Missing my boy

[PARTYOF5]

We had anticipated the day Jesse would depart for many months since he made the decision to join so many months ago.  While at first I was very nervous, after meeting with the recruiter and asking my own set of questions it seemed like a positive path overall.  Prior to his decision to go, he knew what he enjoyed doing but wasn't really passionate about any career path and his direction after H.S. was vague.  When he made the decision to join I saw a passion, vision and purpose ignite in him that I had never seen before.  It was amazing to see.  He made a decision to follow is grandpa who passed away suddenly in May 2010, and who was a retired Chief Petty Officer himself.  

Departure date was Oct 25th, 2011 and the boys (dad, two brothers and Jesse) departed for San Antonio, TX on Saturday, Oct 22nd.  I was already in San Antonio for a women's conference (trying to get prayed up for what was to come).  They arrived in the early afternoon and I left the conference to walk back to the hotel for them to pick me up (moments with the entire family unit were precious).  Upon reuniting and after hugs we spend the next few days enjoying the beauty of San Antonio.  It was good times.

Monday came all too soon and the anxiety was building, especially in Jesse.  We ate, worked out and then he said it's time for good byes since he had to check in to another hotel by a certain time.  This was very difficult.  Up until this time I was okay about this whole thing and then when he had to say good bye to his brothers and told them to be good - it tore me up.

Tuesday was filled with much waiting.  As we arrived at MEPS we saw Jesse as we were walking upstairs and waved hello.  I couldn't have anticipated the difficult good bye that was to come.  After we watched he and the other recruits swear in and taking pictures we left to come back home (5 hours away).  I was fine the whole way home but as soon as we hit the city limits I lost it - completely (and I was driving).  I calmed down after a few minutes and then we hit our town and the tears and inconsolable sobbing were all too much for me.  This continued to entering the house and unpacking and for the next day or so.  I never imagined this in my wildest dreams.  I miss my son dearly.  I miss his smile, his wit, his charm and how his sarcastic humor can bring me to a point so close to frustration and then he'd say something to bring me back to laughing.  I miss his backward hat, his jeans and t-shirt and Vans.  

My middle son has been waiting so long for his own room - over the weekend we finally got him moved in (to "big bro's" room).  I've had two dreams about Jesse since he's departed and have written nearly a letter a day - which are piling up until I get the address where I can send them.  

This is truly an adjustment, a change in family dynamics, and beyond what I had expected.  I'm so proud of his decision and who he is a person even before he will be molded into a sailor - a man.  I can't wait to see my dear son in 7 weeks or so.  Time can't go by fast enough.  

NavyforMoms -- thank you for this amazing resource and for sharing your stories, insight and wisdom. 

Sherry

[My son (ship 09, Div 023)]

Our son arrived in Great Lakes boot camp on Oct. 25. Prayers to you and your family...God is good and all will be well. I have the same feelings as you do...we sure miss our son!!