FINAL WEEK

2nd...I feel for you. I don't know if I could leave him out of my sight for the next week. My thoughts are with you both!

Thanks Morningstar...I came to work this morning thinking I wish the work day was already over so I could go home and spend time with him. I really just don't know what I am going to do when he leaves. This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I can just feel my heart breaking more and more as each day passes. My heart palputrations have been worse, but the doctor won't increase my medication right now, my hands shake, my stomach is in knots, I am just a mess all the way around. I knew this day was coming and thought I had prepared myself for it. I just did not know how much it was going to affect me when the time came. I know when he boards that play, he will be leaving as a teen and the next time I see him, he will be a man and that is so hard for me to fathom. Then, after he graduates basic, it will be another 5 to 6 months before I see him again! :cry:

My heart is breaking for you!! I had trouble recently when my son just moved to another university only 180 miles away!!

Take solace in the fact that you have raised him well...this is his decision and something he feels the need to do. All you can do is be supportive..I know he knows you love him and worry. I will keep him in my prayers...God Speed his safe return.

Try to keep yourself calm...you don't want him to leave worried about your health.

Take a deep breath!!! I know you are scared and worried right now, but getting yourself sick won't help him or you!!

When my son was 19, he moved to NC to where his dad lived--I thought I would die. It was 2 years before I saw him--no that about killed me--because neither one of us could afford tickets.

He lived there for over 5 years, then came back. What a find young man he turned out to be!

I pray for your son to be safe and return safely to you, and that God gives you the peace you and your family will need.

Enjoy the moment, you can worry and get nervous later!!..Take Care..karen :D

Thanks so much! I know I will get through this, but it is just so hard to let him go. I feel like every day another piece of my heart breaks apart. It helps hearing how other people have gotten through this. Right now I wish I could turn back time to where he was little and keep him here with me. Nothing like a babbling mother, huh? LOL I know after next week I will be better, then I will be counting down the days until I see him at graduation. One way or another, I am going to be there!!! Then I will have to say goodbye again until he finishes Tech School and then he will be home for 2 weeks.

Thanks everyone for listening and understanding this babbling mom! Love you guys!!

I feel for you. I have not been in that situation, yet. My daughter is 18 and she graduates in june. She is already talking about moving out. To me I feel she is not ready. But I think it's me that's not ready. Even though she has such an attitude right now that I could just wring her neck, I think I would be lost without her here.

But I guess we have to look at it this way, we did our job, we raised them the best we could. Taught them what we thought they needed to know to be out in the big world on their own. Now we have to be strong and just hope they remember what they learned. You are just being a normal mom. You will never stop worrying about them. He knows you love him and thats what he will bring along with him. My thoughts are with you. :rose:

I think that is part of what I feel, that he isn't ready to leave the nest. It is hard to look at him see him grown, I still see my little blue eyed boy. It is so hard remember that he is 18 (1/2 as he reminds me. :roll: LOL) Like you, puddlejmpr, I want to wring his neck sometimes and think how quiet it will be and how the 2 kids won't fight, and then I think about not listening to his crazy laugh and his smart-a$$ remarks and he and I chasing each other and play fighting and beating him in Electronic Battleship and him accusing me of cheating....just all of it and I just don't know what I am going to do. Yes, my daughter is there, but right now she is so into talking on the phone to all her friends, (I think that phone has become a part of her ear! LOL) and all the things she is involved in....I get lonely thinking about it. She and I do spend time together and have a good time and do things, but those times when she is doing other things, well....

I just sit and remember all the things my son has did from the time he was a baby and think about all his firsts and know deep down, this is another first for him, (and me), but a first I am not really ready for. Yet, through all my sadness there is so much pride! I look at all his accomplishments, his kind heartedness, how he managed school-marching band- and a job all at one time, how he helps his sister (when they aren't arguing. The pride and love I felt the day he raised his right hand and swore to protect and defend knowing that this was something he had been talking about doing since he was 4th or 5th grade and has never strayed from it. The pride I feel when I hear him talking about buying his sister her first car and telling me not to worry that he will always take care of me. The pride of him always willing to donate blood when he can and help the neighbors. (Where we use to live the older gentleman that lived behind us had lost his wife right after we moved in and Kyle us to go over and mow his yard or shovel off his deck or whatever he needed done, and would not ask for a dime. Where we live at now the old man that lives across the street from us, even though he is strange, his lawn mower broke down and Kyle went over on his own and finished mowing it with a push mower and asked for nothing.) These things make my heart swell with so much pride and love for him. Now there are times he and I can get into some major fights, but he knows when he has pushed me too far and will back off. He worries if any of us are not home when he thinks we need to be and he really worries about me and the health problems I have had. He is always giving his sister advice about boys and has even warned a few about doing anything to hurt his sister. Oh my gosh....I am really missing him already and he isn't even gone yet!! :cry:

