The Party's Over

[Aaron's mom]

Last night was Aaron's pre-boot camp bash. We had a great time. He had tons of friends and family come to wish him well. There was food, music, and good times. I left a pad of paper and pens out for guests to write him notes. During boot camp, I will mail one note each day, along with my hundreds. I think he will get a kick out of reading them.

 

I'm feeling really melancholy today. Two of Aaron's really good friends spent the night last night. Before they left this morning, I took pictures of the three amigos. It hit me that this is probably the last time they will be together for a long time. My heart began to ache. As soon as they left, I had myself a good, long cry. What the heck am I going to do when I have to say goodbye to him?

 

I get very encouraged when I read the other blogs of the moms who have gone through this. Last week I received a blog response from a mom who said it does get easier. I can't wait for that to happen. I know I will be fine. I just have to adjust to my new role in my kids' life. My older son will be traveling to California for a vacation next week. I am excited for him, but of course, I am nervous because he'll be so very far from me. I tell you, when I took on the role of mommy, I wasn't playing! I am looking back, and I think I have always been a helicopter mom, hovering over my babies. LOL! Do you think the Navy has a need for helicopters? just kidding... (mostly)

 

Anyway, updating this blog periodically is very therapeutic. Thanks for reading or responding. Thanks for not thinking I am an insane woman. Thanks for letting me have an occasional pity party. Today's blues have already lifted. Today's pity party is over. I am sure I'll be writing again...soon.

[ptsedler]

Good luck on the August 8th It will be hard  You will see if you keep yourself busy time willl go fast  The first week after he left was the hardest the second week was hard not as hard though   It gets a little easier as time goes on next thing you know the nine weeks are up and you get to see your baby again  We now have five days left till we see him at graduation :)  God Bless  Good night

[Diana(PO3/IT3)]

Hi Aarons' mom...your heartfelt sentiments echo mine. While my daughter doesn't ship out until Sept. 28, we are already going through all those 'letting - go' rituals like her clearing out her closet and sorting what to toss, what to giveaway, what to keep, and what to possible ship to her after BC. She's in the throes of spending at much time with friends as possible right now. Whatever time isn't spent working (she is a national park ranger), hanging with friends, or sorting out her collection of life at home, I am snagging with doing old family favorite trips and those things we said we would do but haven't gotten to them yet. She has been my right arm and favorite travel buddy for nearly 21 years...time to let her fly. (or, in our case....sail :-) ......) I'm trying to stay in the present moment as much as possible - otherwise, I'll miss this time we have left worrying about how I'll feel once she's gone. I know life as we know will change forever (not in a bad way) so being in the NOW is ever so much more important. Anyway, I'm happy to have found this group. I anxiously await the sharing of your experiences and thoughts. It helps to know one is not alone through this transition. ENJOY these last days with your son in life as you both know it. I'm sure the rest of us will be here to encourage you and hold you up until you get to celebrate with your Aaron at PIR.

[Diana(PO3/IT3)]

PS Aaron's mom.....LOVE the idea of allowing guests for the send off party to write notes and then mail them to your son. I had thought of something similar as we are having a big bash in early September. Thanks for the ideas!

[Aaron's mom]

Thank you, Aubrey's Mom. We are down to 11 days. Yikes! Good luck to you and Aubrey.