He’s an amazing human and I’m thankful he will be a part of our family.
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Suz what you wrote is so beautiful. I’m happy for you guys.
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Praying for Nathan and Lolo and each of you. 💕
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Prayers and good thoughts to Nathan the future Marine! I can only imagine all of what boot camp entails, as I sit here lazily on my couch!
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