Rough time

[Sailor Z's mom]

My son leaves next Monday and I'm a stupid wreck. I cry so easily. I am SO PROUD of him and know this is a fantastic thing for him to do, but it hurts knowing that I won't see him like I have for the past 19 years ever again. No one around here understands.

[Christynavymom]

I understand how you feel my daughter got there last wk 6/16 i am very proud of her but it hurts like my heart is being ripped out hubby calls me a cry baby but we are really close so not being able to talk to her is going to be really hard .stay strong and keep busy staying busy helps my other daughter leaves in july for army i will have 2 in different branchs in basic write letters stay positive we are military moms now we all can do this when you get down come here and talk always helps me feel free to talk to me any time

[Sasysweet]

Sailor Zs mom, those of us here know exactly how you feel. While my son was in the DEP program since end of last summer the tears didn't start until about March when he had 3 months left until he left.. All of a sudden it was real and the tears and anxiety would hit me out of no where. My friends and family tease me but they have been extremely supportive. My son has been gone for 2 weeks now, and it hit me one day... I can continue to be sad that I don't get to see him every day or I can be excited for him and imagine what he is learning each day. Don't get me wrong, those tears and anxiety still hit me and I miss him more than anything and can't wait until I hear his voice. Each day it gets a little easier, but the missing him had not lightened up one bit lol you're not alone mama. ;)

[jennifer]

Hi Rough time. I understand how you feel. Its so hard to not be able to plan and know what the future holds as it is in Civilian life. I cry when I'm driving. Just stay strong for him and empower him with your strength. These kids are choosing a harder path initially then their peers. But they will become a family and have friends for life. I saw this with my older son. I'm one week into boot camp. This site is so comforting to have info and people to lean on. My son left us with this crazy blue tic coon hound. The love of his life! She makes me nuts. She is a naughty dog. But now that he is gone...I can't leave her alone! I had strict orders that the dog better be here when he is done! So I'm feeling the connection through the dog. I could go on with stories about this pup....but as much as I get mad at her...I'm glad she is with us. Reminds me of him. She sleeps on his bed and looks out the window at his truck! Kind of sad! Will your son be leaving you with any pets?

[bugsmom27948]

Unless you are a Mom, you can never understand the connection we have with our children.  My oldest son arrived at BC on 6/12.  Even though he has been 8 hours away at college for 4 years, this is totally different.  I know I will never have him living at home again, or anywhere near me for that matter.  Eighteen years is not enough time to have them;(  

My youngest is now 8 hours away at college and he wants to go to Japan to teach English.  It's hard accepting the fact that I will never have them near again.  

I am so amazingly proud of them both for living their dreams.  I want then to take risks, see the world and live life to the absolute fullest!

[Sailor Z's mom]

Fortunately,I haven't had anyone make any comments yet that it's like he's going to college. I nipped that in the bud immediately pointing out that I can't just call him up or go visit, that I may go months with not being able to talk to him or even know where he is. I told my son that he's young, single and no kids. This is the time to see the world and challenge himself.

[jennifer]

I agree....we raise them to be independent...then it happens...and I'm not ready! Lol. This son is my third kid. Lucky for him the first 2 broke me in..lol. I have one who will be a senior this year and my husband and I are feeling sad and happy at The same time. We are fairly young to be empty nesters...and I just want them all home! But I recognize the adult relationship we have with the kids is awesome. I enjoy it far more than I thought I would. Do any of you have older kids?

[Sailor Z's mom]

I have three older stepdaughters from my first marriage. I love them dearly, but they didn't live with us, so it's not the same.

[Marchella]

Good morning Rough Time, I am with you, My son leaves next week and I too am a hot mess! I try to hold it together and be happy and excited for him at the same time. I hold it back, keep holding back the tears but then lose it over something so small. He is my youngest child, had a full ride to UNM but wanted something more. I guess I should concentrate on the fact that his dad and I raised such a bright young man that is so driven and focused- but I understand where you are coming from- try to hold it together- I try not to let him see me cry but its hard, Hang in there, I have gotten a lot from this forum, I hope the same for you. Be proud you raised a young man that is selfless and wants to serve his country. You did a good job! What job is he going to be doing? My son is on the flight deck, one of the most dangerous jobs in the Navy and that too scares the crap out of me.

[Sailor Z's mom]

He is in the APAC program. I think that's the right initials. Basically, he will be like an apprentice in different aspects of engineering. He also would like to be on the flight deck. Normally, he would have to do that for two years but he is an Eagle Scout and starts out two ranks higher. Also because of that, he may not be in the program as long. This, of course, is what his recruiters have told him, so.......

[3B'smom]

My sailor also leaves on Monday. One day last week I felt like I was constantly on the verge of tears - so frustrating! I haven't felt that way since the last time I was pregnant (almost 18 years ago). I hope it helps to know that someone else is in the same boat. Enjoy your last few days together.

[Sailor Z's mom]

I should have bought stock in Kleenex beforehand. I can't believe what things have set off the tears.

[SaltyMom17]

My only son arrived on 6/15. The days leading up to his departure, I too was a "hot mess"...spontaneously crying without warning. It was a mix of emotions for sure. You hit the nail on the head by saying you won't see your son the same (as often) ever again. I too came to that realization and it broke my heart BUT I continue to replace that thought with the positives...he is going after his dream, he is bettering himself, he is going to see and do things most people never will and THAT takes courage and forming bonds of brotherhood few ever know. Not to mention the pride of serving our country!

I didn't "gather" myself until yesterday. It took 6 days after he left and ALOT of prayers and tears but despite the anxiety of the unknown and not knowing how he is doing, I THINK I am getting better at my new role in life. It's still not easy...dont get me wrong...i miss him terribly, my heart aches and I think of him constantly...but I'm trying to be strong for him. This is the most challenging time in his life...if he can do this, so can I.

And so can you.

We ALL understand here. You've got this Sailor Z's Mom!!