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!