Anyone with Sailors/Soldiers/Marines in War Zones and Combat Areas

Have returned from seeing my son and while I was there my whole face on the right side started hurting and headaches, my eyebrow and forehead broke out with lumps and itching and I just went ahead and enjoyed myself.  When I returned home it grew worse so I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with Shingles.  I asked what causes it and he said "stress".  Now my plan to be around alot of people and maintain all the activities I do has been affected because I can infect anyone with chicken pox.  I'm pretty bummed now even more than I was.  Deployment is certainly bringing on a battle at the homefront as well.  I'm trying to be all the encouraging I can for him but I feel like I'm losing the battle on myself. 

I think it's very important that we stay healthy for ourselves and them so we can be encouraement for them.  Anyway,  I can use some prayers.  On the flip side, the doctor prescribed me medication that makes me sleep at night to help with the pain so maybe it will keep me from being restless at night with worry. 

So I read the note from the mom that had all the boxes not get there and I've been packing up goodies to send.  I plan on sending it anyway but has anyone had success in their items getting there?  He wanted his guitar but I'm afraid to send it so I think there is a group that helps get musical instruments to the deployed.  Anyone know about that?

Have returned from seeing my son and while I was there my whole face on the right side started hurting and headaches, my eyebrow and forehead broke out with lumps and itching and I just went ahead and enjoyed myself.  When I returned home it grew worse so I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with Shingles.  I asked what causes it and he said "stress".  Now my plan to be around alot of people and maintain all the activities I do has been affected because I can infect anyone with chicken pox.  I'm pretty bummed now even more than I was.  Deployment is certainly bringing on a battle at the homefront as well.  I'm trying to be all the encouraging I can for him but I feel like I'm losing the battle on myself. 

I think it's very important that we stay healthy for ourselves and them so we can be encouraement for them.  Anyway,  I can use some prayers.  On the flip side, the doctor prescribed me medication that makes me sleep at night to help with the pain so maybe it will keep me from being restless at night with worry. 

So I read the note from the mom that had all the boxes not get there and I've been packing up goodies to send.  I plan on sending it anyway but has anyone had success in their items getting there?  He wanted his guitar but I'm afraid to send it so I think there is a group that helps get musical instruments to the deployed.  Anyone know about that?

ktssong, you are the 3rd person I've heard about or known to have shingles in the last week! One is just like yours, with the head and face. I had them last January, on my side and across my back and hip. Doc got me on antivirals right away so I had only about one day of severe pain, but I did have a hanging on pain in my side for several months. Hope yours ends with the end of the breakout. My doctor said as long as I did normal hygeine things, I wouldn't infect anyone, but my blisters were under clothing. The meds kept me flat on my back for 7 days, watched a lot of day tv...boring! be better and healing blessings headed your way.

I'll investigate that instruments for deployed military. Do not send a good guitar, buy a cheapie off of Craigslist.

Free Guitars for Deployed Military

Cannot insure the pkgs.  I never list really what is inside.  It usually always says some type of food item or baby wipes or cards, etc.  Just very frustrating as they look so forward to mail.  

Thank you TexasDocMom.  I went to the website and sent them an email.  Hopefully I hear back from them.  I am finding myself laying all day too.  I guess if I won't relax and take it easy my body has found a way to make sure I do.  I've been on the medicaton 24 hours and haven't noticed to big a difference yet but hopefully by tomorrow I will.

I just want to ask something here.  When you know you are on the last couple days to talking to your kids before they go, is it too smothering to call once a day to say hello and say a few words?  I spend hours thinking about what I want to say before I call and then I just think I should just call and chat and not feel so much pressure to say just the right things.  I've said all I can say but these days seem like I want to make sure I say what he needs to hear.  I hope I do.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to hear your child's voice. And I'm sure he wants to hear yours as well. Sometimes they act gruff, but when those long hours are hitting them later, they remember their "silly" mom and they'll  smile because she was needing to hear his voice. And calling to chat is a great idea....put the newspaper in front of you, open it to the sports page and talk about high school basketball or whatever he was interested in....keep the "mushy" stuff to the end, but don't neglect it...they want to know how much you love them and be sure to let him know how much you trust him to come home to you, that you are so proud he's worked hard to train and do the job...and just do it and come home.

And I can guarantee you are not crying alone, my heart breaks for you. Let us know how the call goes...

