jbird, we just saw the ships come into the harbor and go to the piers they were docking in, it was impressive to see them come through with all the sailors manning the rails. The Truman docked in the last pier #14. There were so many people there, I didn't see the people you saw. I would have gone and talk to them if I had. I
We are about to leave Norfolk in a few hours. I didn't cry when we took our son back yesterday around 1700. I was smiling too much! He signed us in, and we got a tour of the ship and flight deck! WOW That kid moves around that ship like a ninja! I just couldn't stop smiling! Now I know what he means by the last year for him being "character development"! We met quite a few of his shipmates. We went for dinner at a Ruby Tuesday near the base. Then hugs and see you soon/laters. We watched him walk back! We both said at same time:" He's safe, healthy and happy"! My husband and I can't stop smiling either!
Sandman731 - thanks so much for the additional information, this is very helpful. I posted this same question on my FB page and several have suggested going south at Breezewood to avoid DC traffic. I think I might ride along this first time just to help watch for signs and I would like to see the base and his ship. ;-) Thanks to everyone!
Coach Sheila - reading your post just warmed my heart and put a smile on my face. So glad you had such a wonderful visit and great memories. Safe travels my friend...
Coach Sheila - I read your post in the car on the way to work this morning (my husband was driving). I thought it was very touching and decided to read it to my husband. When I got to the part "He's safe, healthy & happy", I lost it. My husband did too. That is all we hope for our children.
My daughter came off the ship on Friday too and we had a wonderful weekend with her. She is now back in Norfolk and moving into her very first apartment. This is one Navy Mom who is very happy that both of her sailors (I have a son in San Diego in the Navy) are "safe, healthy & happy".
I hope everyone is enjoying time with your sailors. The days are going by so fast. I just want it to slow down some. I'm enjoying every second i have with him
Hi Everybody! I got my sailor back home safe and sound, for a little while. We got home in time for him to cook the Thanksgiving dinner he missed. He went to bingo with me and my mom. Extra, extra special night at bingo, the firemen served birthday cakes to celebrate Mom's 101st birthday and mentioned that her youngest grandson got home for her parties. We're having her family party on her birthday on Saturday. I'm not sure where I am since I passed Seventh Heaven and Cloud 9 on Friday.
We made it back home at 0115! LOL I can't express the joy I feel inside being in Norfolk! Even if I didn't meet you, I was praying for you! Even if you weren't in Norfolk, but watching the livestream, I was praying for you! My husband and I bumped into LindaD around Seventh Heaven and Cloud Nine! LOL
Linda D- 101?? That is amazing!! Especially nice that your sailor could be there. I absolutely LOVE listening to the stories that folks of that generation have to tell. You can get great lessons in history. fascinating.
dragon7 and navymommo- thanks for the reply about the smaller ships' homecoming.
We don't have our son home yet but I was wondering if anyone knows: Once a sailor deploys on a particular ship will they typically deploy on that same ship next time?
Hey, Everyone---I really needs all of your prayers going up for: me &my kids. I was just discharge yesterday evening from hospital and now under Drs. Care. I was taken by Ambulance, hooked up to an oxygen tank!
The Medical Staff and Drs. tried to tell me I had a major heart attack and probably a stroke, they need to run tests. I told them go ahead run yours tests, but the Devil is a liar, if he think he's going to take me out!!!!--- I am a child of GOD; No weapons formed against me shall prosper! I laid there rocking, crying & mourning in prayers until my lord put me in his arm to sleep!!! ALL TESTS CAME BACK NEGATIVE!!!! The Medical staff shaking their heads, with disbelief because all the stress tests are saying!! NEGATIVE, NEGATIVE, NEGATIVE!!!! Thank You Lord, Hallelujah!!!! In his name!
Now, they want my primary care Drs. to monitor me for what caused my stresses; I told them: I am a Mama, I am Grand-ma and soon to be a Great-Grandma! I was amongst the other entire Mama, Grandma & Great-Grandma in prayers that GOD please bring the ship back with all of our babies on it ALIVE and SAFE! He did it! And nobody don’t won’t to mess with the “Mama's Gang”, we got invisible wings (and I didn't say Mother because there is a different between the two). Mama’s stay on WATCH!!! AMEN!!
