Sub Moms

BJA57 - I have a grandson in Groton that will graduate A school on 2/7 and then off to Bangor WA.

Farah - I have a second grandson that just went out on the Albuquerque this is his first deployment.

Both grandson are STS.

Thanks Kaye S for sharing that.  Great wisdom there, but I don't know if I'll be able to keep it together.  Praying hard that I WILL!!!  The drive home will be another story altogether I'm sure!  And then walking into his room once I'm home will be really hard - I think I'll probably just lay down and ball, wrapped up in his comforter with his scent on it.  Am I the only crazy Mom who would do this?!

Oh, and welcome BJA57 & Farah!  This is a great group of women (and some nice men like William) to help you through!

Had my son's father, stepmother and sister here for our bon voyage dinner.  Made all my son's favorites:  meatloaf, cheesy potatoes, raspberry jello mold, fruit salad, corn, Pillsbury crescent rolls and chocolate chunk cheesecake for dessert.  Lots of comfort food!  Somehow though, it didn't give me all that much comfort.  Keep thinking of him leaving tomorrow, and wondering how in the world I'm going to hold myself together.  This is my only child - it's been just him and me for many years til I got re-married a little over a year ago.  I don't know where else to go to pour my feelings out, so thank you for being there and listening.  We'll pick my son's father up at 5 AM and head to the airport for my son's 6:30 AM flight.  Hopefully I'll survive this and be back here sometime soon.  Again, thank you for all the support I've received from you ladies.  It's truly been a lifeline at times.

Patrick'smom- I'll keep you, your son, and your family in my prayers. I definitely know its not easy to say good bye. I pray that you may come to be a peace without having your son at home (or near you). It is definitely a transition. Just remember, no matter how many miles apart you maybe from one another, the heart can span the miles in an instant. =)  Especially, if the lines of communication are always open. Don't forget you will be able to e-mail, Skype, or talk to your son on the phone. I know it is not as good as having your son home for a visit. But, it is one way to stay close to one another across the miles. In the meantime, hold strong to your Faith, and know that you have other Navy Moms you can 'talk' to when you are feeling down.

KathyM-  I hope your son will receive his surgeries ASAP, without any delays. I also hope that after his surgeries his wounds will heal well, and that he will recover promplty. So, that he may return to his boat and to the job he loves so much. My prayers will be with your son, you and your family too.

BJA57-Welcome to the group. I have a son stationed at Groton. But, he is currently on deployment

Just got home from the airport, and you ladies would have been proud of me - I only got teary eyed!  We picked his Dad up on our way, and once we got to the airport things had to happen really quick.  (Probably was the best thing).  Patrick checked his bags, and then had to get through Security.  With just an hour before his flight was to leave, we figured he should probably go through right away.  Sooooo, we each got to give him a big hug, exchange I love yous, and off he went to embark on his new Navy adventure.  I don't really think it's hit me yet that he's gone, and I'm not going to go into his room for a while.

I can't tell you how much it meant to me to log on here and see all your encouraging messages.  Thank you OkSuzy, susank, Lisbeth, Wazzy and Rebecca K.  You really have helped to uplift this Navy Mom.  I appreciate all your sentiments and prayers more than you know. It's so heartwarming to know through these upcoming days when it does really hit me that my son is gone and I have no idea when I will see him again, that I can come here and share, knowing I will be talking to Moms who know exactly how I feel.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Patrick's mom.. thoughts are with you.. it is tough.. both my sons are in the Navy and left within 3 months of each other.. they were my last two home and the house is just too quiet now..And I agree with you that the ladies (and gents) on here make me feel like a second family is looking out for me.. Have a wonderful week :) 