My son's girlfriend's brother is enlisting in the Army. Leaves in a couple of months for boot camp. We had been talking in generalities about different people enlisting (my granddaughter's boyfriend is Army ROTC and going to boot camp this week...Army Infantry...geez) and I made some comment that I could probably make here or with other military moms, but when his GF went to the bathroom my son was upset that I was so "blunt" with her. I didn't direct the comment at her...and I love her dearly. I was pretty upset when they left, I would never intentionally hurt her...but thinking about it...she's a strong young woman, and she's going to have to do what we all have done...step up and past the first fear to look at the bigger ones. And my son has to realize he cannot protect her from this fear, or her mother. He just can't. And I hate that he's going to see up close what we all go through when a loved one deploys, because in the long run he's going to recognise this is how it was for me, for his grandmother and his dad and all of us who love him when he deployed...and I don't want him to feel even more guilt. Because they do...when they come home safe and sound, and like him, move on with their lives, they remember every day that there are others in the warzone.  And they carry that guilt that they are not there to help their brothers or have their backs. I saw it when the 2/2 went after he was transferred out...Does this even make any sense?  God, dear God, I hate war. And I hate dumping on you guys, you have real worry...but I know you'll listen, because I know I'm not alone. Thank you.  

TDM...For heaven's sake, as much as you have helped all of us, you are not some all-knowing guru sitting on a mountain top.  You have or have had the same feelings as the rest of us, and by sharing those concerns, you ARE helping someone.  One thing I have learned is that there are two types of deployment...the normal stuff and the War Zone.  While I missed the communication with my son and daughters, I didn't mind the whole boot camp and normal deployment experiences.  However, the War Zone deployments, especially Afghanistan, created a panic feeling I had never known before.  If these young men now joining do find themselves over there, the women in your life know they can speak the unspeakable, and you will understand.   Your "bluntness" will actually help them through their ordeal.  Your son's protectiveness does him credit...but it won't work.  Keep doing what you are doing...you KNOW your "job" as well as he knew his.

TDM we do gain alot of encouragment for you and I know that your son appreciates all you did while he was serving and I think he will appreciate where you are coming from when he is driving and thinking about it all.  I'm sure he won't stay upset.  From reading everything here by moms it seems like we can expect different kinds of responses than we are used to when they come back but you are a good mom I can tell and new enlistees are like us new moms, we need to hear the truth; and we want the truth so I'm sure his gf appreciated your truthfulness and your knowledge.  It helps all of us so we don't feel like we are in the dark.  I know when I went with my son to the recruiters office I wanted the cold hard truths, I didn't want them to tell me the easy part of this and they answered all the questions I had at the time and it helped so I'm positive your input with her was appreciated. 

Susan, have you checked with the people who your sons bills are with?  Maybe he set up an automatic payment with them to come out while he was gone since he didn't give you power of attorney.  I know when I just visited my son, while I was there one thing I was worried about was his bills because he just got married and he gave her POA but I since my name is on his car payment I was worried but he put his phone on "military hold" and there is no payment while he is gone and for the car payment he set up the payment to come out automatically out of his account so we didn't have to worry whether it was paid or not.  So maybe you can check into that and see if he did that.

Chief88--Thank you.  I'm not one to rest too much because I've been trying to stay busy so I don't worry to much but I guess I got run down.  I work two jobs one 40 hours during day in an office and then I run home and change and work about three week nights and every weekend as a CNA at a retirement village.  Then I'm in a choir, an help my brother through a rehab program and then do exercise one night a week.  So I guess this is God's way of making me slow down and get my immunity system up.  I am on Valacyclovir and I woke up this morning after being on it 24 hours and it's starting to heal the sores.  Of all times to get it though because my plan to get through this time where he leaves and the worries was to be around alot of people.  All my spots are on my face and scalp.  And yes it hurts burns like I'm on fire and throbs like a migraine.  I do have pain med for that.  Thank you.  I just finished a box and am going to send it and keep sending because it has to help someone.

God Bless All.  I know I'm relatively new to being on here everyday but it's "go time" and I need to be on here to stay strong and get through this.  I hope after this deployment experience I can help others.  I can't help but think about moms that are at home that haven't been told about NavyforMoms and wonder if they know about this site.  It's the best thing that happened for me because I feel like when our kids go serve they need a strong support system and so we have to as parents serve by their sides so they can operate in confidence too. 
Do any of you moms do anything outside of this site to try to get other moms to know about NavyforMoms.?

