Can I just say......

[Carole]

That I've recently stated having a love/hate relationship with the Navy, and now I'm having that same feeling about this N4M site!!!

This site is so extremely helpful, I don't understand why any Mom wouldn't want to be a part of it!

But ~

I can't read more than a few minutes without crying!! Some of you women write such sweet, from your heart words that it saddens me, makes me happy, proud, excited, mad....on and on...ALL AT ONCE!

Hence the love/hate part. I love the information, help, advise, stories, blogs, worries, words of encouragement, I can relate to everyone's worries, dreams, hopes. But I hate the fact that I always have to go reapply my makeup at least once during the day after being on here!! (LOL)

Much thanks to whoever came up with this idea!

[Mamma Mary]

It is wonderful! I love the camaraderie we have too. There is so much good that comes from this site. It has helped many new Navy folks and even seasoned to get through those tough times. And, helped the make-up industry be more profitable too! :)

[Melissa (Tucson)]

Loreal has the best water-proof makeup I've ever found! My makeup made it through homecoming!! lol

[Steve's Mom]

water proof mascara and hugs in real life from other Navy Moms, makes all the makeup remover worth it. :)

[gvw]

Carole, I can't believe you posted this. My son just left this week, and my face is a mess. I just spent the weekend with my Sister. Her son is getting married this labor day. We made a trip to the Macy's make up counter to prepare for her big day. The talk at the counter evolved around our need for water proof versions of everything. We have different motivations of course, but the the volume of tear spillage was pretty similar. There were plenty of giggles along with the tears...is their a sweeter emotion known to humanity? I don't know.

Thanks for the laugh.

[sharoncede]

I am so glad to hear that---I just signed up last week and got my first emails Friday---most of Friday was wpent crying--I was afraid I was crazy ha-ha I belong to a very small family and dont have a lot of friends because I work two jobs---I fell like I belong to a great big loving family now and even better they are moms that I have a lot in common with---I love this sight!!!!

[Rita]

I just wish i had found this site 2 years ago when my son was in Iraq. It wasn't only him over there we all were and as his momma taking care of his business it was really hard. However the great news is we got through our time over there together and it made us stronger. The jobs the men do while over there they then need a strong support system when they get back home... Lots of love and lots, lots, lots of patience and understanding.... Am really glad to have found this site! Thank you!!!!

[Fleetwood]

I agree, my son just left Tuesday, June 23, and I have been a weeping mess ever since! I am so thankful for this website!

[sharoncede]

A "weeping mess"--you are soo beautiful in your picture. Please let me know how your son is doing? Are you better now (a little bit)...............Have you heard from him yet? I will pray for you to find the strength to get through this..............I know you are proud and so am I. God Bless!!!!

[Ruth VH]

Carole, Hope you are having a good day/night. Yes, this site is a wonderful place...but if it keeps you crying then you might want to consider "working" up to reading it every other day. By skipping a day it might help you get used to the situation. If you find that you need to be on the website everyday, you might be able to be "thankful" for being able to view it instead of "sad" and crying all the time, I was told that I would get out of this site what I wanted out of it, but it all had to do with my actions and reactions. So think about it. I know that having a child decide to go into the Navy is rough...we've all been through it. But I have to trust that God will take care of him and give me the peace that I need, and for me He does. Always remember that we are all here for you, and to keep a smile on your face. Remember, a smile gives your face something to do. If you smile and laugh a lot about things, your whole attitude comes around. We'll keep you and your family in our prayers as well. Ruth VH, Mom of Christorpher
p.s. Remember, this is only an idea to try to help, you can take it or leave it. But always remember that everyone's suggestions are to try to help because we all care and have been there.

[Carole]

Thanks so much Ruth! I appreciate your advice! I do cry when I'm on the site but not always. Most the time I cry out of sadness, for others who are missing their child, I cry too for joy for those going to PIR to see their kids. I actually am a crier anyway! I cry at sad commercials, movies, moving sermons at church....I'm just an emotional person. So this crying at the comments on the site are nothing new to me! I definitely could not go thru this experience without the support and knowledge of this site!! Thanks again for caring and taking time to write me.

[Lily AJ]

My son is leaving for HI next week, so this will be the 3rd time I will be saying goodbye to him in the last 4 months, first leaving for BC in March, then after seeing him on PIR in May, and now in July after he leaves for HI. I know this time will be the hardest, as I am not sure when I will make it to HI or he will make it home. I am a single mom and he is my only child.
When I start feeling sad or depressed I just have to keep telling myself that this was a good decision for him and has made him a better person and is giving him direction in life, he is happy and he gets to see Hawaii. That is what helps get me through the hard days, I know I am going to miss him so much, but I just keep thinking the good things of him joining the Navy and put my selfishness out of my mind.

[Carole]

OH Lily, that must be so hard for you! Stay strong! Maybe he won't be over there for long or perhaps an opportunity will come for you to move closer to him someday. I'm sure you'll see him more than you think! I pray that you find strength to say the "see you laters" and that your son is blessed in his experience in HI. Stay strong and stay connected to N4M's for love and support! We are here for you! *Remember what a great thing your son is doing in serving our country!