Chicago Mom's

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  • BtownSandy

    Had a fabulous time at the Rockin for the Troops concert!!!
  • Coco

    It sounds like you all had a lot of fun...next year i will plan better. 

     

    Quick question for the group...my navy son wants to go camping when he comes home...does anyone know of any good campgrounds...fairly secluded or at least alot of tree somewhere around here or in southern wi or southern mi?

  • Debbie (Stephen's mom)

    I am so glad you ladies had a nice time. Was it hot???
    Coco nice an quite, enjoy!
    Try and stay cool.
  • Ruth, Gun's Mom

    Coco, he might try Starved Rock. I haven't been there for years, but I remember it being very pretty. I hope we can get to the concert next year.
  • Debbie (Stephen's mom)

    Ladies have a nice weekend and week, I am heading for MI tomorrow (friday) for a week and then back to work full time Monday August 1., where did the time go. Stay cool and take care of yourselves.
  • becky m

    Coco is lewis home yet???
  • Pat L. in IL

    Hey Chicago Moms, The Villa Park VFW is having a big event on Sept. 17. It is their 2nd annual Welcome Home and Thank You Veterans Event. One of their goals is to provide the public with information about how they can get involved and show support for the troops. Molly's Adopt A Sailor will have a table at the event. They are expecting between 2000 to 5000 people. So, I'm thinking I need help! The event hours are from 9AM to 4PM. Could some of you PLEASE commit for the day or a few hours? This is a great VFW and I guarantee you will have a good time!! Pat

  • Pat L. in IL

    Congratulations GRANDMA!!!!!!!
  • Pat L. in IL

    Thank you very much Michelle. Look forward to seeing you Sept. 17!
  • Coco

    Annie congratultations!  What a beautiful name!

    Sally - glad they are fixng your car.  How are you feeling?

    Paula #2 - how are you? 

    Pat - 9/17 is my grade school reunion...and I am not fessing up to how many years.  I will let you know closer to the event if I can help.  It sounds like a great event.

    My son is home but I haven't seen him yet. :(  They are traveling around visiting family.  I guess he is growing up.   I plan on spending Saturday and Sunday with him.

  • Pat L. in IL

    Michelle, The Sept. 17 event is at the same VFW where we had the packing party (39 E. St. Charles Rd., Villa Park 60181) One of their goals is to help the public get involved in supporting the troops. So we will be telling them about Molly's Adopt A Sailor, Special Hugs, We Stitch Love, and how to help us support our sailors/soldiers. Easy-Peasy!!!
  • becky m

    Didn't need to cry Diane....thanks alot!!! :)  Hi all can we shoot for an oct. outing instead of Sept?  Thanks Paula your the best. :) Hope all are well. Coco hope your going to have a good visit. Pat I will try and get there to help out at the VFW. Sally sorry about your car.
  • Coco

    love it - Diane...where did you find that?  My son is home and he is so grown up this time! I guess delivering babies all day will do that to you. He has the past week visiting with family from my side and his dad's side of the family...plus he and Danielle took time for themselves.  Now I get to hang out with him for next 2.5  days.  Since he is 21 that puts a whole new spin on what we can do in the evenings...lol. 

    Enjoy your weekend ladies!

  • Pat L. in IL

    Thanks Becky, I think it will be fun!!
  • MissMySailor

    Hi all,

    I am back in action!!! The surgeries worked I ended up going twice but hey I am so much better I could not ask for any thing more.

    Sally--I sent you an email with some car info and I can give you a ride here and there to look at car if you want.

     

    Pat-- I sent you an email I would like to get back involved with helping out so count me in for the VFW but I need to do morning to early afternoon.

     

    Diane-- I loved what you wrote it touched me and really hit home I posted it on my facebook but noted that I copied it from a friend. I hope that is ok but it was so touching I know other Navy moms and dads would love to read it too. God Bless your son and all the sailors on the Boxer I hope they get home soon.

     

    Annie--Happy Grandma what an exciting time in your life, I am happy for you!

     

    Miss you all and please add me back on the list for going out! You all are so great I do miss seeing you in person.

     

    Hugs, Paula #2

  • Coco

    Yeah Paula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its so nice to have you back!

     

    I was going to post this on facebook but opted not to because one of my friends recently lost their son to gun fire on the south side and I didn't want to upset him...so here is how I am feeling today..