TDM I meant alot of encouragement "from" you..haha.

Well, it just happened.  My last call before the phone goes off.  I did it without crying.  I did like you said TDM and talked about what I had been doing, watching winter x games and talked about how they tell how before their big competitions they've worked hard for how they  go and do it.  Talked about things he needed me to do for him.  He wants his brothe who is a mechanic to fix an old 76 montel carlo up for him to drive when he gets back..  He is so funny.  He has a nice chevy that he's paying on and he hates paying so much for a car.  He wants to drive a 76".  It's a monster of a car.  I said ok but he wants me to drive this thing down to him when he gets back.  I said ok but one condition that thing has to be dependable for a 12 hour drive.  We will do whatever it takes to make them happy.  Oh well.  The call is done.  I feel better than I thought I would.  I'm fine when I'm with him or hear him.  It just is weird to me how sometimes I cry and sometimes I don't.  Especially that I don't when I think I will.  Maybe it's because of all I did with him working up to this point so we could both process it in segments really did help. 

what is omsbudance person, I may have spelled that wrong but someone said I need to have the name of this person before my daughter deploys?  I asked her abd got no answer, she is in the Navy EO .

Hard days on those phone call days...and the next day and the next day....I'm glad Ktssong that you had a "normal" conversation, that will help him....and really, a 76 gas guzzler for a 12 hour trip...don't do it!!! wow!

My son wasn't upset, he came by this morning with tacos...I was the one feeling bad, he just commented last night.He is very protective...of all of us he loves, and actually, when he reads these posts, of all of you!  Thank you for all your support!

Mama Bear.....An ombudsman is usually a spouse of an individual that is in the unit and serves as a go between spousees/parents and the unit. 

Thanks, Malamama, I've added those links to the ones above our discussion area. If you're ever in need of the Red Cross info, it's posted above as well. I hope no one ever needs that!

Malamama....count every second, he's traveling now and safe and sound.
And the one thing that happened when my son left for a war zone is that he finally started listening to every word I say, and still does. Doesn't always agree, but he listens, nothing like when they were teens and in one ear and out the other. They love being loved and needed in our lives and they recognize they do. Much love to you and to all sending this latest wave of warriors off...you are not alone, we are right here.

MalaMama and Everyone else,  my son is in his 4th month at a FOB.  I got to talk to him today.  He calls me about once every 3 weeks as all his calls go to his gf which is fine as long as I know he has contact with someone and is ok.  Very understandable.  I can hardly wait for the day he returns.  There are some days I feel like I will never get through and others where it goes by so fast I don't have time to think.  I am signing up for a CNA course which is 4 weeks long and hoping to get part time work after that.  I am excited.  My son finally got a bunch of boxes yesterday.  Only took 12 weeks to get there, but they did.  I sent him his own webcam and he said he is not allowed to use it.  He was thrilled to get the popcorn, chex mix and canned raspberries and blackberries.  I sent him a lot of protein bars and beef jerkey.  Stay positive and remember we all are thinking of you and pray for your son's safety along with all those deployed.  

Malamama...I think we are in same boat today..maybe same battalion who knows but I worked half day and planned on spending the rest of day trying to be close to family but guess what,,,because of my shingles no one wants me around since they all have kids.  One of the toughest days I thought would be this one and I just wanted to be sure not to be alone on this one of all...Nothing always goes as planned.  I'm making the best of it.  I turned up the heat, got a blanket and turning on a favorite movie and praying for their safety. 

I'm sure they are safe.  Im glad they don't need phone cards because I didn't send any.  I had heard there were ways for them to call. What does a phone call number look like from over there?  Anyone know?

DJ, did he get the box with the combat boots? I hope so! Yes, I'm sure webcams and videos are frowned upon after that incident that made the news last month.

Travel time is good time, and in a few months when you hear they are traveling again, it will be to come home!!

Welcome to the group no one wants to join, GMM....and bless you. If my son had continued in the Navy, he would be on that same path as your son...IA Corpsman....I'm grateful everyday he fell in love! It's all that stopped him, I know.

Yes, all the emotions running through you are normal, your kid is headed to war zone. And every mom here either is living it  or has lived it and will speak up to remind you every time that you are not alone. Some of the moms are more familiar with Army routine than the rest of us, and I know some others as well if we have any questions....