"I AM BACK"!!! Just drain from praying too hard!! The devil thought he had me, but "I AM BACK"!!!! Sisters were you at? :)
Carrie, most deffantly I will Pray for you and tour family! So happy all tests came out negitive! Yes the power of prayer! God listens. Take care. Love you my sister. Get some rest.
Carrie you and your family are in my prayers. You are right mama's stay on watch. So glad all your test were negative. God hears our prayers. Get rest my sister
Hi Ladies!!! Beautiful Homecoming and time with my Sailor!! Feeling so Happy, Loved, and Blessed!! Life is good and God is sure good!! Have a lovely day Navy Sisters!!!
Carrie-It's interesting because I know someone else that had issues (lungs) and all the tests were negative! I know she prayed about the same way you did and you and I know the power in the name Jesus and who has NO authority over it or over you. So it no surprise that both yours and her tests were all negative across the board. So awesome! In the meantime though I wish you a quick recovery and no more illness over stress. Sounds like you have a lot of joy in your life with the kids, grand kids and now greats coming soon!
Carrie I believe in the healing power of Jesus too. PTL for negative test results. Rest up and feel better girl. Praying for a complete recovery with no other issues
Coach Sheila - I am riding back to Norfolk with my sailor and hoping to see the base and ship. Does he just need to be with me to sign me in and escort me?
Hi DarMom! They had the guards at entrance (Masters At Arms). They took our ID's and gave us a clip on badge. He had to be with us every step of the way. Hope you can see the ship!
Carrie thank The Lord it was negative! My husband had a similar experience related to stress. Scared him into becoming healthy!!
Well it was with sweet sorrow to say goodbye to our sailors last night. We were fortunate to have time with family, our son and his friends. What upstanding young people!! We are so proud and our hearts are full.
Carrie, I am so sorry for your stress breakdown. This whole homecoming was very hard on us also. We spent almost 6hours on the pier waiting for our son to come off in the freezing, wind. I had 5 layers off shirts( no cost because I am a dummy) and I was in my wheelchair( arthritis) and we still missed him getting off. We took 250 photos of the ship coming in and finally had to go sit in the car. He is a nuke and they warned us that they are the last ones off. Anyway I spent Sunday night and all Monday morn in a local E.R. With pnuemonia taking I.V. Antibiotics, steroids and breathing treatments. I think if I had just used some sense and stayed in one of the tents ( or the car) I probably would have been fine. I was just so excited to see him, my husband couldn't get me off the pier. The power of Negative Stress is awful. We are still in Norfolk, doing better and having a good visit with our son now. He is still trying to decompress himself and just wants to play video games and eat take out. We have a bunch of them staying in his room(got some roll away beds) and they are having a good time. Back to Utah tomorrow - what an experience- 9 months of worry , whew!
Bigmama so sorry to hear that you have been so sick. I pray you are getting better. I know what you are talking about it was so cold. i got over close to the stands and sit on my walker while i waited on my sailor. Had to use my inhaler once we got in the car and then i slept for a while after taking my pain meds i had knee surgery 2 weeks before homecoming but doing very well now able to get up and move
Bigmama, Hope you are feeling better. that wind was freezing cold! but worth it to see them all come home. Wish we could have met.
pschip, happy you are on the mend! I wish I could have met you too. just so many people, all there to celebrate our sailors coming home!
I am asking for prayers for my girl. On Easter Morning, her Husband left her, he told her it was because she didn't call him enough while deployed! the real reason, I will give you the jest, to much to type...He quit his jobe right after they deployed, told her he quit in Jan. because his boss was a ragging alcholic, spent every penny of her deployment pay, opened credit card in her name, she did not know about, stopped paying the last 2 months on the mortgage, cars, and other bills,.was sleeping with other women, and using drugs. Thank god I was there for her. paid up all the bills for her. She is pressing charges for the credit card,.threw him out, and is working to restoreing her credit. Talked to her command, the SSO, and legal.She can not jeperdize her Security clearance! if there are any of my Navysisters near Augusta Ga. I would love it if you could check on her for me .
catsmom, First of all I adore that picture of you and your daughter! From what you've described of her husband, she is waaaaaaaaaaaay to good for him. He was not a husband to her, at least from what you're sharing, and does not deserve to be treated to what he was dishing out. She is blessed to have such a dependable and caring mom to have her back in this rough time. I too thank God you were there for her and helped her out with the bills etc.. Perhaps in time a nice sailor man? Or someone that will treat her decent. I am soo sorry for the situation. I'm sure she's hurt regardless of his ways. I'm really sorry about that, poor girl. Especially after doing such an honorable service for the country. Not fair but I'll keep her in prayer and trust that all will be well.
