We googled "Can I join the marines with cystic fibrosis" and clicked on an official list of medical disqualifications. CF was there, of course, and a host of other conditions, some of which aren't even conditions ~ like a man may be neither shorter than 60 inches nor taller than 80 inches. I scrolled down, down, down while Rees watched and we read everything from asthma to active ulcers to arthritis. Passing the physical fitness examination and graduating from basic training (Both of which Rees could do.) aren't enough. We already knew, but it was tough to see it right there in print.
But with such a long list, there are certainly many young people unable to enlist, which is somewhat . . . comforting? Not exactly. A relief? Not really. It just didn't sting quite as much to see so many reasons for exclusion. Clearly, he is not the only one.
He sure wishes there was some way to officially serve his country, though. Maybe a Semper Fi tatoo? Oh dear.
But he'll be a good man. An honorable, faithful Catholic cog in the American wheel, serving in his own way with his own unique set of gifts.
"Participation is achieved first of all by taking charge of the areas for which one assumes personal responsibility : by the care taken for the education of his family, by conscientious work, and so forth, man participates in the good of others and of society." CCC 1914
Always faithful,
Allison
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