Tours with Marine battatlions generally run about 7-8 months, thank goodness. Nothing like some of those Army tours...I think Inga's daughter is due to be there longer, hopefully she gets an R&R about the time of her sister's wedding in September.  If not, any thoughts on Skype-ing a big event like that from you pro Skype folks for Inga?

My son signed his discharge papers on Jan 9, but is still burning leave until mid March...and he actually lost a month of it as well. It adds up, especially since he was transferred so close to home for the last 18 months.

That's really great to hear of sons about to be home and some discharging.  I know that we all are making it because of the wisdom from your experiences.  I like hearing of the different stages the moms are in on here.  It helps us keep the vision.  I don't want to be stuck in a rut with my life or my attitude.  I want to reach for more strength.  I'm pretty amazed that I haven't cried since I saw him before he left, nor on the way home, nor the last call but today.  Day three after they left...it hit.  My new daughter in law sent me a message saying she got a fb message from him.  Checking in.  I ran home at lunch just knowing he would have sent good ole mom a message too.  My heart sank to my toes and my throat got the biggest lump and my tears welled up in my eyes so big.  I would never want him to know it but I was so disappointed that I never heard a word. 

I think I showed so much strength in days preceding this that I actually did myself worse than if I would have not been so strong.  Is that possible?  I tried to prepare my mind for this happening but I guess I was bound to cry sometime.  Today is the day.  Even typing how Ifelt just now to all of you made tears come out of each eye and roll down my cheeks.  He's always kept me posted as much as her up to this minute.  This is the worst time for it.  I have five kids.  He is my youngest and two of the others are sons with wives so I know how it goes but all my sons even the married ones keep me updated and talk to me weekly even this youngest one.  I just thought in this moment if he could relieve any worry to mom, he would have.  My prayer tonight:  God forgive me for being so selfish.  Keep my son safe and let him know I love him more today than yesterday and more tomorrow than I do today.   Help me Lord, not to have too high of expectations and to just be content knowing he is well.  Amen.  I know I'm in a safe zone where I can bear a moms heart.   I just feel horrible tonight. 

Ktssong....Sometimes we have to hit bottow before we can get better.  Lets hope this is your bottom.  Were here to listen to you and hold your hand.  Only you can decide if and when you will feel better. 

Fair winds and following seas.

Ktssong....sometimes all I got was a "online 'today'" on myspace every week or so...he'd jump on and check on all of us at once and read any messages, just having 2 minutes to do it....literally,your son just might not have time to call each of you, knowing that each of you will inform the other. He is letting you know he's safe. That's what matters.

But you were sure due for the tears....and they help. They wash over you, relieve pressure, help you get up for another day.

They are busy, they are focused, they are professionals doing a job, and if and when we hear from them, even if it's second hand, I know you know it's a blessing. Hang tight, mom, your baby loves you just the same, he's just busy. Plus...geez "NEW" daughter in law? c'mon mom, who's gonna get the call?? smile, he's all man.

You'll hear soon enough. I'm just happy for you that you have a DIL that shares!! 

Yep, I think the tears were bottled up for weeks and probably just a sign of relief that he checked online.  It was good.  My girlfriend many years ago told me that sometimes you just need to cry and you feel better and you can move on.  I think that's all it is.

I feel guilty when I feel good and feel bad if I feel bad if that makes sense.  haha.  Tears are dried.  Moving on.  I am forturnate out of all five of my kids I can communicate with all my inlaws.  Daughters in laws and sons in laws so I have been blessed.  I know many aren't. 

Thanks.  I gotta pull it together.  And I will.

Sometimes when there are few posts here and I worry ya'll are hibernating, I post some music or video that is guaranteed to bring the tears...and the voices out of th wood work....as my grandson used to say all those years ago when he was four, as he patted you on the back "everything's going to be otay." good night! sleep good tonight ktssong...

TNM!!! good for you!! be sure to take him a set of  clean socks/underwear/t shirt and jeans....cuz their clothes STINK ! really....

I would say from MalaMama's comment that those guys got one quick call that was it, and it was to make sure those at home could know they had a safe arrival and they were movin' on.

I painted the bedrooms of the house when my son left for Iraq. And hit the gym. And dug flower beds and put on house concerts here at the house so I had a reason to clean it....

I don't know, but bless them! I do know about Military Moms of Texas, but their leader has been very, very ill with cancer...so I'm glad to hear others are picking up the slack! She'll be happy about that.