2nband my heart goes out to you. Just reading your posts has made my heartache! My daughter turns 2 on February 8th. I just found out last week that I'm 5 weeks pregnant. I've sat & thought about when she turns 18 & leaves home...it brings tears to my eyes just as what you have written has brought tears to my eyes. The pride & love that you have for your son is truly amazing in today's society. I only hope that I get to experience those same joys & wonders with my children as you have experienced with yours. Keep you chin up & your head held high...you did an awesome job raising your children...you should be proud of yourself! All the love in the world & pass on my thanks to your son for what he is about to sacrifice for my freedom & the freedoms of our country!

Thanks lmk3524. My kids have been a blessing. They have been my strength though a lot of hard times, times I thought about giving up, but because of them I kept going.

Kids are a gift from heaven and I thank God every day for mine. I was in a bad marriage and these 2 are the only really good things that came out of it.

I know it is hard to let them go. I still get weepy when mine hang up after a call. When mine was in basic, I kept telling myself I did the best I could and he is a great kid and all will go well. The weeks before were rough and the weeks during were tougher becuase he could not call..after basic...he has called every day.

I remember going off to college and thinking I owned the world and now it is his turn. It was hard to let him go but so very exciting to watch the child I raised become the man I knew he could be.

You all talk about you children and their accomplishments which in reality are your accomplishments. You all sound like really great parents who have raised some great kids. I feel the pride when I read each post. It is hard to let them go..but it is not forever and just as we have embarked on each journey in our lives...it is their turn. It is not easy...being a parent never is..but it is one hell of a ride and an awsome journey and none of us would trade that for anything in the world.

No, I would not trade one moment. The job I have loved the most is being a mom...maybe not 100% the type of mom I wanted to be, but still love it.

Not counting today, we have 5 days left. :cry:

I am not going to be worth a crap at work next week!!!

Keep your chin up & if you need a shoulder to lean on just post. We'll be here for you!!

I have had a few spells today. People here are work are going to think I am a sap. I had to call my son a short time ago to tell him I loved him. I am missing him already and he isn't gone. My mascara has ran down my cheek, I don't have any powder and thank goodness I only have about 10 minutes left. Oh gosh, this hurts so bad.................

Well, down to really not sleeping nor is my son. He was up most of the night last night watching TV. Just a few days left. I know the next few days are going to fly by. All I have done is cry and it is getting harder and harder to hold it in. My son keeps telling me to knock it off, but I think he is afraid to start crying too, My daughter's youth group gave him a little surprise party last night. It was so sweet that they did this. I really don't know if I am going to make it through this! Shoot I am crying more at work too. Tomorrow, Friday,. he is going to come have lunch with me. I want to introduce him to the people I am working with, since I have talked about him so much. Looking forward to that.

2nd...I'm here and I hear and feel every word you are saying. I'll be crying right along with you...any way you can take a sick day or vacation day and stay home with him...???

Wish I could, but since I just started this day the end of Nov, have not been here 90 days yet, but they are letting me off on Tuesday to spend time with him at the MEPS center and to go to the airport with him. He is coming in to my work today to have lunch with me and I get to introduce him around to people, so I am excited about that.

Told my husband this morning that I needed some Preperation H to put under my eyes where the bags are! LOL

2nband, Every child deserves a mother like you, and every mother deserves a son like yours. Be proud of the man he has turned into, as I am sure he is proud of the mother you are.

I feel your pain 2nband. I have read these post today and I am like :cry: I second what Kash said!!! You sound like a wonderful mom (make me miss mine) I hope you have a great lunch with him today.

Thank you, but I am nothing special. Just your average mom who loves her kids and wishes she was a better mom sometimes than she was. But I do appreciate the compliment Thanks again, from the bottom of my heart!

We had a good lunch. He is down at the shop next to me right now talking to one of the guys me and my husband know. He is waiting for his buddy to come in so they can go to the movies, then he will come back here before I get off work and we will go up to where my husband works and "show" him off. LOL You know I introduced him to all my co-workers! Then we are going home and I have a few things to do there, and then we are going to chill out and watch a movie.

I have people from Harbor House coming to pick up my piano tomorrow (donating it to them) and then will be cleaning house and trying to get ready for his surprise party. Trying to get a count so I know how many pizza's to get. Looks like we are going to have almost 50 people coming!!! Have no idea where I am going to put everyone. I am sure it will all work out and I hope he enjoys it.

I crossed off another day on my calendar and I just can't believe the time is practically here. Wow, this month has flown by. Just hope I can get my poem finishes before he leaves.