Thank you ladies once again for your prayers and encouragement.  I WILL get through this!  He is now on a long 10 hour flight which left from Atlanta and is direct to Honolulu.  He is 6'4" tall, so I'm praying he was either able to upgrade to 1st class, or at least get a seat in one of those type of rows behind 1st class where you have no seat in front of you, rather extra leg room.  Nancy, I could totally relate to your sentiments when Aaron left.  I guess since we both only have one child the feelings are very much the same.  I haven't cried yet, but plan to wait until Tuesday (my day off) to go into his room to pack up some of his things.  I have a feeling that's when I'll be able to let go when I'm home alone and have the time and space to just allow myself to FEEL!  Today has been pretty busy.  My husband took me out to breakfast, we went bowling with friends afterwards, and now I just made brownies and a spinach artichoke dip to take to friends for the Superbowl.  Thank heavens today is a day full of activity!  Of course I'll rest easier once I know his flight has safely landed in Hawaii.  I do know the Lord is holding him in his everlasting arms, and that knowledge alone gives me much peace.

danagagirl - both sons leaving within 3 months of each other!  Wow! That must have been tough!  I agree, finding N4M has been such a blessing.  I truly do not think I would have come this far with my sanity intact without all the wonderful ladies I've been blessed to get to know here!

Newsubmom, thank you for your wonderful suggestions.  Once I can really think clearly again, I will definitely consider journaling.  And a trip to Hawaii...most definitely planning on that, but have no idea when quite yet.  I will most definitely keep you and your son in prayer as he faces decisions on what path to take next in his Navy career.

susank, I feel like you're my cheerleader!  Thanks for your spirited encouragement!!!  I am a born-again Christian and will be visiting the Chrisitian moms and prayer sites often!

Just want all you ladies to know I will be adding all your sons and YOU to my prayer list!  Thank you again for all you've said to uplift me at this emotional time.

Nancy, that's EXACTLY what I needed to hear:  "Promise, it will get better".  Hugs back atcha girl!  Thank you!

Thought I'd share a pic with you ladies. It was taken the day we arrived at Navy Lodge in Groton, CT for Patrick's graduation from A-School a couple of weeks ago.

Patrick's Mom, what a great picture. I've been sitting here reading everyone's posts and trying not to cry. I have one son in Pensacola and his best friend, who I consider my other "son" is in Groton. I spent last night baking cookies to send to them both (my son in Pensacola requested them and a pillowcase for his new roommate). It will be a while until I experience the deployments but I am going to remember some of the suggestions that have been posted here for when that time comes. My son's best friend, Luke, is a MM in Groton and I will admit I really don't know much about what he is going through but he seems to be happy with his choice.

Nancy, Luke has been my son's best friend since 2nd grade. He lost his father several years ago so he moved in with us.  Both of them joined in their senior year of high school. My son is a rescue swimmer. I am so proud of both of them making the decision to join the Navy. They both seem to be happy with their choices so, while I miss having them around, I think it was a great decision on their part.

Patrick's Mom... I have one son that is Japan.. non-sub.. and it will be 3 years before I see him :( that has been the hardest.. my sub son is only an hour away and most weekends he comes home... so that is a blessing.. 

Have a wonderful week everyone! 

Patrick's Mom!  Your pic is beautiful.  I have one sub son stationed in Groton.  Being we are in AZ, that is over 2500 miles away, so haven't seen him for quite awhile.  I send a little package whenever I can.  Not sure who enjoys it more, me making it or him receiving it. hehe

Hey Jodi-My son is an MM too like your son's friend, Luke. He's on the USS Springfield & is out on his 1st 6 month deployment. I like to meet other people who are in the same "boat." lol

Hey Everybody, I'm heading to Groton on the 15th! My son Bill is an ST (sonar tech). We live in southern NJ so I am taking his car up to him so he can come home when he has liberty. Can't wait to see him. I only got about 7 hours with him after his PIR on 1/18. Miss him sooo much.

Patricks Mom - agree with everyone that the pic is fantastic.  Definitely a framer!  Proud of you, and who knows?  Maybe a trip to the Aloha state is in your future! Debbiidoodah -have a great time!  It's so much fun to see them again isn't it?  I always feel like my heart is going to jump right out of my chest when I first see him but still can't reach him.  LOL - it's a weird feeling and it makes me feel like crying every time, but then I get there and that is the best hug yet!  When my son was in Groton, we took his car to him too.  It was a good decision for him, so I'm sure your son will be grateful!  Safe travels to all!