Bitter sweet time, some coming home, some headed out....prayers for all for safe travel...and home soon, all of them.

Her name is Tracy La Porte, please do add her to your prayers. She's been a real force for the Army in particular, she lives up north of Austin and those folks in Killeen at Fort Hood are dear to her heart.

This certainly is a roller coaster.  Today I got a fb message sent to me telling me he is ok and he said sorry for not calling me too and no one even knew but us here.  He said that he wanted to call but felt bad because the line was so long for everyone wanting to call home.  I can see it all in my head; anxious kids waiting in line anxious parents waiting in the states...so much love and it just proves that love has no boundaries it reaches across nations and is tieing us all together.  He said very muddy and rainy, not what he expected.  He said space out the things I send because there are four of them in one room and not much space.  I am still sending because I know that just because I send something today it isn't going to get there for a bit.  Sent first box and he's already put in a request for what he needs now that he's there.  He's having a better idea.    So I was down, now I'm up and here we go.  Oh well, for me, it's like any good thing we look forward to;;  once I get it I can hang on longer.  I got to say some encouraging words and I'm happy.

He also sent his sisters and brothers a message.  His older sister is very unemotional most the time about anything.  She works in the oncology departement and she is very strong but it takes alot to make her cry.  She tells me she isn't very sentimental.  But this even got to her.  The day she knew he left she said once she heard me say ..my son is not on US soil today she said she started crying uncontrollably at work and had to excuse herself and she was so surprised herself.  This has really been an experience that our whole family is drawing even closer over.

ktssong...You got it!  everything is up...down...then back up again.  You seem to be handling it very well.  (It helps knowing you are NOT crazy...just a Mom.)  It sounds as though your daughter had one of those "Walmart moments" that you do NOT have to be in Walmart to have.  My biggest one was in a coffeehouse, listening to country music one evening.  I was having a great time, then the band played some song that reminded me of my son and the whole nasty situation.  I felt myself tear up, but I was still in control...I looked out the dark window to take my mind off of my sorrow and saw the American flag lit up and waving on the building across the street.  That did it!  I dissolved into a puddle!  Luckily I was with a bunch of kind, understanding folks.  I never knew what might trigger something like that, so I learned to have lots of tissues in my purse at all times.

Anyway, if you can avoid those moments, great!  But don't worry if they hit you at strange times in strange places.  That is the new "normal".  LOL

It's so funny.  I was on facebook getting information about a St. Patricks Day Race I was going to register for and my son's face popped up in the corner and said he is available and I realized I was on facebook the same time as him and I got a message from him and was ableto answer her at the same moment I got it.  Then it disappeared and he is not available.  But it was sooooo nice to have that happen.  Wow.  I'm really loving facebook right now.  Communication has really been great. 

He's over there and thinking about us over here.  Checking on banking and asked me to make sure if I would send roses to his wife.  I'm just thankful that they have the ability to do this.  I think it helps their morale and ours.  As families I think it's a great help to all of us.  If morale is high that makes everyone all the more stronger.  Right now Be Strong is my main goal for me and to relay to him.

Ktssong! so happy that you got the fb contact. Yes, my son said he sometimes didn't call because of the long lines, because there was a limited time frame sometimes, and he knew a lot of his buddies and those waiting in lines had kids and wives to check in on...which was very nice of him, but damn it, I wanted to hear his voice! But it's true, I like the thought that a child got to talk to mom or dad on those days. And his sister's reaction is very normal, her brother is totally in a situation where she has no control over his safety, and for a nurse who is used to doing a job keeping others alive, that has to be very tough. It wears through on all of us, the constant concern.

I remember hard candy was always wanted in Iraq, the grit of the sand and taste in their mouths were helped by it.

MM!! What a great thing to see first thing in the morning!! and skype is so great!!  Send him cheap white socks to throw away and get wet if it's wet where he is and some fox socks from www.foxsox.com  for when he's back in the wire and his feet need babying...plus they pad that area where they lace those boots. They are expensive, but they will ship to APO and FPO addresses for free.

Just make sure you send some of the white socks for the damp and wet, the fox socks just soak up that water and will not work! Great for the dry and cold and heat tho.

Just got this in my foxsox email ad.... In honor of the 46th BIG GAME get
FREE SHIPPING
  plus,
GET 25% OFF  
on all orders of $46 or more
through Monday, February 6
 
Enter promo code "BigGame25" at Checkout.