Cats mom my heart breaks for your daughter. As sad as it is, sounds like it is for the best he is out of here....what a jerk. I'm praying for all of you.
My girl will have her leave starting next week. Can't wait to spend some more time with her. She has duty every 4 days right now. She will spending the night on the ship again tomorrow night.
Good morning everyone! Praying for all those impacted by the storms this week. We were supposed to leave Michigan today to head towards Norfolk. We have postponed leaving now until tomorrow - hoping to stay behind the storm line. Regardless will are scheduled to reach Norfolk Thursday as my sailor is due back Friday at 0600. I am very concerned about severe weather and flooding on Thursday and it looks now like VA is in the zone for 3-5 inches of rain on Thursday. Has anyone had an experience of weather delay or needing to request a leave extension? I'm not sure this is even possible but wondered what the procedure would be. Of course, my sailor just wants to get back but I don't want to put ourselves in danger in the process. Suggestions??
Good morning Ladies! I haven't been on here in over a week and had a whole lotta catching up to do. Just finally read all the posts. For those of you that got to go to the Homecoming so Happy for you! Ktrsbcvn75 thank you so much for all the great picts you posted on here.You had me bawling like a baby looking at them! I did manage to watch some of the Homecoming live stream at work and was crying tears of joy for you all remembering the last Homecoming when I was there with my family and the wonderful day it was! Carrie and Big Momma so very sorry to hear about your illnesses and glad you are both doing better! Praying for you both to get healthy and stay healthy! Pschip glad to hear you are on the mend. My knee surgery was put off as the gal that I work with up and quit and left us high and dry so to speak. Another 2 gals in out dept. quit and I have a new boss that I had to show how to do all this to. It's been a very interesting few weeks. My son came home on leave but I did not get to take much time off to spend with him because of all this. He understood and since he will be getting out in a few weeks said Mom do what you have to do, I can wait a bit longer to spend time with you. He spent a good portion of his time off visiting 3 colleges anyway close by out of town. We did spend a great weekend together the weekend before Easter and went fishing and had our traditional Easter meal and all we did was hang out the whole weeknd, so I had that. Catsmom so very sorry to hear about your daughter. I don't know if that was you on FACEBOOK site that I commented on, but if not you need to talk to that mother cuz it saounds like the exact situation on there. That made me mad and this does too! What a low-life he was and good riddance to him I say! She is lucky to have such a great supportive mom as you are! My daughter has gone through a somewhat similar situation with her husband recently-long story- but she booted him out too and has two children to take care of. We have been helping her out as much as possible. Lucky my son missed most of this as it happened before he got home cuz he told me it would have been hard for him to restrain himself! This was his bib sister. If you want to talk I am here for you. Sounds like things are settling down again for us all and our sailors are going back from their leaves and back to life in port. I am praying for you all and for your sailors. I have missed being on here, jsut have been so very busy!
does anyone have a phone number for the 2013-2014 Deployment (NA Division) pictures they sent to us through the mail. I mailed it the day before I left for Norfolk and forgot to put a check in it thanks onlymom
Catsmom
Apr 21, 2014
Coach Shelia
Apr 22, 2014
DARmom
Sandman731 - thanks so much for the additional information, this is very helpful. I posted this same question on my FB page and several have suggested going south at Breezewood to avoid DC traffic. I think I might ride along this first time just to help watch for signs and I would like to see the base and his ship. ;-) Thanks to everyone!
Apr 22, 2014
DARmom
Coach Sheila - reading your post just warmed my heart and put a smile on my face. So glad you had such a wonderful visit and great memories. Safe travels my friend...
