OT - Son at Boot Camp - Need Prayers

I know I shouldn't be putting this on here as it does not pertain to bariatrics, but we need all the prayers we can get. As most of you know, my son is an MP and is currently going through Basic and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He absolutely loves it. However, the problem is he can't pass the PT Test. He can do the sit ups and pushups with no problem. It's the blasted 2 mile run that he can't pass. He has to make it in 15:40. He's gotten as far down as 16:40. Two weeks ago, he was hospitalized with dehydration (same time I was in for the same thing!). They gave me another chance to take it again last Saturday and he didn't make it. His absolute last chance is on Friday, Dec. 1. If he doesn't make it, then he doesn't graduate on Dec. 19. AND, the Army will not allow him to have "Family Day" on the 18th if he doesn't pass. He will be kept there until the next rotation comes in and then he will be given 2-3 more chances at the PT test to pass. If he passes it.....he will be sent straight to Germany....right now he's scheduled to report on Jan. 14. He won't get to come home first. He is to be trained for 3 months in Germany before being shipped to Iraq for 14 months. All without us getting to see each other before he goes. If he doesn't pass the PT test, then he will be put back into rotation and be forced to retake boot camp and AIT all over again. He's so down on himself. His last letter to us was so discouraging and depressing. I know God will and is taking care of him. He and his father both are suffering from lack of faith right now, and somehow I feel like that is worse than the physical aspect of this whole thing. My son is 19. He's finally found a place where he feels like he belongs and wants to be. This is his choice and I'm glad he's happy. I'm praying for him 24/7 and every waking moment I'm thinking and praying for him. I don't know what else to do. It's very hard to keep his father and sister's spirits up when all I want to do is cry and I can't let them see me down. I can't tell you how many showers I have taken in the last few days just so I can cry without anyone seeing me!!! lol If you all have a spare moment, would you please remember my son Patrick in your prayers? I love him so very much and only want the best for him and only want what God wants for him. He needs to pass this test so that we can see him before he gets shipped to Germany and Iraq. Thanks a lot. Donna

My prayers are with you and yours!! Our good Lord does things for a reason, we may not think that they are the right reasons, but shortly we see that they were. May God bless. Chrisy

Thank you so much Chrisy. Your prayers are very much appreciated. Hugs, Donna

Donna, I dont know if you remember or not but my husband is drill sgt in the army stationed at Ft Sill, So I was reading your thread about your son to him, (he is one of the caring drill sgts, who trys to help his privates accomplish everything they try hard at) So I was telling him your son was having trouble with the run, and he is willing to give a little advice that works for his privates that arent passing the AFPT test, and this is what he told me to tell you, now this will only help him IF he gives 110% my husband has seen this pass may young guys, who were right where your son is and if he doesnt want it it wont happen we have seen parents come to family day and not get to see their son it is sad and I dont want to ever see that happen again, my hubby does extra running with his soldiers to make sure they all pass....so here it goes....2 days leading up to the PT test he needs to eat pasta, I know sounds crazy but will work, then when he is taking his PT test and at the run he has to Power run for 60 seconds and then power walk 2 minutes and he has to really run hard.. he has to breath everytime 3rd time his left foot hits the ground..If you want to send us an address my husband would be more then happy to get in touch with him and give him some words of encouragement, we remember being there as a private..its horrible to think you might not graduate with your fellow cadre..anyway I just wanted to offer my hubby services sometimes it helps to hear from a Drill sgt, that isnt yours who is screaming at you all the time.. let me know what you decide.. As for the other stuff, YOU keep your faith, it will get better, once he gets through, it will all make sense to you I promise...we have been in Germany it is a beautiful place and the Army is a great job we are one of those families who have no complaints it has been a great job for us.. Anyway I just wanted to let you know we are praying for him and would be happy to help him along and welcome him into the Army family... Jenni

Jenni, God Bless you and your husband. I am emailing you my son's address. His test is next Friday. I was in the Army also. But things have certainly changed since I was in. I only had to run 1 mile, in 8 minutes, in fatigues and combat boots!!! Yes, I'm telling my age, I was in one of the last wave of women entering the Army that was called a WAC (Women's Army Corp). While in there, they were disbanded and then I got to wear men's fatigues. Anyway, I digress.... Any word of encouragement that your husband can give my son would be very greatly appreciated. All of your prayers are very greatly appreciated. Hugs, Donna

Donna, Done, I have turned it over to God, to let his will be done, and to give your son the strength to overcome this obstical. God be with you and bless you, Sheryl

Sherly, Thank you so much for the prayers, we really appreciate them. BTW.....I'm originally from PA (Pleasantville, over by Bedford, down the mountain from Pittsburg) Hugs, Donna

Prayers are on the way! BLESSINGS Britt

Britt, Thank you, we appreciate the prayers very very much. Hugs, Donna

I hope and pray that your dear son Patrick passes his PT Test/2 mile run on December 1st. I understand how important those few precious days as a family are together. My husband returned from Iraq less than a year ago after a 13 month deployment. Your son will succeed and do well. Thoughts and prayers are with him, you, and your family.