     

    Today I was lucky enough to give my Navy son a hug.  Tonight I say a pray for all those Navy Seal parents and any other parents out there who will never get that change again.

  • becky m

    jason is back on land....yay. paula 2 gald you are up and going again loking foward to seeing you  on the 8th. annies cant wait to see pics of the baby congrats. coco pryaers going out to your friend...cant imagine losing a child. see everyone on the 8th.

  • Pat L. in IL

    Well darn it all, we have to go to a wedding on Oct. 8. Consolation is that I get to see some of you at the VFW on Sept. 17!
  • MissMySailor

    GREAT pictures Paula!!!

     

    GUESS what???? Would you beleive someone stole my sailor Duckie Coco gave us out of my car!!!!! It really meant allot to me too. Since the pool party that Duck has been on the dash of my car in the corner of the drivers side so I could glance over and remember my son and this pisses me the frig off!!! Oh and my US Navy bumper magnet was stolen as well. But when I got the magnet I got 2 so I have a back up but now I am off to look on-line for a new duck or some thing else I can put in my car. I miss him so much that it helps me think of him near me.

    I will be at the VFW the 17th from 9am to noon but not sure about the 8th that is my birthday weekend and not sure if we are going out Sat or Sun BUT seeing it is so close to where I live I my just stop by for an hour.

     

    Hugs, Paula2

  • MissMySailor

    Congrats Sally!!!!! Glad your having a great time and you sound really happy too!!!

    I found Navy Ducks on EBay so my replacement is on it's way. LOL I want it back in place, funny how certain things make us happy!

    Hugs 

  • Coco

    Annie - I am glad to hear the twins are making progress.  My godson was in the NICU for about 8 or so and that was tough but he finally made it home.  I will will keep them and your family in my prayers. 

     

    I have the 17th in the am and the 8th on my calendar!  My son is back in Seattle.  We had such a great time while he was here.

  • Pat L. in IL

    Mary darlin', You forgot the tissue alert. Thank you for sharing, I loved it!!
  • becky m

    Welcome Beth looking forward to meeting you on the 8th. Mary you forgot something in your list of things to Beth.....green beer. LOL Beth we are scheduled to meet at the tap house grill in westmont, right Michelle??
  • becky m

    Mary so glad your going to visit Dan.....I have good news Jason's leave finally approved hes coming home. YAY!!!
  • Debbie (Stephen's mom)

    Hi, how is everyone doing?  Mary you are goingto visit Dan, that is so wonderful,I am so excited for you.  And Jason is coming home YEA!  Boy I am jealous, but really happy for you ladies.  Hi Beth and welcome to our group. 

    Well Stephen is trying for a new job in Spain but so far nothing has been said, he thought since he could not come state side maybe they would move him there.  He would have to go to P-Cola for more schooling and then go to Spain.  Everyones leave has been cancel, they have been on high alert but not they are on stand down and he does not know how long that will take.  Oh well, he will be taking the test in Sept., for the E5, so everyone keep your fingers crossed and pray for him.  Take care and talk to you soon.

  • becky m

    I agree on Michelle and the cliff notes  Debbie good luck to your son, Jason is going for the same thing on the 8th. Hope his mind is on the test and not on coming home the next day....lol Does your son know Spainish Debbie??

    Mary is right Julie where are you???

  • becky m

    can i kinda get an idea who will be there on the 8th???? have a great trip mary.....10 days and my sailor will be home for a visit can't wait
  • MissMySailor

    Hi all, My ex husband died in his sleep Saturday of heart diseas at age 47. I am surprised how difficult this was on me, it broke my heart. My son was underway due to the storm then they were not sure when they would be back because of damage to the dock. I did not want to tell him when he was out to sea but I had called the Ombudsman to ask when they would be back and if they could give him a chance to call me as soon as they are in and because I told her why she said she was obligated by the rules of the Navy to contact the ship and have them tell Drew right away. OMG he was writing the saddest things on Facebook blaming himself for not coming home this summer and not calling emough saying he was the worst F*** son ever. I have been crying since Sunday finaly took a valium today and slept a few hours. All I want to do is get him on a plane in time for the viwing and funeral and so he can spend time with his dad's family in Ohio and he has not given me the final yes that he got leave yet. I called the ombudssman again today and she contacted the ship about leave. They told me they were going to talk to him and explain his options for emergency leave but he has not emailed e yet. I just got an email from the ombudsman though and she said his ship is coming in on Wenesday at 330 instead of thursday so that is good one more day and I can call him.

