First, God Bless your sons and their service. Mine was interested in the Coast Guard Academy and possibly other "interesting" military training, but I think that has waned now.

Second, prayers to your wife and what she is having to deal with. Depression is rampant across the youth of today because of the crap adults are, in my opinion, are afraid to face in a logical and scientific fashion and let the kids be kids. I believe a good bit of it is the potential litigious situation they feel they may get in to, but I believe there are just too many adults who have succumbed to the fear pRon that's out there.

Third, summer swim league...ditto...

All that said, we are going to let him choose his path. He's going to lifeguard at the pool and swim summer league (for what it's worth), but not continuing with the club. He had a great club, even though it was small. SO and I really liked the coach, but my son does not take criticism/critique well, even when it's something he needs to hear. Not in a defiant way, just he has his path forward and cannot see other paths. He has so many gifts that it's hard to see him drop out of one. He wants to focus on music, which he is also very talented. He can play piano and guitar by ear, and is teaching himself drums. Has an opportunity to intern at a local music studio to learn recording and he's really excited about it. Plus this will give him opportunity to finish up his Eagle Scout project.

It appears that I'm walking the same path with our kids that you have walked. Ultimately, everything we do needs to be in their interest, which is why we took the home school path and allowed them to find their passions, even though they can change. All of them are the better for it. My daughter graduates this year from our CC group and heads to college. Doing first year at community college, but ultimately wants to end up at VT. They are all good kids, just want to see them succeed and grow their talents.

Thanks for your input. It was the best and most insightful of the lot.