Hi Patrick's Mom, how was the Navy Lodge? I didn't know about it till I saw your post.

Thank you ladies for all your kind comments on my pic with my boy!  I'd LOVE to see pics of you and yours too! 

Jodi, how nice that you make your son and his buddy care packages.  I'm sure they are MUCH appreciated!

danagagirl, how difficult that must be for you with your son being even farther away in Japan.  I work with a girl whose son joined the Navy after mine did, and he is now stationed in Japan as well.  He was able to come home just after Christmas for a couple of weeks, so I sure hope yours might be able to do that next Christmas.  Very glad in light of that, you have one son who is able to come home often.  I know that doesn't make up for not seeing the other one, but it must bring you some comfort.

NavyMom2008, it's so hard having them sooooo far away isn't it?  It certainly does give us the opportunity though to make those care packages, which I'm sure I will do too.  And...I know exactly what you mean - I bet we Moms have even more fun making them!

BJA57, Lifting prayers for safe travel tomorrow for your #1 son, and how exciting you have a return date for son #2!  I am totally with you - so proud of our boys and their choice to serve our great country!

Debbidoodah, how exciting you have a trip planned to see your boy, and so understand about how much you miss him!  Navy Lodge in Groton is an EXCELLENT place to stay.  Can't say enough about how great they are. My son was in Groton for close to a year, and we were blessed to visit him there several times.  We stayed at Navy Lodge each and every trip but one, when they were totally booked.  Highly recommend!

KathyM, a trip to Hawaii is definitely in the future, I just wish I knew exactly when!  I'm right with you with the feelings you shared about each time you see your son after a long while.  You just can't get your arms around them fast enough!!!

Again ladies, thank you for ALL your support!  It's been a lifeline.  Tomorrow may be a tough day.  I haven't opened the door to my son's room since he left, but tomorrow is my day off and I need to go in to clean, and put things in order that he left me.  Expecting to "get it all out" and have a good cry!

Lisbeth, how true that is!  Praise God that child is now back with his mother - I hadn't heard that latest news!  I like your idea about a visit jar!  I'm going to start one with my extra pennies too!

Oh, and how could I forget to let you know Patrick did arrive safely in Hawaii last night.  Thank you again for any prayers you lifted for him!

Patrick's mom.. it has been tough with one so far away.. and the other one close.. It does bring up some of that sibling rivalry still.. but it's all good.. working on a care package for the one in Japan now.. have a wonderful day 

Hi everyone its been a while since I've been on.  Just an update our son who is station in Hawaii on the USS Cheyenne and out on deployment called us to inform us that he received his new orders. This September he will be station in ITALY. We are so happy for him. He is so happy to get this. We will miss him so but its a great excuse to take a trip out there :)

Congratulations to your son Gloria on his new assignment in Italy!  That would be an amazing trip I'm sure!!!

Nancy, where is your son stationed, and where are you?  I'm so sorry it's been so long since you've seen him.  That just makes my heart ache for you.  Glad to know you are able to skype with him.  My husband and I need to purchase a camera for that purpose so we can do the same.

I just talked to my son and feel really bad. He is never depressed or anxious but he just sounded so defeated. He usually has a plan to get what he needs and I know I need to let him figure things out for himself. He has been working his packet and needs 3 signatures. He's been trying for two days without success.

Hey Nancy, where in SW Florida are you?  I am in Sarasota.  My heart breaks for you, it's been way too long since you've seen your son :-(

Debbie, what packet is your son working on?  I am new to all this.  Our son is just getting ready to leave for Groton.  

Everyone have a wonderful day!

Debbi-I have been exactly where you are. Our sailor had at least 2 bouts of hard times when he first got to Groton. Once he was calling us like every hour, begging us to come & get him-it rips your heart out! I understand & you're right-you have to let them figure it out but it's so hard cause as Moms we want to make it all better. It will work out for him. I do a lot more praying than I used to & I'll say an extra one for your son. Take care!

You guys have me dreading the day when our son (only child) finally deploys ... we've been able to spend lots of time with him so far in his 2 1/2 yrs thru nuke school... now in Groton in nuke welding school til end of March.. only 4 hrs away and has been home for several weekends. Loving it!

