Japan Moms

Mommy was packing and Tahlia decided she wanted to come see Nana!  

Adorable

Blondie, So cute.

Blondie, that is adorable.

I feel like I was hit by a truck with this chemo.  Getting a lot done on the couch.  Setting up an early Christmas present for grandson.  A child Ipad with all his shows for the plane ride to Japan.  First care package for deployed son.  Emails and faxes to new doctors in Maryland for youngest.  Phoning brain cancer facilities to see where he can go January 1st with new insurance.  Of course, working from home too.

Big strong Navy Mom Hugs

Hi

Kim. Now you are awesome and dedicated to family and work. BUT - please - do have some "Me Time". You count too. I am trying to picture a big pin at the top of your foot. That has to have a reason. I hope it helps you heal faster and its just not added means to get W--Fi. Sending Reiki to you and son. Looking forward to hearing stories from your Grandson in Japan.

Blondie - You are still outdoing that Energizer Bunny. If I ever find a stuff one - I am sending it to you! How precious is that granddaughter. So is she all packed to get to Grandma? And please keep us posted on how the medical situation goes.

Hi Maggs :). How are things for you lately. would love to hear an Angel story.

Welcome aboard new Moms. Hope you are hearing from you sailors and yes, its so much fun creating surprises in those boxes. and pack them full! I am getting one ready for my sailor in Sasebo - a Halloween one. Mail it on this coming Monday and a second one the following Monday - birthday stuff.

oh, my sailor - he put his USA cell phone on hold with his carrier and purchase a Japan one and plan. cheaper.  And I know this will sound funny to you new moms, but - honest it is true. You will hear that ring and you will KNOW its your sailor.

Sorry I have been doing extra work for Scout Reach. Plus, everyone here has been ill. Hubby has been the last one with walking pnemonia. He is back to work now - but that darn cough is still here.

Today, Papa and Yaya took Riker out to an open house for a fire station. Did he have a great time. then  off to Troops' 123 pumpkin sale -- IN a down pour!!! We got soak - well not Riker - his rain coat kept him dry adn warm - But not Pap and Yaya - we two looked like drowned cats. OOPS - sorry Angel. Riker picked out a pumpkin over 20 pounds. then to McDonalds and then grocery shopping. He is still out shopping with his parents - Halloween costume. I will post pics later.

And then this last Friday morning - my dil came home early from work. She came in and dropped to the floor and told me she had been throwing up the last mornings - but this morning was aweful!  I look at her adn gentle asked Are you pregnant?  Answer - I don't know. Hey as soon as I know you all will!

 Hey - got to run. Hubby finished dinner.  A Frozen pizza is done.  hugs all

Hi - just checking in

Hope everyone is well hugs

Hello all, 

Wishing my Sailor had a ship to address.  His ship is getting repaired and he is on base and tells me don't worry about it.  I do get to face time him thought.  Have a great weekend everyone

Welcome Sasysweet.  Your son should definitely apply for a civilian passport while he is him if he doesn't have one.  He doesn't need one, but a passport opens up a lot of leisure travel opportunities, and is vital in case of emergency if that happens when he is out of country.  You should have one too.

Where in Japan?  We have several bases there.  Winter is coming, he should get some lightweight longjohns, good socks, and a pair of gloves if he is going to Yokosuka.  Okinawa is semi-tropical, so no need for there.  If he is going to a ship, he should bring a sleeping bag for his rack.  

Hello, I have not posted in this group in a long time. My son is no longer in Japan. He has been in Hawaii for two years now. I still read and follow almost daily…once a Pan Mon always a Pan Mom…right.

I am posting because I am in need of a safe place to find some answers. My son drop a boom shell on us and gave very little details. He told us “I didn’t make weight and will be discharge from the Navy.” He did indicate that it would be and honorable discharge and he would keep his benefits. But, he also said he didn’t know much yet.

It has been a few days now and I haven’t heard any more from him. I don’t want to put additional pressure on him right now, so I’m hoping someone here could enlighten me on what this will mean for him. Or perhaps know where I can go to find answers.

I have so many questions…  How long before separation takes place? Will the navy move him and his new wife back to the mainland? Can he get assistance in finding a job? Will he retain his GI bill and other benefits? 

I am so sorry to hear this.  Not making weight is not a one time thing, he had to fail the testing several times for them to consider separation.  He will keep his GI Bill, and should file with the VA immediately after he gets out.  Do not delay dealing with the VA even though they can be slow and frustrating.  They can provide vocrehab if his medical record review gives him a certain disability rating.  RIGHT THIS MINUTE he should go to medical to get any and everything documented, even skin conditions or hemorrhoids.  It all adds up at the VA.  He should go through a TAPS class, which lets them know how the separation process works, and how to go about job searching.  He probably will qualify for GS (government service) jobs, and those provide near-military benefits.

