Finally, my son is home from Afghansitan!

[GraphicT81]

My son is a seabee and it was to be a eight month tour that turned into nine months.  He's not at my home, but is on U.S. soil at his home base in CA.  I'll gladly settle for that.  He's going back next June, so at least he's given me 10 months of some sanity.  I want to thank all the mom's that were there for me when I was absolutely crazy.  Somehow, I made peace with the fact that it was rare I'd get an e-mail from him, and that I'd never get a phone call.  The no knock on the door I hated, hated, hated - but I had to live by that.  You mom's gave me the strength to deal.  He did get my care packages, but did e-mail me to tell me not to send anymore.  He was on the move so much, by the time he would get them they were pretty bashed in.  I'll send them again and again if needed.  Really, how much harm can be done to a summer sausage?  When he was in transition, I caught him on line and asked him what he missed the most.  He told me a toilet seat.  I am so happy he is out of there.  Texas Doc Mom posted something in my starting days with this all.  I'm going to post it - I hung it on my refrigerator, and it helped me so very much.  Again, thank you all.  Peace on earth doesn't seem to happen, so us mom's of the military have got to stick together!

[TexasDocMom]

I know well that "he's on US soil and that's good enough for me" feeling!! and being able to just pick up the phone and call when you feel like it! My son also said to hold off of so many packages, too much stuff to pack around and "people send tons of stuff!"...so unless he asked for something specific, I didn't mail to him, but did mail some to other addresses.

I'm glad I could help you, whatever I did, and that words from all of us eased your time. We aren't going anyplace, we'll be here next June...and now you're an experienced mom with words to offer a newbie to the fear and the deployment cycle.

[Navrine]

I'm so happy to hear that your son made back, Thank God and you right as long he is US soil is good enough for me also.
My son still there as well and you very right also thank God for having this site, but specially for having Texas Doc Mom as part of this group, she's very, very helpful, she gave me a lot strength and I do want to thank her for that as well. Congratulations and God Bless You and Your family.

[Susan]

Hi,
My youngest son is also a Seabee and just came back to Port Huemene. He was there 7 months, He will be going back again in March, I have experienced the same feelings, although I had more contact with my son, My oldest son a Marine, is going extremely soon to Afghanistan,. I have said my final goodbyes last weekend, So I had some sanity for about 2 weeks and now I am back into the phase of constant concern again, My oldest son already informed me that I will not hear from him like I did my younger son. It may not be for months at a time if I hear from him. I am glad your son is back in the U.S. I won't see my seabee until Christmas.

[Susan from SC/Corpsman Mom!]

I am so glad your son is back on US soil. My son left for Afghanistan a week ago; wounds are fresh and painful. Reading posts on Navy For Moms encourages me and causes me to "pull myself up by my boot straps" and perservere. I am so very glad that you can now exhale having your son back. Please thank him for his service to us and our great country.

[Debbie]

no peace for me on earth until my son is on US soil also, As a mother I know he is grown and his own man, able to take care of his self, but the not knowing what he is doing, and is he safe, eats away at me. I must remember what a sacrifice all the Military people give. He is also a seabee homeport in CA. has only been deplyoyed since Oct 10. so he has awhile till he comes back, god bless our sailors!