Oh Nancy, from one corner of the country to the other!  Sure hope a day comes VERY soon when you will have your boy and home and in your arms again!

Debbidoodah, I know how hard it is to hear they're struggling, but I PROMISE you, having to figure it all out on his own will make him a stronger and more responsible man!  Hang in there Mama!  He WILL do it!

By the way Nacy and OkSuzy, I LOVE your home state of Florida!  So pretty there!

Connie, you've certainly been very lucky during the time your son has been in the Navy to have him so close!  Mine is my only child too, so believe me I'm now going to learn how hard it is to have him so far away in Hawaii.  We live in upstate NY, and were blessed to travel to Connecticut several times while he was in Groton.  Now if we see him once a year, I think we will be lucky.  I honestly can't even go there yet, or I'd be a mess of tears and wouldn't even be able to go to work or probably do ANYTHING!!!  I keep telling myself one day at a time, and with God's help, I WILL get through this!

Hi Patrick's Mom and Popeye's Mom, thanks for the encouragement. He was having a bad day but today all is right with the world again. You are right, I need to let him struggle a bit, it will make him a better man. Thanks for the prayers.

Hi OkSuzy, when the boys arrive, they have to do a scavenger hunt, visit the Navy museum and stand watches then have a variety of signatures to gain privlidges like wearing civilian clothes, being able to leave base, ect. When they first arrive, it's like being in bootcamp but with technology (having ipods & phones ect). Everyone is trying to finish their packet so there is competition for the watches. My son wound up knocking them out at night while people were sleeping to get it done. All he needed were the signatures and he had some difficulty getting them so he was fairly frustrated.

I am so happy to be going up to Groton for a visit. Counting the days till my hug & will be making the cookie batter Friday for some baking during the weekend for him! He has already given me a mile long list of what he wants from home.

So happy to have such a nice group of women to talk with!

Debbidoodah, so glad to hear things are better, and also so glad you are here with us!

Terri, how proud you must be of all your son has accomplished in his 3 years!  Congratulations on raising a son who has become a leader!

Oh, and thank you for your kind offer to go to Hawaii to check up on Patrick, if need be.  I may hold you to that!!!

Hey all you fabulous Florida Moms.......PLEASE consider joining Molly's Adopt A Sailor for a packing party for the troops on Feb. 16 at the Army Navy Garrison in Largo, Florida. We would LOVE to have you join us. More details in "Events" or send me a message.

When we all work together, we make a mighty force to support our heroes!!

You will have fun...........guaranteed!!!!

Linda-I'll send you to Florida if you send me to Groton. I would love to be able to participate in the things the FRG does-lol! I feel like I'm missing out by not being on or near the base.

Debbi-So glad to hear your sailor is feeling better! I had & still have to get used to the ups & downs. I think of it like the waves since it's the Navy-lol! Another sailor who has been in longer told me once to tell him to get a girlfriend-well, around Christmas he did & they were inseparable til he left-lol! This is his 1st serious girlfriend that we know of & it really helps him to have someone else to think about, write, etc. besides family. :)  Maybe you could pray for a lady for your son-lol! Take care!

Texted my son in Groton .. Nemo is now being called a monster storm ... he thinks it's funny that I'm urging him to buy some water bottles, an extra blanket, snacks ... ha, he should see the preparations I'm making here in PA where we'll get only 5 inches!! (in my defense, it's a farm so if power goes out, so do the heat lamps, water, etc ) I am a champion worrier, but that did not rub off on my son, sigh.

I am worried sick about this storm.  I have a grandson there that graduates from A School today and is planning on leaving tomorrow and driving from Groton to Bangor WA where he will be stationed.  He is from Arizona so he does not have a lot of experience driving in the snow.

Here is Nashua they are forecasting more than two feet of snow.  If you look at the national weather map there is a small region on  the map that is 24"+ and that is right where I live.

Weather isn't too bad in NY but it sure took a long time to get home yesterday! Hope that those in new England are faring well. We got probably a foot and 1/2 but that's pretty normal for upstate NY. Looks like a snowglobe today....