Ship 06 Div 152

[mardee5]

I got my letter today with his ship number and division.  Wow this is so hard as you can tell by my last comment.  Decided to start a discussion to see if anyone else out there has a child in his ship and division.  If you do, please contact me.  I feel like such a wimp because I am having a really hard time with this and everyone seems to be excited. 

[Deanna_H_Proud_FC2's_Mom]

My son is in Ship 06 but, not that DIV so I'm not sure if they're in a group together or not. Trust me, we sound excited because for the most part we are. (or at least I am) and SO PROUD... But, don't let that fool you that at least once a day I don't tear up because I miss him, don't pick up my phone 100 times to text him something funny, don't look at the driver of every white Dodge truck in town (and believe me,,who knew there were so many?) But, hearing from him (even a short letter) made me feel so much better. He sounded like himself and there was just something about knowing he's ok that just lifted my spirits nad helps me in the moments that I feel weak. < big hugs > and this site, helps already, just be surrounded by other mom's all in the same boat (no pun intended!) Also, I keep a daily journal type letter going with mundane and little things that happen in my day or around town or maybe someone I saw who had a message to pass on to him and plan to mail it every couple of days. It kind of helps me feel like I'm still 'talking' to him everyday.

I think for them, what an exciting time this must be for them to be on their own, to be proving themselves not only to someone else, but, to themselves.. all on their own without us.. But, for us, it's like the person we love more then anything is suddenly just taken from us. (because of the instant and complete seperation of contact) Hard for a mom.. Even a Very Proud Mom that doesn't doubt for a second her son made the right decision.

Take care.. Deanna

[mardee5]

Deanna, thanks so much. It is good to know. I felt like I was nuts because I was having such a hard time. I am very proud of him and have been since he joined DEP. Although I know he is going to be fine and will come out a better man on the other side, I just really miss him. I guess the hardest part is when I got his letter, he did not sound happy at all. He has wanted to join the service since he was about 8 years old. He couldn't wait to ship out. He was always pretty independant at home. He washed his own clothes, helped with the house cleaning, paid his own bills etc. I know he will adjust, but in his note on the letter he said that he was o.k. but just tired. I got his arrival call at 2:00 a.m. so I don't know if he got any sleep that night at all. He told me he loved me and couldn't wait to see me. He said being away from home was worse than he thought it would be and that he actually feels like is isn't worth it sometimes. He said he needed letters when I could and told me he loved me again. This is from my child who has been pumped about going for over a year and couldn't hardly wait for the day to come. I had letters ready from the day he left and sent them FedEx. I hope it will get easier for him, and I know in my heart it will, but man it hurts like heck. It is good to know that I am not crazy. Thanks for the reply.

[Deanna_H_Proud_FC2's_Mom]

You're welcome Mardee. Geez, maybe I'm tired too. I just realized my comment was all over the place. I got a the arrival call from my son at 2:00 a.m also. I don't think they get really any sleep for the first 72 hours or so during the initial processing. I'm sure, even for our sons that were ready to go, it's still hard for them to be away from home.. and away from their Mom's!! Good Luck to you son and best wishes to you too. I'm sure we'll be in touch through the newsgroups/forum's. Can't wait for 4/9!!