1st time for Son to go to IRAQ

[Natalie]

Hello! I'm a new NAVY Mom and my son just found out about a week ago that he is going to Iraq the day after Thanksgiving. He's still trying to wrap his brain around the idea. I feel bad for him. I think it's happening pretty quick for him. Do any Moms out there have any tips for me to HELP him adjust to the idea? THANKS sooo much!!!

[Denise B.]

Take one day at a time. Write all of the family's telephones on a sheet of paper for him. Buy sheets (twin), a mattress cover and stick a dryer sheet in the package for a touch of home. Make sure you send extra quantities of items so your Sailor can share. Coordinate with other family members on sending packages. If someone sends a package a week then your Sailor will always receive mail. Remember both of you will have good and bad days. Finally, please remember you are not alone.

[Dolores]

Hi Natalie,

I know exactly what you are going through - my son is Navy since 2003. You don't know whether or not to be his Mom or keep him on the Navy track. My son was on deployment in 2007 and was in Iraq for 8 months. He will be leaving again in January of 2009 and the only thing that you can advise him to do is to keep his mind on his job and his Navy responsibilities. It has always been my family's advice to my son not to worry about domestic (home) issues. The main objective is for our children (your sailor) to come home safe and sound no matter the circumstanstances. Our prayers are with you and your family and especially your son. Please extend our gratitude to your son for his bravery, sacrafice and unselfishness.

[Ellen]

Hi Natalie How are things going? My son didn't get go to Iraq yet, they kept giving him different dates and on Nov.29th he had to report to Gulfport Mississippi for the week to get his equipment and then he heads to Fort Bliss Texas for his training. He is supposed to be home for Christmas but we really are not sure. On his birthday him and his wife told me I was going to a grandmother again in May. He is supposed to be deployed in March so he won't be here when the baby comes. Right now I miss him a lot because we worked together and he lives across the street from me. I,ve talked to him on the phone briefly the other day and he seems to be doing okay and he seems to be in good spirits. My prays will be with your son and your family.

[Natalie]

Thank you so much, Ellen. Congrats on being a grandmother again!! Wow!!! (I'm not a grandma yet -- my kids are in their 20s (my daughter just turned 20 in April) and they are NOT married (yet -- my daughter lives with her boyfriend, against my wishes but I have to accept him) and I am in NO HURRY to be a grandma!!)
I hope your son can be home with you and his wife for Christmas. When was his b-day? My son, Chris, will have another one on Feb. 21.............hard to believe how old he's gonna be!!
Thanks again for your prayers -- I will pray for your family, too!

Natalie

[Ellen]

Derek's b-day was Oct. 23. They grow so fast. With 2 sisters older and 1 sister younger than him he was a little spoiled when he was younger. Sometimes he'll tease his sisters and say that he is the favorite. His younger sister lives in Pensacola Fla. and her and her husband drove up to Gulfport Mississippi on Thursday to see him before he left for Texas today. Living in Massachusetts its hard to believe that he is on the other side of the United States. He lived in Virginia for about 2 yrs. and it was hard but I got used to it. At least we can talk on the phone until he goes to Iraq and then it will be hard. Thanks for your prays, I will pray for all of our soldiers over there.

[Jennifer Earls]

My oldest son and my husband were both in Iraq from 4/2005 until 6/2006 with the Army. I watched as they sent my husband off one day and then was with my son the next morning when he shipped off. Both were in the Sunni Triangle or the triangle of death as they call it. I think those days were the hardest to cope with in my life. I never ever let them know.I always tried to keep an up beat attitude when talking to them or in letters. I sent them funny presents etc. I bought little decorated christmas trees and sent to both of them and stockinging. Although my husband did get hurt my son came through without a scratch. My husband is fine and his injuries were never bad enough to send him home. My youngest in in navy basic training now in the great lakes as a corpsman. he was with me while his brother and dad were in the sandbox. I'm already worrying even though I know the drill. The best thing I did for them though was sign them up at anysoldier.com, it really made a difference. It makes them a designated "mailman" so anyone in the United States can send them mail or gifts. And boy did they get mail. What was so great about it is they then made sure everyone in thier unit recieved packages and mail. it gave them purpose besides the "war" and kept thier hearts human even in that place. I'll be signing my youngest up if he does get deployed. People sent them gifts they had made ,some just sent letters others sent pictures and even large factories sent them supplies. School children sent them letters. people sent them phone cards and stamps. My husband recieved recorded Christmas carols and thanks you's from a few families.

[Steve's Mom]

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