Apr 22, 2014
jitterbug61
Coach Sheila - I read your post in the car on the way to work this morning (my husband was driving). I thought it was very touching and decided to read it to my husband. When I got to the part "He's safe, healthy & happy", I lost it. My husband did too. That is all we hope for our children.
My daughter came off the ship on Friday too and we had a wonderful weekend with her. She is now back in Norfolk and moving into her very first apartment. This is one Navy Mom who is very happy that both of her sailors (I have a son in San Diego in the Navy) are "safe, healthy & happy".
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with all of us.
Apr 22, 2014
pschip
I hope everyone is enjoying time with your sailors. The days are going by so fast. I just want it to slow down some. I'm enjoying every second i have with him
Apr 22, 2014
LindaD
Hi Everybody! I got my sailor back home safe and sound, for a little while. We got home in time for him to cook the Thanksgiving dinner he missed. He went to bingo with me and my mom. Extra, extra special night at bingo, the firemen served birthday cakes to celebrate Mom's 101st birthday and mentioned that her youngest grandson got home for her parties. We're having her family party on her birthday on Saturday. I'm not sure where I am since I passed Seventh Heaven and Cloud 9 on Friday.
Apr 23, 2014
Coach Shelia
We made it back home at 0115! LOL I can't express the joy I feel inside being in Norfolk! Even if I didn't meet you, I was praying for you! Even if you weren't in Norfolk, but watching the livestream, I was praying for you! My husband and I bumped into LindaD around Seventh Heaven and Cloud Nine! LOL
Apr 23, 2014
dragon7
Coach Shelia, welcome back to Texas. So great to meet you. I'm going to come to Dallas sometime this summer and we will meet for lunch!
It was good to get home but left my heart in Norfolk!
Apr 23, 2014
Coach Shelia
This is clearer picture
Apr 23, 2014
jbird
welcome aboard ZWB/Kathy!
Apr 23, 2014
jbird
Linda D- 101?? That is amazing!! Especially nice that your sailor could be there. I absolutely LOVE listening to the stories that folks of that generation have to tell. You can get great lessons in history. fascinating.
Apr 23, 2014
jbird
dragon7 and navymommo- thanks for the reply about the smaller ships' homecoming.
We don't have our son home yet but I was wondering if anyone knows: Once a sailor deploys on a particular ship will they typically deploy on that same ship next time?
Apr 23, 2014
ZWB/Kathy
Apr 23, 2014
carrie
Hey, Everyone---I really needs all of your prayers going up for: me &my kids. I was just discharge yesterday evening from hospital and now under Drs. Care. I was taken by Ambulance, hooked up to an oxygen tank!
The Medical Staff and Drs. tried to tell me I had a major heart attack and probably a stroke, they need to run tests. I told them go ahead run yours tests, but the Devil is a liar, if he think he's going to take me out!!!!--- I am a child of GOD; No weapons formed against me shall prosper! I laid there rocking, crying & mourning in prayers until my lord put me in his arm to sleep!!! ALL TESTS CAME BACK NEGATIVE!!!! The Medical staff shaking their heads, with disbelief because all the stress tests are saying!! NEGATIVE, NEGATIVE, NEGATIVE!!!! Thank You Lord, Hallelujah!!!! In his name!
Now, they want my primary care Drs. to monitor me for what caused my stresses; I told them: I am a Mama, I am Grand-ma and soon to be a Great-Grandma! I was amongst the other entire Mama, Grandma & Great-Grandma in prayers that GOD please bring the ship back with all of our babies on it ALIVE and SAFE! He did it! And nobody don’t won’t to mess with the “Mama's Gang”, we got invisible wings (and I didn't say Mother because there is a different between the two). Mama’s stay on WATCH!!! AMEN!!
"I AM BACK"!!! Just drain from praying too hard!! The devil thought he had me, but "I AM BACK"!!!! Sisters were you at? :)
Apr 23, 2014
Catsmom
Apr 23, 2014
pschip
Carrie you and your family are in my prayers. You are right mama's stay on watch. So glad all your test were negative. God hears our prayers. Get rest my sister
Apr 23, 2014
pam
Hi Ladies!!! Beautiful Homecoming and time with my Sailor!! Feeling so Happy, Loved, and Blessed!! Life is good and God is sure good!! Have a lovely day Navy Sisters!!!