Yes, he will be moved back to his HOR/CONUS, with a complete HHG packout and travel pay.  If he has leave on the books he can take terminal leave or turn it in for money.  He will be offered a COBRA bridge insurance, although I'd need to look at Tricare.mil to see how much that costs.  

Separation can be a long process.  Not sure how long, but I do know it is not quick initially.  

Thank you so much Anti M for the info. I had a feeling this wasn’t the first time he didn’t make weight and/or measurement. He has always had a weight issue (our whole family does.)  Prior to boot camp, while in delayed entry, he didn’t make weight.  But he would pass the tape measurement. I believe the only time his weight was not a problem was in boot camp.  He sounded so distraught when he gave me the news. I believe he had just gone through weigh in.  He said he missed the measurement by less than an inch. I will definitely encourage him to go to medical and get a thorough check up.

He has been in the navy for 6 years now and would have been up for re-enlistment in September 2018. He is a newlywed (married 3 months) and was not planning to re-enlist. Our new daughter-in-law just left active duty (navy) this past June. She just enlisted as active reserves and I think he was hoping to do the same. So he is just getting out a few months early, and moving on to the next phase of life a bit sooner and a little differently than expected. Hey, who knows, just maybe things move smoothly and perhaps I could be joining the grandma club soon. hahaha

I am so thankful to Navy for Moms; this site has been so helpful to me the past 6 years. It has gotten me through all the phases of a Navy Mom’s life. It has seen me through boot camp, a failed attempt at nuke school, IT school, 3 years in Japan, and now separation. I will stick around for a while and help other moms when I can. Thank you Pan Moms you are a wonderful group.

Hi Moms,    My son has been in Japan since August 2016. He mentioned that he put in for leave in early January. I hope he gets it. I'm wondering how he will go about getting a plane ticket and how long they will grant him. Does anyone know how this works? We don't get to talk much since he is ongoing quite a lot.

Wheatonpup if I remember correctly each leave period is two weeks long, so that is the maximum time and travel time has to be figure in that as well. I believe we had 10 days with our son the other days were used to allow for travel because of the time difference between US and Japan.

Thanks Navyfan & JDMK,  I'm wondering if the Navy has some sort of help for the guys to make their travel plans.  Or do they just go online to Priceline or one of those sites themselves?

@Sasysweet, he should try to pick one up before he leaves, or have you mail one to him.  They're hard to come by in Japan.

As for leave, they all earn 30 days a year.  Each command sets the policy for how long they can take leave, two weeks is simply the most common amount.  There are other variables such as who else can do their job.  The New Guy has a lower priority than those who have been at the command who have not been able to take leave, as those days can expire after a couple years.   They book and pay for their own airfare, although MWR does have a travel agency on every base if they care to compare prices.  

Well, its been over a week since daughter got married. She was worried nothing was going to get finished, but it did. I took an old ring bearer pillow, sailor had at his godmother wedding, and revamped it for daughter. "something old". I took an old wire basket, and made it into a flower girl basket.

wheatonpup, my son was in Japan 3 years and came home twice. He used priceline to book his flights. I was amazed at how well he handled shopping for the best rates, booking, and the hassle of air travel. The USO is also very helpful if there is a long lay over.

Hi Everyone,  Just wanted to stop in and thank everyone for just being there.  Knowing that you guys are out there is a great comfort.

Judy

Agreed thank you for all that you all do

HI

 Finally I got back in!

Must be ghost playing around in teh computer again.

Maggs- how beautiful and  how creative you are. Hope the wedding was all she hoped for. Share some more pics if you can. How did Angel like the wedding?

New Moms - I been here for a long while and I still am learning things. Anti M and Kim are awesome ladies.

One thing for new sailors going over - put their cell phone on hold with their service. Most services do when they are aware of military service. Purchase a cell in Japan and one of their plans - cheaper and works great. Yes, to sleeping bag and long johns if they are stationed at a base that has cold weather.

Wish I had some gossip - grandson is doing fine  and loving his day care. He calls it school. He loves cooking class. But no gossip from my sailor and no - I am not going to be a grandma again. OH well, just keep spoiling the one I have

Wish all a good evening  hugs.

I need some advice.

I just found out that my sisters husband is going to die in the next few days, maybe 2 weeks. My son is deployed. My brother-in-law has cancer and underwent a bone marrow transplant last spring. My son knows that this was possible, but it will still upset him.

I considered contacting the Ombudsman to see if someone could tell him in person instead of me sending an email. I am worried that they will scare him because I have breast cancer and his youngest brother has brain cancer and he'll think this is about us.

I also considered sending an email telling him that we are fine, but his uncle is back in the hospital and then have them tell him at the death.

