What happened to my baby, and who is this man?

[Miss Suzanne]

This was without a doubt the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I'm a single mom, and my child has always been my son first, but he's my best friend second. We spent a lot of time together; we both have the same, kind of strange, sense of humor. We both love the same kind of movies, and we watched them together... A lot.
Michael joined the Navy while he was still in High school, so I barely had a chance to get used to the idea, and then he was off to Bootcamp.
He tells me things that he's excelling at while he's in A-School, and about the ribbons he's won; I have a hard time putting the person he is now together with the boy he was when he left.
Part of me is so proud, I'm near bursting. Yet, there's an even larger part that wants to cry, “What's happening to my baby? He's growing into a man, and I'm *missing* it!”
We all have to let go of our children someday, of course. But usually it's not quite so abrupt; only being able to see them 30 days out of the year, if that, while they're stationed somewhere out in a strange country, or in the middle of a foreign ocean on a huge ship full of strangers. Will the rest of the Sailors see how special he is?
Will his CO realize how compassionate he is, that he was trying to decide between being a Priest, or going out in the world for some experience, and then becoming a Priest?
No one, outside our family, will ever see all the beautiful, special things about my son that I see. I guess that's what being a mom is all about.
And accepting all this, and still supporting him, is what being a Navy Mom is all about.

[carols_kitchen]

We are fortunate to work school year calendars and have had opportunities to visit our sailor more frequently.  We served all his friends one year at Thanksgiving, and another at Christmas.  In three and a half years, he has been home two brief visits. 

Yes, it's hard to believe they grow up so quickly.  The funny calls are those that start "Mom, how do I make rice?" etc.

[BunkerQB]

Best of luck to you and your sailor. It's hard enough to be a parent when there are two parents, being a single mom take fortitude. Congratulations. It looks like you have done a fine job. We'll look for more good news from you.

[Miss Suzanne]

Thank you ladies, it's nice to know others understand/feel the way I feel. I'm a bit embarrassed as I didn't realize that blogs were public! But, oh well! I guess I don't have to hide my feelings here.. Which is an incredible support for me!
Thanks again, God Bless you and your Sailors!

[goobemom]

Wow Miss Suzanne,

 

I read this and felt like I was reading my own writing.  My son also started with the Navy while he was in high school at the age of 17.  Like you, he was my first born and I am also a single mom.  I so can relate to your feelings.  As time goes buy those crying for no reason days do subside however ocassionally they will pop back up.  You never know what a crutch your child is until they leave.  My son just turned 20 yesterday.  Yes he has changed however there are still qualities that only a Mom sees that still haven't changed.  My suggestion, be proud and let him know you are proud for he will also go through some of those rough times.  Keep writing and emailing.  Contact is important to both of you.  Most of all, let him grow.  He will be making his own decisions now.  He knows you are still Mom however he knows he has to grow up and depend on himself.  You will be surprised to see what changes happen. 

[Miss Suzanne]

Thank you for your compassion, empathy, & understanding...and most of all for helping me to remember what's really important!
I'll pray for your son.


Suzanne