TDM---Before the ladies think you have stock in those socks, I'd like to add my two cents.  Before my son got sent over there I was helping my daughter in law with the laundry and came across a pair of nice black boot type socks.  She saw me folding them and took them away from me saying they had to be just so.  We were kinda laughing about how my son regards them as one of his most valuable possessions.  When he went to Afghanistan I told her this group suggested Fox Socks...and she exclaimed that was the name of the ones worth more than gold, so I sent him several more.  It seems that anyone who has worn them swears they are worth the price.

Thanks, MT. I actually snuck in and put on a pair of the fox sox one time....like pulling a cloud on your feet! so soft, even with corpsman wash techniques. I think 25% off is a great deal!! that's like a free pair!

The leader of the Military Moms of Texas has had a horrific tragedy. Her 23 year  son

Adam, was killed near Fort Stewart GA last Wednesday. She is in the middle of a fight for her life with cancer.  Her name is Tracy La Porte, please include  her in your prayers. You just never know, do you?

Accident of Adam Huckstep

All I can say is, god be with Tracy. 

Check under military socks on the link...I remember my son liked the ones that came up to almost the knee, and were "coyote" color. They are kind of padded across the front of the shin where they lace up those boots. My son said they'd use duct tape to protect the skin there! ouch!! Has anyone bought any recently? what are the good ones? I wish I could remember the other sock place online...but they were even more expensive.

I googled the name of the sock when I found it back then and did find it cheaper, but after having it shipped to me and then shipping to him, it wasn't that much cheaper...especially if they are still offering free shipping overseas.

My son sent message today saying lotion for his head because it's so dry over there he's getting flaky and he said he's also using chapstick like 25 times a day and drinking like 10 to 12 bottles of water a day not including his meals.  He said the food is good there, he said better than the galley back at home base.  So he sounds like he's doing good but very busy.

Malamama-my son said he knows of your son but doesn't know him very well.  I think they've met back at homeport.  Do you get on the Battalions facebook page?  They have been posting pictures.  My son was a close up picture on the photos of the buses being unloaded and he was also the one reaching for the duffle bag.  I woke up and opened facebook yesterday and saw him first thing and I was like "oh my gosh, my son" ...

I have to say that being able to communicate to them has made such a difference in me.  At work I have a long hallway I walk through in our office to get to my desk and I always pass by the owners secretary and yesterday she goes,  here she comes, whistling again.  She said you haven't whistled much lately.  I did whistle.  I always whistle but when I'm troubled, I never notice but she always does.  She notices when I don't whistle.  My whistle is back.  So I know if it's helping me getting communication.  I believe it's been helping him too. 

I am so glad to hear you sound so upbeat ktssong!  My son told me about a Marine who would grab the butter to spread all over his face, he was so dry. Sam's used to have this cheap $5 yellow jar of Vit E cream, I sent several over. Also sent Dove soap (which he uses still...never used it at home, but now..ha!) Send all those oils and creams now before it gets hot. I think you can find Ponds at Dollar Stores, at least here in Texas.

Corpsman training article...very interesting.

hi gals and guys my daughter just told me today to order her some socks, the Fox Socks are made where we lived in Iowa.  I am going to check on friday at the store that has them and see how much they are and how many we could get.  I can everyone know about these socks if you would like. They come in army brown I think.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family Tracy.  Believe in the Lord that he is by your side every step of the way and if you fall he will be right there to pick you up.  Adam will always be by your side to because his love lives on your heart.

Socks link  I think these are the ones I bought, I remember coyote brown and 12.99. It's a great deal if they will mail these for you.

Check your area for Blue Star Moms, they have chapters all over the US.

Tracy left today for Arlington to bury her son. So incredibly sad, she's been so ill....and you know, we just don't worry so much once they're boots down USA after they've deployed and come home. You just never know, do you?

Susan, I wish you could make that trip to the homecoming, it would really lift your spirits, I know. You're right, tho, he'll be HOME! and that's what matters!! you'll be able to pick up the phone and call him any time you want to, and he'll be on the other end. I know it's hard to not hear from your Marine, but you know that saying around here, "no news is good news"...but not hearing makes worried moms....and lonely ones. Sometimes I remember thinking that while I was so scared about him being in a war zone, sometimes I just missed him, like you simply miss someone, without the fear. Just missed his voice. I hope you hear soon, it's my prayer every morning that today the phone will ring or the  computer will ding for each of you.