A week from tomorrow!

[NavyMom93 (DIV: 823)]

I can't believe it will be a week from tomorrow and I will see my son!!! 

It seemed like such a long time ago that I watched him turn and go into the hotel after we said goodbye, but it also seems so short at the same time. I marked the weeks by the mail and got mad when there was a holiday that the mail didn't run because it made it one day later for me to get my letter from him. I still read them all.

I can't wait to see him march in with his division, head held high with pride. I'm sure the tears will flow and that's ok. For once I will welcome them (I already have the tissues). I can't wait to hug him and tell him in person how proud I am of him. I tell him in every letter but being able to say it in person....priceless! I can't wait to hear all the stories he has to share and laugh with him. I can't wait to have a meal with him. The hardest part will be letting him go again that evening and know it will be Christmas before we get to see him again. The up side...more communication!!!

What I've learned in the past 7 weeks...

1. No news is good news! If I haven't heard anything bad then nothing bad has happened, "it's all good" as he would say.

2. Patience is a virtue! I've learned how to lean on others instead of keeping things to myself. Believe me, that one was hard! My ex didn't share any information so I had to find out alot of it on my own and that took patience!

3. Not everyone's opinion matters! Some people will chastise us for our emotions and our relationship with our kids, let it go, they don't matter. Validate your emotions, write what makes you feel better and make friends with those that will help you build yourself back up in this difficult time, not tear you down. After all, we aren't the ones in boot camp, we don't need tore down and built back up, we just have to learn to cope.

4. The biggest thing I've learned...I'm not alone! The friends I've made here will be with me through it all and I will be with them.

I've learned alot more than what I've written, but these things are the top of the list.

What does most of this have to do with a week from tomorrow? Mainly to let new moms know that there is light at the end of the short tunnel and it doesn't take long to get there. It may seem long but it's really not. Keep busy, write letters daily and allow yourself to feel any emotion that comes up. It won't be long until you can say....

A week from tomorrow!

Warm Hugs to All!!! 

 

 

11/5/11 

WE HAVE A SAILOR FOR A SON!!!!! He called at 5:19pm (4:19 his time) and sounded so wonderful!!! I asked him about the capping ceremony and he said it was really cool except when he fell asleep standing up. He said he woke up as he was falling backward into the guy behind him. He also said he wasn't the only one to do that either. He didn't give out alot of information but he did tell some funny stuff. He was eating a twinkie, had M&M's infront of him and was drinking something, I think he said it was a mocha something coffee...his favorite! As he put it "I'm having the best junkie deliciousness and enjoying every minute of it!"

I can't tell you how wonderful it was to hear his voice. It was rather eerie though. I had the phone sitting beside the paper towels on the counter and I looked at it and said "Ring Darnit!" and not even five seconds later, it did! I think I blew his ear out when I answered it. I don't think I even gave him a chance to say "Hi Mom!" It was like the questions started flying and I couldn't stop them. I asked if he made it through and he said "Of Course I did" and was kind of laughing when he said it. After we talked and he had to hang up, the real emotions started. Our daughter was the only one home and I went in search of her for a hug and a shoulder to cry on because I was so happy. She was crying too.

It wasn't until later that I remembered I had some things to ask him. Oh well, guess I can ask him when I see him. I even had a notebook infront of me to write down what he said! Should have written those questions down. My advise to all of you Moms who will have son's/daughter's going through BS soon....write down what you want to ask because believe me, once you hear his voice....there is no memory of those questions, LOL.

5 MORE DAYS AND I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Warm Hugs to all!!!

[Babette-Zack's Mom]

Thank you for that, I really needed it.  My son Zack will be shipping out for bootcamp in 4 days, 14 hours, and 35 minutes.  I am already in tears as time counts down.  I am proud of what he is doing and look forward to seeing him graduate in January from BC.  I have people always telling me I need to let go.  I guess no one really understands unless they are going through it.  I have a very supportive husband and family and that is a tremendous help.  I am gonna keep a journal while he is gone which several people have recommended.  I am glad yu will be getting to see your son.  I know you are so very proud of him.  Enjoy your time with him.  I know you are excited.  We have every reason to be very proud of out sons and what they have accomplished and are about to accomplish...Good luck...

[DisneyDebi (02/903)]

So So SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy for you!  I can't believe its here already!  I hope you will stay on the site and we can keep in touch and let each other know how our boys are doing ;) - or better yet, send me a message privately with your email address and we can keep in touch that way.  You were one of the first people to reach out to me, and you always had such great things to say to me to make me feel better!  You have a special place in my heart.

[NavyMom93 (DIV: 823)]

Babette - Stop counting the days until your son leaves, start counting the days until he will graduate. It will not only be easier but it will help. If I had had someone tell me that, my son's leaving may not have been so hard. It was still hard but maybe it wouldn't have been that hard. You will have your up days and your down days. The important thing is, let yourself have them. I will always be here with a kind word and always have all the boys and moms in my prayers.

DisneyDebi - I am so sorry I haven't written you lately. I guess I've been a little wrapped up in horses, my daughter and writing my son. Now that the stables are closed for the season and my daughter is getting better (strep & flu at the same time) I should have more time to keep up with everyone. How have you been? I will always be here when you need me and I will definately message you my email :)

Warm Hugs To Both of You!!!!

[Invisible12]

NavyMom93 - it's been one hellava ride!!!!!  Couldn't have made it this far without you.  Crazy how many things can happen in 8 short weeks.  THE COUNTDOWN IS ON BABY !!!!!!!  They're going to KICK ASS!!!!!!

[NavyMom93 (DIV: 823)]

Invisible - It has been one hellava ride!!! I think you and I have pulled each other through this. It is hard to believe, looking back now, that it's only been 8 weeks, LOL. I'm so proud of our boys and you're right....they are going to KICK ASS!!! Thank you for being there for me. Warm Hugs and Lots of Love!!!

[paces]

NavyMom93..  Got a letter today.  Our SR said he was given the option to complete bootcamp in RCU or rejoin a unit.  They may take him out of his brace on Tuesday and begin physical therapy. I don't know how long he has before he must give an answer.  He said even the people who are supposed to know cannot answer his questions.  He wants to make the decision that will allow him to keep his EOD contract. Noone seems to be able to tell him how graduating from RCU would affect that. Also, he said completing the training is much easier with the units than by yourself in the RCU.  But, we (Mom and Dad) aren't sure where he will re-enter bootcamp and if the leg will be strong enough by then to endure.  Do you have any information or experience that might help? Thanks for your shoulder.

[NavyMom93 (DIV: 823)]

Hey Paces, I'm glad you got a letter! Physical therapy will help strengthen the muscles and that will help. I don't have experience in this or alot of information. I just know when I went through physical therapy it made things easier for my spine. I am assuming the same thing will apply for his leg. Exercise does help strengthen bone. As far as his decision, all you can do is hope that he takes all the information given to him and makes the right decision for himself. I know that's not alot of help and probably not what you want to hear either. I wish I could help you more than just offering a shoulder which is available any time you need it!!! You both are in my prayers as well as your son. Warm Hugs!!!

[paces]

Congratulations!!! I know you are one proud Mama.  I get emotional just hearing all the good news coming from all of you.  I truly do appreciate the shoulder.  It is so hard waiting.  Know you are anxiously awaiting next week.  Prayers for your travel.