How is everyone doing? Isn't this so scary, yet oh so exciting? It's going to be a fun ride, Ladies!

[AlishaNicole SHP11DIV54]

Would love to hear everyone's stories!

[SherryYmom Ship 07 DIV 055]

That is so funny! I said the same thing when I got the letter! My sons handwriting was so neat and three times larger than normal....lol! Understand that his normal handwriting is microscopic :-) it was so good to see it! I could just hear the excitement in his voice as he wrote! I feel so much better! I still cry at weird little times, but the heavy pain in my heart is lifting! Thanks ladies! I need this site like I need to breath right now!! I hope this makes sense!

[Kac46047]

i totally know what oyu meen by the pain in your heart lifting. Earlier this week i broke down and cried during a class in college. I've never ran out of a class so fast lol! as the week progressed i can feel talking and thinking about him isn't nearly as painfull. Were getting stronger! before you know it we will be gettin letters, phone calls and seeing them at PIR!

[Kimbv(S007Div055)]

Oh hello all! I cried everyday, for 7 days, everywhere. I too, felt heavy hearted & then got myself back into gear on the 8th day and cleaned inside & outside yard work. The box came 11/30, & letter came today. The outside envelope had the block printing, looking not very much like his. It was such a relief to get the form letter & his short, but personal message at the end. He said he had written letters but hadn't had the chance to mail them (or probably had the time to buy postage) & would ASAP! I feel so relieved now knowing the PIR date, having information I gained from the letter, here and all of you. Thank you so much.

I have to admit my email was flooded immediately with every comment from each group I joined because the default "notify me of everything" from this site from when I first signed up. This caused me to feel more overwhelmed than his departure. I then changed my email settings to receive none & now visit this site in my free time. When I first found the site, during the first week following his departure, I was spending a great deal of time on the N4M site to find out any and all info I could. Then I just needed to take a break, deal with life as we all know it and come on when I have free time.

I'm glad to meet you all, have this great support and learn so much information from experienced ladies. Thank you :)

[Marci]

Hey All,

My son left on November 23rd. What a time this has been!! I don't know what I was expecting but this has been really difficult but with time things are improving, We received his "box" last Tuesday and I have a question. My son's pant legs were rolled up to his knees. Did anyone experience that? We received the "form" letter last weekend and it's good to have a date to look forward to! Man I sure miss that kid!!

[BROCKSMOM]

Hi Marci, I can sure relate. I really miss my son. I am hoping it will get easier. Yes, My son's pants were rolled up about 2 inches. Was wondering about that myself.

[Marci]

Thank goodness, that had me a bit worried! Thought maybe they were searched before entering the base? I did ask him in my first letter so we'll see what he has to say.

[Kac46047]

i think they got measured for boots as soon as they got there, so that is a possible reason for the pant legs rolled up. my boyfriends jeans where the same, rolled up!

[Penny_Nuke_MM2_NimitzNuke]

Hi ladies, well, it surely has been an interesting two weeks. Actually, in my son's form letter, his first words were "It's been an interesting week." But nothing else to say about that except that he missed my cooking and that they keep him alive at least. This coming from a kid over 200 lbs. and 6'2" tall. I am just about over the impulsive crying ... now when I talk to somebody about him leaving, the lump comes up in the throat and I catch myself before the tears start (for the most part).

Now I am looking forward to his first letter home. I can hardly wait and it should be either today or tomorrow. Then I will know how my baby boy is doing (he'd never forgive me for calling him that as he is college degreed and age 22 !!) lol But no matter what, they are always our baby boys, right?

For those new on here, welcome aboard and we'd love to hear how you are doing?

[Kimbv(S007Div055)]

Hi Ladies!  That's so funny as I looked at the pant leg and my son's were rolled up too!  I just figured it was something that I'd never remember to ask about & it had left my mind.  Thanks for answering that & recalling it for me! Haha!  It's good to laugh again!  The tears have passed.  I got a phone call 12/3 while he was filling out paperwork & it was such a relieve to hear him.  I don't think he's much of a letter writer, but I could be very wrong.  He said he'd written but their IT guy wasn't letting them mail anything as they needed to do better at IT (intensive training).  I didn't know if it was even appropriate to post any of this.

[ChrisNukeEMmom]

You must be so proud of your husband and you should be proud of yourself as well, for holding down the fort while he is gone.  That is no small thing.