     

    His dad was so proud of him for joining the Navy and now Drew hates himself for doing it because he has been away instead of being home with his dad. The problem is his dad never told us the doctors told him he was not going to live much longer because he wanted Drew to be happy and not live with the worry when it was going to happen. Drew's grandma knew and would call Jerry every morning to be sure he was alive what a way to live but if she would have told me being the ex wife or not I could have helped him more but hinesite sucks.... I just want to get him to Ohio so he can be with his family and start healing.

     

    I have been telling everyone I care about that I love them, I am going to try and spend more time with my family and friends. I just can not beleive he is gone so young if I knew he was going to die soon there are so many things I would have told him, one of which is that I still had love in my heart for him some thing he has wanted me to say since I left him....... I love you all Paula2

     

  • Pat L. in IL

    Oh Paula, I am so sorry. Praying your sailor can come home ASAP. Being around family who will give him love and support will help.
  • ChitownPat

    Paula-My heartfelt condolences to you and your son.  I pray that the Navy gets him home soon so he can be with family and friends at this difficult time.
  • MissMySailor

    Thanks you guys.... I did hear from the Navy yesterday that the docks were fixed and he would be in today. They also said they did call him in to the "office" and talked with him a while and explained his emergency leave to him. The thing that bothers me is that he is not answering any of my messages I think he just is afraid to talk about it but I need to know what his leave is so I can get him a plane ticket. Hopefully he will call me when he docks.. I am not going with him because I will not be a welcome sight. My ex was abusive to me not the kids and he was arrested and convicted for domestic violence so they have never understood why I had to finally call 911 after 14 yrs of being pushed around. He was a good man was nice to everyone but when he was stressed he would loose his temper fast and on me. I know I sound crazy because I said I still cared for him but that is one of my flaws I tend to love people more than hate, I forgive easy and remember the good in a person and forget the bad. This is so painful. But thank you all for listening. Paula2
  • Debbie (Stephen's mom)

    I am so sorry Paul2, my prays and thoughts are with you and your son.  Lose is never ez.  My friend just lost her husband last Friday,  Had the flu and the same day gone 52, he just became a grandfather.  He has 3 children one in the Army but he made it home the wake is tomorrow and funeral is Friday, not a good week at all.
  • Debbie (Stephen's mom)

    Paula did you have to go throught the Red Cross to get your son home?
  • Debbie (Stephen's mom)

    Going to MI this weekend hope to catch up next week,  Take care and enjoy a long weekend!
  • Pat L. in IL

    Becky M, We have to go to a wedding on the 8th! Darn, I am going to miss out on a FUN time with my sisters!!
  • MissMySailor

    Hi all, I did have to go through the Red Cross after I contacted the ship. The Red Cross contact the coroner for the death certificate then send an official notice to the ship to go in Drew's file so they could give him emergency leave. His ship had just left to get away from Irene but got stuck out there because the docks and navigation equipment in the canal got damaged so they had to wait until it was fixed to pull back in. He will leav in the morning and get there with plenty of time to be with family before the viewing and then he will spend 10 days there.

    I am doing better my daughter is ok so she seems for now but my son will have a rough couple of days but with staying with his dad's family and seeing where he grew up and all of his dad's friends I can only hope it will get the healing started.

    Thanks everyone, Paula2

  • becky m

    Paula all of you are in my prayers!!!
  • Coco

    Oh Paula, I shed a few tears for you and your son.  I can only imagine how hard this must for you on many levels.  I am glad your son is going to be able to come home.   You are all in my prayers!
  • MissMySailor

    Hi all, Drew has been in Ohio for his dad's viewing and service since Friday now read below.....

    I was pulling up in my driveway and called my daughter to come out to help carry stuff in and who walked out my front door? MY SAILOR DREW! I stood in my front yard hugging him soooooo tight crying my eyes out!!! He had to pry me away from himLOL His uncle Frank Miller and wife came to Chicago to get some things done and Drew drove with them and spent several hours with me until they cam back. It was the best special heartfelt surprise I am still speechless! I love you son and always proud of you!

     

    I am still crying now that he left but my heart is so full just knowing he took the 5 hour drive with them just to see me!!! He looked so good and he grew! He was at least 3 inches taller than me I had to look up. I think it helped him to see me too he was smiling and we both needed that.