I am hoping that if I go through the ombudsman that they will help him make a phone call to his aunt and cousins in Canada whenever possible.

I would contact the Ombudsman, they can give you advice, and help him through this.  Or help you tell him what is going on. That is what they are there for. You are all going through a lot right now, and Navy advice will put your mind at ease. :) Best of luck Kim.

As you all need cheering up, I witnessed a Ménage à trois in my back yard..

OMG, have a blessed weekend

If you go through the Red Cross, they will have someone contact him in person, usually a chaplain or someone in his leadership.  

HI

 Agree with Anti M - go through Red Cross.

Sorry Kim to hear that you have so much on your plate to deal with. I know you are so strong , but I am wishing for you to have some sunny days of fun.  Gentle hugs.

Gee- Maggs - in your back yard?  They do make a lovely couple thought - only thing - did you stay around for the feast? She does have great meal - him! Hows Angel?

Sorry, my thoughts are going a mile minute here.

Halloween for so busy with treaters and Riker loved handing out the treats. But he did want to go trick or treating too. He KNOWS know you get candy. WE had so MANT  treaters too - in the cold damp night . The did not stop them at all.

We have had rain for the last week! Only one day of sun - yesterday. And it is back to rain today. That lovely cold damp feeling too.

Right now - I things here are stressful . My husband's brother passed away on November 1, 2017. That brain tumor that was removed last November came back with revenge. At least my hubby was able to be with his brother when he left. Funeral is this coming Tuesday.  He is no longer in pain.

Hey - need to split all I am wishing for sunny days for all here and for something wonderful to happen - JUST for you hugs

Not much chatter right now... I would like to thank everyone who is the Mother of a veteran. No one knows what we go through except other mothers of veterans.  Hugs all around.

And thank you all for this Support Group.  God Bless and Keep all Safe

Just want to pass on, that hubby has some pain right now.. Never had pain before. He had a ct scan, will keep you updated.

Sending healing energy, maggs.  And hugs.

Hello All,

Question my Sailor is stationed in Japan since Oct 2017.  His ship is the USS John McCain.  He is living on base until the ship is repaired.  I asked him if I could send him a box of goodies for Christmas and he said he really doesn't have an address and that he kinda does but it's complicated and he doesn't think I can send food.  The thought of him not opening something on Christmas makes me sad.  Any thoughts?

Thank you and God Bless

My son is on the McCain.  Who is your son?  WE also have a FB group for McCain families.  Are you on FB?  I have mailed several packages to my son who is living in TPU.

Hi,  How can I get on that one.  I've joined so many.  My head is spinning.  I'm on FB.  He is Sodano in Yokosuka Japan.  How long has your son been on the McCain?

Forgot to ask what is your son's name

my son is in Yokosuka - on the Chancellsorville.  Just send to the address for his ship.  He's been there for 2 years now and gets everything we send, whether he's at sea or on base when they're docked.  Hugs to you guys!

Yea, I'm waiting for him to give me that.  He's not very informative.  Thank you

Chanel - my son didn't give it to me either - I finally had to locate on the navy.mil website.  Crazy kid.  :)

Good to know thank you

I think  you and I have texted before.  Send me a text to 2145499974,anad we can get you taken care of on FB.

HI

 Maggs ? Update yet? You ok too?  Reiki Energy flowing for him.

Blondie - you have been quiet - not like you girl friend. Check in.

You can send food. I have sent home made cookies. You just need to pack them correctly and have the address. Let us know you get an address and he gets his package.

Not trying to scare you about mailing packages - but - sometimes those packages will take a detour. That appears to have happened with on of our son's. STILL  has not gotten one of the two boxes we sent. I still believe he will get it though. And this doe NOT happen a lot. In all my sailor's 10 years - this is the only wayward package.

Kim - you doing ok?

The only new thing of gossip I have is I learned over teh weekend I have diverticultis, not a pulled muscle. OUCH !

Wish all a good weekend. hugs

Angel has been released by her surgeon :) She will be getting better by the week, She is still afraid of bubbles, but getting adventurous. She is climbing on back of the couches, playing hid and seek her way.. Hide and hit the walked by's ankles with a paw.  Then run and hide again. She is eating more, but her activity level is keeping her weight down. I am so happy for her to be a normal cat. 

Hubby's reports are not good!  Will know more on the 21st.

Good news about Angel.  Prayers for your husband.

I am doing good.  Finished chemo 3 weeks ago and waiting for my hair to grow back.  I start radiation and estrogen blocking drugs next week.  I will be getting IV Herceptin until next summer every 3rd Monday.

My sister is coming for Thanksgiving (not Canadian holiday).  My youngest (brain cancer) is coming home, my middle son just bought a house in my neighborhood and we will all take pictures for my deployed son.

Speaking of pictures...My dil sent me some from Japan.  I will post some here.