Never Again Volunteer Yourself, Well Not Exactly

Completed another day and I have started planning for Alex's' visit (my oldest) this November for his sixteenth birthday. The cost of flying isn't cheap and it is only getting more expensive. The recent events in the Middle East have only kept the cost rising with no real relief in sight. I have decided to re-enlist in the Navy Reserve just for the little bit of extra income that I can receive, but also for the increased amount in retirement that I would qualify for. I know the risks for this decision, however at a time when I am in need of making ends meet better than it has, it is a must. I haven't been able to win the lottery, but you have to play much more than I have in the past to increase the odds of winning. With the large cash flow of a winning ticket, I could easily afford for a private jet to fly him over, no lay overs, nothing to really worry about. Its been a few years since he has been able to come over, and what better way to celebrate a milestone birthday than to go to another country (he currently lives in the UK). I would be more than over joyed if he would just come over and stay, but I have to be realistic about it all. It would be a fairly big culture shock for him not to mention that he would have to make several adjustments to life in the US. He could do it without any problem, but it is ultimately up to him. I know that I miss him tons, as do his younger siblings and his grandparents. With fingers crossed maybe he just might decide that life in the US is better than what the news makes it out to be.