    Hugs to you all,

    Paula2

     

  • becky m

    Paula what a great suprise.....my son is coming home fri and I'm getting excited to see him. Head count check....Debbie Pat Diane Paula1 and Paula 2 Laura Coco and Mary you guys coming?? Did I forget anyone who hasnt repsonded yet??
  • Debbie (Stephen's mom)

    I wish I could come how come we always pick a day I cannot go, it is the 8th right?  I am off the 7th so we are leaving for MI that day for the weekend.  I have a sad face on right now.  If anything changes I will let your know, I would love to come I miss you ladies.

     

  • Coco

    Paula I am so glad you got to see you son!

    Pat can you refresh my memory about time and location for the 17th.  My life just got complicated that day cause my niece has the lead in Stevenson's fall play that afternoon and that evening is my grade school reunion but I would like to try to swing by in the am to help set up or whatever you need.

  • Pat L. in IL

    Coco, The Villa Park VFW, 39 E. St. Charles Rd, Villa Park, from 9AM to 4PM. We are going to tell people about what Molly's Adopt A Sailor does and how they can help support the troops. Any time that you can give us will be appreciated, Coco!!!!

    Anyone else who wants to come, you will be welcomed with open arms! Pat

  • MissMySailor

    Hi ladies, I wanted to share with you all that when I needed a flight for Drew I went to the Norfolk Va airport website hit military then put in flight information from and too (it does not have to be out of Norfolk either) and it gave me flight choices. This was WAY WAY WAY cheeper than calling the airline and saved time because I did not have to go to each airlines website. All he had to do was show military ID when he got his boarding pass at the airport. You can also sear civilian airfair as well.

     

    I can not wait until I see you the 17th but I am nervous as to how long I can stand. Do we wear Molly Adopt A Sailor shirts or can I wear my son's ship shirt???

     

  • Pat L. in IL

    Paula, I have 2 of those canvas lawn chairs that I will bring so you can sit if you need to. Either shirt will be fine! It's been so long since I've seen you, can't wait!! I think Sat. is going to be fun, just rest your vocal cords so you can tell everyone about "Molly's"!!m LOL!!
  • MissMySailor

    I am really excited about Saturday too. I just want to see all you Navy moms!!!
  • becky m

    Ok you guys what the deal. Michelle and I plan a date and no one wants to come....we take showers we don't smell really!! LOL  Since hardly no one will be there how do these dates work in Nov the 4th or te 11th give us a date majority rules....hope all is well with everyone I'm enjoying having my son home on leave hate for him to go back.
  • becky m

    Mary you didnt throw this one off!! Family first!   Sorry I screwed up we rarely meet on fridays sorry guys.....Paula what a story!!! Michelle table for 3 me you and beth?? LOL

  • Coco

    Wow.  I haven't been on in a awhile.  So 10/8 is out? and which date in Nov?

    Pat I am sorry I did not make it last weekend.  How did it go?  I actually drove by there a little before noon but parking was crazy - I did try to park in the Jewel lot but they told me not too...lol...so by the time I found a spot much further away, I would have literally just walked there and then turned back around in order to make it to my nieces play on time.  Sorry. :(((

     

    So...10/8 was on my calendar...and I know only a few people are available...but...my parents are going to be out of town...we could just plan for small gathering...

  • Debbie (Stephen's mom)

    Hi, how is everyone, sorry I haven't been around I have been so busy with life, how it got so busy I don't know,  Barbara you went to see Tom how wonderful, how is he doing?  I cannot make the 8th, going to MI that weekend I am off Friday and off Monday so we have a few exta days out there.

    Well for the good news Stephen is home and not going back to Italy.  He could not get out of Italy so his boss told him to become and active reserve and so he is not connect to a chopper unit out of Norfolk and that is what he wanted.  So he is on leave for two months and then we see where he will go from there but at lease he does not have to go back to Italy.  He took his test for E5 waiting for the results, that was another reason he was told he was not getting what he wanted because he was only an E4 and he could not wait for the results because that job he wanted would of been filled.  Boy I have a lot to say, when we get together I will tell you everything, it would just be too much to type.  I miss you ladies I feel like I have not talked or seen anyone in a long time. 

    How is everyone, tell me whats new with everyone?