Ten Days To Go....

[BurstingwithPride]

Well, I can't believe it...we are down to 10 days before our son leaves for boot camp and somehow, I have remained incredibly strong. Note: I am typically oversensitive and definately a crier! But I have held it together and focused on the positive thus far. I've been wanting to show him that kind of support and happiness opposed to me melting down every day, giving him a negative vibe or feeling bad for me...I don't want him to worry about me, feel bad for me or feel guilty to leave us behind...although, I did warn him that the day is coming quick and that his mushy mom would start to lose it a little...but that even when I do, I am SO incredibly happy, excited and proud for/of him! He grins...he knows the waterworks will begin any day now =) Don't get me wrong, I've shed my share of tears but not in his presence...This must be hard for ANY mom, but my goodness, unlike so many parents raising teens, we are SO close! He has made raising teenagers look pretty easy for the most part...I've always told him growing up that we are his parents, NOT his best friend...as so many parents act these days) but that hopefully, if we do a good job, we will become best friends later...I'm happy/proud to say that transition is happening so beautifully....his smile lights up a room instantly, I will miss that so much. He's on his way to living out part of his dream since he was little...can't beat that. Have a great day everyone, hope you all hear from your sons and daughters soon!!

[BurstingwithPride]

He knows I will miss him because I tell him everyday =) and he has for every other situation in our lives, seen me cry, I'm not a robot, far from it! and I've raised a sensitive, loving, caring child because of it...But for this situation only, I didn't and don't want him to think the tears are for a negative reason or feel guilty for leaving...he will certainly see me cry in the upcoming days as he is leaving a week from today, just didn't want it to be a daily thing a month before and leading on up to his departure....wanted to focus on pride and happiness as long as possible.

[BurstingwithPride]

PS, I don't "think" we've become best friends or are in the process of becoming (I should say) best friends bc of my own unspoken feelings, I KNOW it bc it's a conversation his father, he and I have had....it's almost been a right of passage bc of our relationship, trust and boundaries throughout the years...it never replaces our role as parents, we will always be Mom and Dad and hold that dear, I assumed that was obvious, but it simply strengthens everything and shows him that we've achieved a new level of understanding as a family. Believe me, he KNOWS he will be missed, he sees it in our eyes, hears it in our words and feels it in our arms, but also sees our strength and encouragement on our strong days that will help carry him through the tough days, we hope! Best wishes to you...