I've written many times about the roller coaster of life as an Academy parent. We felt it again recently. My Mid got cut from the Sprint football team Plebe Year, earned an invite to camp that led to a roster spot last year and after a summer of working on every aspect of his game … Continue reading A reluctant sailor finally relieved of his watch

I read the Facebook post and froze. “Today, our mid wrapped up what has been a very long, painful decision to process out of the Academy.” Some Mids leave because of disciplinary issues. That wasn’t her son. Some Mids leave because of physical problems and injuries. That wasn’t her son. Her son is an outstanding … Continue reading My son voluntarily left the USNA: A Mid-Mom’s story

With all the hype around 2/C Parents Weekend, there was no way it could meet expectations. Except it did. But it didn't. Seems everything about being an Academy parent is complicated (probably by our own doing). First, a few topline observations: The weekend reminded us that our family doesn't deserve to be blessed with everything … Continue reading How 2/C Parents Weekend exceeded, yet failed to meet every expectation

There are a million and one things that separate the Naval Academy from other schools and why it is often referred to as N*ot College. Parents Weekend is one of them. First off, there are only two Parents Weekends during a Midshipman's time at the Academy - Plebe Parents Weekend near the end of Plebe … Continue reading 2/C Parents Weekend: What a difference two years make

We all knew the end was near for John McCain. While news of his death didn't surprise any of us, it still struck a nerve. It took a few days for it to sink in for me. When I was doing research for my book, I went down a rabbit hole, losing hours poring over John … Continue reading Fair winds and following seas, Mr. McCain

I was trying to compile an exhaustive list of tips for parents, particularly Plebe parents, for the academic year. But it turned into an exercise of "can God create a rock so big He himself can't lift it." So I figured I would just toss out a few here and there. Let's start with one … Continue reading Pro tip: How to spy on Mids in Bancroft Hall

From the moment you become a writer, you think about writing a book. No, more than that, you start planning to write a book. For me, it was going to be one of three things: The stereotypical Great American Novel ... I loved (and still love) Tolkein's ability to weave a story An omnibus sports … Continue reading My book, ‘Anchored In Tradition,’ is now available!