Putting things into perspective

[elizabeth Nuke mama EM]

First of all let me say, I am empty nesting something awful.  My son left on May 19th and arrived at GL on the 20th.  For days and weeks prior I was a wreck!  I mean a wreck and for at least a week after he left I was also a wreck.  But as time has gone by my anxiety has dissipated and my grief seems to be subsiding.  

But here is what I really wanted to say.  I thank God that at this moment he is safe and that I am not sending him away during a draft.  I've been watching some D-Day documentaries on TV today.  And I cannot even imagine the fear and anxiety that those families had to go through.  Also thinking about families that sent their young men off to Vietnam.  Most didn't come back.  Can you imagine the grief and fear of sending your child off knowing that they would most likely not come back.  

I thank those families for their sacrifices.  Without them we would most likely not be here connecting on this site in a free country.  I thank God for keeping my son in his care.  I'm grieving and that is real, but in comparison, well, it just doesn't compare.  

[C'sProudMomma]

With me being a teacher, my son has always known that MY expectation was for him to attend college after graduation.  Imagine my surprise when he came home to tell me that he had no desire whatsoever to go to go to college and be saddled with debt with no idea of what his end goal would be!  His reasons were so valid and reasonable...I could hardly argue his points.  I know that it's the right decision for him...but damn, it stings.  I'm glad to know that I'm not over-reacting and that other moms feel this same way.

[Denise]

Hi C's Mom,

I know exactly how you feel.  As a teacher, higher education is the expectation in our household. When my son told me almost verbatim what your son expressed to you, I found that I had to agree with him!  He did his homework, researched how he could obtain college credits while serving, and seize any opportunities that are considered to be " once in a lifetime" events.  I miss Matthew something awful (he's the baby out of 3), but at least we can text one another periodically.  Whenever I hear his voice, I catch an audible glimpse of the permanent man he will be.  Im happy for HIM. I've taught him to be a 'thinker' and turns out...he is!  

[C'sProudMomma]

Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone in this Denise.  It does help to read others' stories and to commiserate with other moms going through the same emotional roller coaster.  -Amy

[BunkerQB]

Hope all you new moms are OK?  Don't forget to pay attention to other members of the family. They too are missing your son/daughter. And pay special attention to your own health. Don't pick up that phone if you are driving, even if you think it's your son. If you missed his/her call, there will be others. Life does go on. If you can't make it to his PIR, there will be other graduations. Save your money plan on something special when he/she comes home. Don't over agonize. Moms tend to shoulder everything that goes wrong. If you have made friends you could have a "mutual vent" time - when you swap turns venting - letting it hang out.

If you haven't started a memory book, you should - not just for your SRs but for all your children. Well, take care everyone. Will check in on you all later. BQB.