Apr 23, 2014
Navymom2
Praying for you Ms. Carrie. Be at peace knowing that GOD is in control. Sending you HUGS and more HUGS... stay strong my Sister.
Apr 23, 2014
jbird
Carrie-It's interesting because I know someone else that had issues (lungs) and all the tests were negative! I know she prayed about the same way you did and you and I know the power in the name Jesus and who has NO authority over it or over you. So it no surprise that both yours and her tests were all negative across the board. So awesome! In the meantime though I wish you a quick recovery and no more illness over stress. Sounds like you have a lot of joy in your life with the kids, grand kids and now greats coming soon!
Apr 23, 2014
jbird
sandra-thanks for the info on deployment. wow, 9 so far! I'll get the scoop when we FINALLY get to see our sailor in a couple of weeks.
Apr 23, 2014
jbird
http://www.flixxy.com/the-cat-and-the-ducklings.htm?utm_source=nl
I saw this on animal planet last weekend.
so amazing..
Apr 23, 2014
Coach Shelia
Apr 23, 2014
too tall Joan
Apr 24, 2014
DARmom
Coach Sheila - I am riding back to Norfolk with my sailor and hoping to see the base and ship. Does he just need to be with me to sign me in and escort me?
Apr 24, 2014
DARmom
Carrie - Glad you are doing better! Will continue to pray. God Bless.
Apr 24, 2014
Coach Shelia
Apr 24, 2014
pam
Carrie, hugs and prayers to you Navy Sister!! Congrats too!!
Apr 24, 2014
Coach Shelia
Good morning everyone! I'm still praying and smiling for all of us! Hope you have a great day!
Apr 25, 2014
pam
Beautifully said Coach Sheila!!
Happy Friday Navy Sisters!!!!
Apr 25, 2014
Gaisey
Well it was with sweet sorrow to say goodbye to our sailors last night. We were fortunate to have time with family, our son and his friends. What upstanding young people!! We are so proud and our hearts are full.
Apr 25, 2014
Bigmama
Apr 25, 2014
pschip
Bigmama so sorry to hear that you have been so sick. I pray you are getting better. I know what you are talking about it was so cold. i got over close to the stands and sit on my walker while i waited on my sailor. Had to use my inhaler once we got in the car and then i slept for a while after taking my pain meds i had knee surgery 2 weeks before homecoming but doing very well now able to get up and move
Apr 25, 2014
Catsmom
Apr 25, 2014
Catsmom
Bigmama, Hope you are feeling better. that wind was freezing cold! but worth it to see them all come home. Wish we could have met.
pschip, happy you are on the mend! I wish I could have met you too. just so many people, all there to celebrate our sailors coming home!
I am asking for prayers for my girl. On Easter Morning, her Husband left her, he told her it was because she didn't call him enough while deployed! the real reason, I will give you the jest, to much to type...He quit his jobe right after they deployed, told her he quit in Jan. because his boss was a ragging alcholic, spent every penny of her deployment pay, opened credit card in her name, she did not know about, stopped paying the last 2 months on the mortgage, cars, and other bills,.was sleeping with other women, and using drugs. Thank god I was there for her. paid up all the bills for her. She is pressing charges for the credit card,.threw him out, and is working to restoreing her credit. Talked to her command, the SSO, and legal.She can not jeperdize her Security clearance! if there are any of my Navysisters near Augusta Ga. I would love it if you could check on her for me .
Apr 25, 2014
Navymom2
Praying for you too Catsmom. Luv the pic of two strong women!
Apr 25, 2014
jbird
catsmom, First of all I adore that picture of you and your daughter! From what you've described of her husband, she is waaaaaaaaaaaay to good for him. He was not a husband to her, at least from what you're sharing, and does not deserve to be treated to what he was dishing out. She is blessed to have such a dependable and caring mom to have her back in this rough time. I too thank God you were there for her and helped her out with the bills etc.. Perhaps in time a nice sailor man? Or someone that will treat her decent. I am soo sorry for the situation. I'm sure she's hurt regardless of his ways. I'm really sorry about that, poor girl. Especially after doing such an honorable service for the country. Not fair but I'll keep her in prayer and trust that all will be well.
