OT: I need strength | Arthritis Information

 

My baby is enlisting in the Air Force this afternoon. I thought I was strong and supportive - at least that is what I have been telling him and hubby, but now that the time has come, I realize I'm a waa waa. I really don't want to cry at the recruiting office this afternoon, but I am already crying just thinking about it.

He was all lined up to go to the fire fighting academy in Sept. - the local fire district was gonna sponsor him. He says he can do that later on... In all honesty, he's wanted to go in the Air Force since he was in 4th grade.

It's not that I don't think he is ready, he most definitely is. I have never worked since I had him and he never had a babysitter or went to daycare. I am "mom" to all his friends and I will miss them all terribly. My house has always been the kool-aid house where everyone hangs out.

I can do this, I can do this, I can do this...

 

Awww.... it will be ok deb. I dread going thru that kind of stuff when my kids get older. I cried when daughter went to daycare, I cried when she started school. But now, when she starts school, I do not cry I am just happy she is not screaming and yelling at her brother and driving me nutz.

Just look at it this way... you have raised a fine young man, who at least knows what he wants outta life, and not a bum like my SIL new hubbyYou CAN do this!!!!  If this is something he has always wanted to do, than try to remember that and be proud, which I am sure you are!  I don't have children so its hard for me to know the feelings you must be having but you ARE a strong and brave woman, you CAN do this!  Love and hugs

Well, I know it's hard.  I have two sons in the Marine Corps.  One joined right after high school almost two years ago, the other actually left college, he was a junior and he just had his one year in the Corps last month.

It will mean a lot to your son if you keep stong, even if you have to fake it.  I cried when I said goodbye to them, but not before.  Write him lots and lots of letters while he's at boot, and let him know that you are the proudest mom on Earth, having a son that has such honor and courage to give himself to the service of his country.  And let him know that all your friends and even strangers thnk you for raising such a son as he.

Linda

 Linda, I will most certainly draw strength from you. You must be so proud of your sons! Where are they stationed now? 

Thank you for your kind words, I will remember them this afternoon.

Hugs,

Pip

He'll love the USAF.  I met friends there 27 yrs. ago that I still have today.  I'm not sure how it is today but basic training back then was not focused so much on push-ups and sit-ups and confidence courses, but mostly on the technical aspect of military life, i.e. bookwork.  Air Force also had the best chow halls.  He will eat very well if he can do it in 9 mins. 

After he graduates basic, you will see a new person.  He will still be your "baby", but he'll have a whole new respect for himself and others around him.  "Yes Ma'am" and "no Ma'am"  and having things in proper order will be a must for him.  He'll wonder why scrubbing garbage cans and having shiny boots make you more of a man.  In the end, he'll understand. 

He'll do fine, mom!  

 How comforting Binge! Bless your hearts Deb and Linda

Deb...look for support groups in your area.  Their are alot of military mom groups around and it's so nice to talk to other moms that have that in common with you.  And Binge is right.  You'll be amazed at the difference in your son when he comes home.  I know basic training is alot different from Marine boot camp, not just the kinds of thing they learn, but in what they are allowed to do.  We could only communicate with our sons by mail...no phone calls, no email.  Ever.  I think at BT, he'll be able to call home sometimes.

My sons are in NC and VA, although the one will be moving to a new platoon in Oct, so he'll be in NC too.  YAY!!.  Unless they change their minds.  The Marine Corps is ALWAYS doing that. You'll be great, Deb.  I know it

Linda

I can only imagine what you must be going through because my daughter is only 2 now.  Even still, I don't like her being away from me for too long.  As many have said, you must be very proud that he is so committed to doing this.  Although I can imagine it will be hard, try to be strong for him.  I know you will.  I wish you and your son the best.You must be so proud. I grew up on bases and considered the Navy until
joint issues began in high school. I have so much respect for anyone in
the military.

But, as a mom, I know you must be sad and scared as well. I second what
Linda said. look for support groups. These moms will know excatly what
you are going through.

Take care,

BeckyRocckyd...I LOVE YOU...I love everyone that has such respect for the military.  Makes a mom happy.  Thanks

xoxoxo

Hey There are military daughters too! There are no behind the lines jobs in IRAQ. Every person there is a hero. And Yes I want them all to come home right now.Marian you are right...we have many fearless, honorable young women in our military as well.  Shame on me for not including them.

Being a scaly brat (daughter of someone in the navy), who married into the army and spent 17 years travelling with the husband, and being left by the husband whilst he went away to do his 'job', I heartily agree with you all. Our soldiers, young and old are indeed heros, they work shifts but are on duty (emotionally if not physically) 24/7.

Despite all the cynics and wanting our lads home the world is a safer place. My boy is 17 1/2, he has always wanted to join the FBI but being a brit he cant!

Hugs to you, you will be strong because that's what mum's do.

OOPS, MY BAD............I was actually thinking about the Moms who had posted on this thread saying they had sons, so I was referring to them.

But of course, I appreciate EVERYONE in our armed forces and hold them in the highest respect.

xoxoxo

I just want to thank every person who posted or will post on this thread.  Your support means sooo much to all of us military mos, and even more to our sons and daughters.  I LOVE YOU ALL

Linda

Well, I can honestly say that I have "enjoyed" the military boys my whole
life. When I was a kid we used to go to the bowling alley on the base to,
well, "enjoy the view"!

When I was really young I remember running around on my Dad's ship.
It was a family day. I got lost and a bunch of the sailors brought me
back. Before hand though they took me to all the recreational areas on
the ship. I think that is when I got my first crush. My dad also snuck a
dog aboard the ship that a local classroom had given to them. At this
time he was the Captain so as long as it was hidden when a higer up was
aboard all was well. They even made him a uniform. Funny thing was
that whenever they brought him on land he would only pee on manhole
covers. He had to have the metal! He was a trained sailor as well. If you
have ever seen two Navy ships pass each other the sailors line up on deck
and salute each other as they go by. Well Casey(the dog) would take her
place in line sitting straight up, still as could be. Eventually, the dog did
have to go. He ended up running a raffle and a sailor won who had a
farm. He got a letter from the sailor later saying how happy Casey was
but they had to place a large sheet of metal in that back so she would go
to the bathroom.

Anyway, my point is that the military has played a key role in my life
starting from the begining. I regret that I couldn't join(Go Navy!) but I
applaud all that do. Your son is going to learn so much and he will grow
up in a way that you can't imagine. I love it when I have students that
come back after boot camp to visit me. I just give them big hugs and tell
them how proud I am of them.

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