Apr 25, 2014
Catsmom
Apr 25, 2014
Catsmom
Apr 25, 2014
Catsmom
Apr 25, 2014
pschip
catsmom i'm in north ga if she every just wants to get away for a day or 2 she is welcome in my home anytime
Apr 25, 2014
too tall Joan
Cats mom my heart breaks for your daughter. As sad as it is, sounds like it is for the best he is out of here....what a jerk. I'm praying for all of you.
My girl will have her leave starting next week. Can't wait to spend some more time with her. She has duty every 4 days right now. She will spending the night on the ship again tomorrow night.
Apr 25, 2014
Catsmom
Have fun with your girl Joan, I know you will!
Apr 26, 2014
Coach Shelia
Hello everyone! God Bless You All and Your Navy Loved Ones Today and Forever! Have a wonderful week!
Apr 27, 2014
jbird
Hello Delana and welcome!
Apr 27, 2014
Catsmom
Praying for all involved it the tornadoes, and that all my Navy sisters and families are safe.
Carrie and Bigmama, Praying you are both feeling better.
Apr 28, 2014
DARmom
Good morning everyone! Praying for all those impacted by the storms this week. We were supposed to leave Michigan today to head towards Norfolk. We have postponed leaving now until tomorrow - hoping to stay behind the storm line. Regardless will are scheduled to reach Norfolk Thursday as my sailor is due back Friday at 0600. I am very concerned about severe weather and flooding on Thursday and it looks now like VA is in the zone for 3-5 inches of rain on Thursday. Has anyone had an experience of weather delay or needing to request a leave extension? I'm not sure this is even possible but wondered what the procedure would be. Of course, my sailor just wants to get back but I don't want to put ourselves in danger in the process. Suggestions??
Apr 29, 2014
Carol Ann
Good morning Ladies! I haven't been on here in over a week and had a whole lotta catching up to do. Just finally read all the posts. For those of you that got to go to the Homecoming so Happy for you! Ktrsbcvn75 thank you so much for all the great picts you posted on here.You had me bawling like a baby looking at them! I did manage to watch some of the Homecoming live stream at work and was crying tears of joy for you all remembering the last Homecoming when I was there with my family and the wonderful day it was! Carrie and Big Momma so very sorry to hear about your illnesses and glad you are both doing better! Praying for you both to get healthy and stay healthy! Pschip glad to hear you are on the mend. My knee surgery was put off as the gal that I work with up and quit and left us high and dry so to speak. Another 2 gals in out dept. quit and I have a new boss that I had to show how to do all this to. It's been a very interesting few weeks. My son came home on leave but I did not get to take much time off to spend with him because of all this. He understood and since he will be getting out in a few weeks said Mom do what you have to do, I can wait a bit longer to spend time with you. He spent a good portion of his time off visiting 3 colleges anyway close by out of town. We did spend a great weekend together the weekend before Easter and went fishing and had our traditional Easter meal and all we did was hang out the whole weeknd, so I had that. Catsmom so very sorry to hear about your daughter. I don't know if that was you on FACEBOOK site that I commented on, but if not you need to talk to that mother cuz it saounds like the exact situation on there. That made me mad and this does too! What a low-life he was and good riddance to him I say! She is lucky to have such a great supportive mom as you are! My daughter has gone through a somewhat similar situation with her husband recently-long story- but she booted him out too and has two children to take care of. We have been helping her out as much as possible. Lucky my son missed most of this as it happened before he got home cuz he told me it would have been hard for him to restrain himself! This was his bib sister. If you want to talk I am here for you. Sounds like things are settling down again for us all and our sailors are going back from their leaves and back to life in port. I am praying for you all and for your sailors. I have missed being on here, jsut have been so very busy!
Apr 29, 2014
onlyson2013
does anyone have a phone number for the 2013-2014 Deployment (NA Division) pictures they sent to us through the mail. I mailed it the day before I left for Norfolk and forgot to put a check in it thanks onlymom
Apr 29, 2014
dragon7
Can someone repost the info on ordering a cruisebook?
Apr 29, 2014