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Well, tonight is our going away party for Kyle. Someone gave it away, so now he knows, but that is ok. We only have a couple more days now, so I am about fit to be tied. I am trying to really concentrate on the party today to keep myself busy. Right now we are pretty much at a stand still. Waiting for some people from Harbor House to come pick up my piano, which I am donating to them. The I will get things situated and cleaned up and run to the store and get things decorated up. Thought about getting a bunch of his 8x10 school pictures out and a few baby pictures and put them around to show his progress from a baby to now. Opinions on that? Think it might embarrass him too much? I did give him a "holla" out yesterday on WQDR. He seemed to enjoy that. Yesterday he had lunch with me and after I got off work, we took him shopping at the CAT store up at the main building. Got him a bag and some other things he wanted. Dang he got spoiled yesterday. I did not leave my girl out. She got a couple of things also.

I tell you, it has been hard to type. My hands are shaking so bad that I keep misspelling words.

Ended up taking something to help me sleep last night so I could feel a little better today. I just know this weekend is going to go by too fast!!!

It may go fast but you will have every minute of it to remember...I'm sure you have the camera ready!!!!Have a great time and try to enjoy yourself...my thoughts are with you!!

2n, Just want you to know you have been on my mind. We went to see the #1 son's new baby so I have been away....Please hang in there. From your posts, you have been through alot...You can do this. You are a great Mom with a great family...and you know we are here for you.

Congrat's Roxy on the new grandchild!

I am hanging the best I can. We had a great party for him Sat night. He really enjoyed it. It kept me busy that day. When I get a chance, will post a few pixs.

Today is a hard day. He leaves tomorrow, but I know he won't be home tonight. He has to stay in the hotel with the rest of the recruits. We are going to get to take him out to dinner tonight and spend a little time with him and then tomorrow both my husband and I are off and will spend the day at the MEPS center with him, until he gets on the bus to go to the airport. I am hurting so bad right now, as I know he is and the rest of my family is. My daughter has to tell him goodbye tonight because of her having school tomorrow. I don't think any of us slept very well at all last night. I had to get up no later than 5:30 AM, I turned my light off around 1:00AM and tossed and turned the rest of the night. I am tired and want to be home with him right now, but I have to work. My heart is hurting so bad right now and it is so hard to concentrate on work. It is going to be one of those days, I can tell. Not only am I dealing with this, but it is a Monday on top of that, and we all know how Mondays are!!!

I really feel for you. I cry just thinking if it were my son. He is 21 and I would die if I were in your shoes. But somehow we always get over the most awful things in our life. Time really does heal all wounds.If you can get over the "By" part you will be ok . That is the worst part. I will pray for you and your son.

It will be difficult but you will be proud of him. Be glad he won't be going door to door in Iraq. Tell him to email you a lot.

2nd...it's never good bye!! Don't think of it that way...it's till be we see you soon....I'm sure he will keep in touch as much as possible...sharing with you all the new things happening in his life. Hw will be a strong proud man that returns to you. From the time of our son's birth we know we have to prepare for the day they walk out the door to create their own lives. Be sad...but proud mom!!! My heart is with you...

Just a quick not because I don't think I can write too much right now....Just got home from having dinner with my son and dropped him back off at the hotel to get some sleep. (None of us slept last night at all) My daughter had to say goodbye tonight since she will be in school tomorrow when we got up to see him. It broke my heart watching her hugging him and crying and seeing him trying to be so strong so he didn't cry. She almost hyperventalated (sp) in the car on the way home. In fact, when we got here, she went and crawled up on his futon and just cried and cried.

Tomorrow he leaves, which is killing me inside right now, but he has to go and I am proud of him...it just hurts so very bad right now letting him go. I may not be on for a few, but will be back. This is really tough right now and I can hardly keep a straight thought in my head. Will fill everyone in when I can.

(((hugs)))

2ndband.I cry for you as a mother. God be with you and help make you Strong .

2nband, You are in my thoughts. Be proud of the mother you are and be proud of the son you raised. We are here with shoulders to cry on if you need them.

2nband been wondering how you were holding up all day. Lots of hugs to you. :hug: I know it's a very difficult day! You're in my thoughts & prayers!! Lisa

It has been a really rough week for us around here. Tuesday was extremely hard, letting him go. Poor baby did not get any sleep Monday night. The recruits were awaken at 4:00 AM Tuesday morning and were over at the MEPS center by 4:45 AM. I know when we got there, Kyle was still doing a bunch of stuff. First time I got to talk to him, he told me he forgot his shower shoes so I had to go out and try to find some and of course, they are not in season right now, but did eventually found some that would do, but ended paying like $7 for them. He got sworn in again and we got to talk to him for a few more minutes and then he had to go into a briefing. Finially got to spend a little time with him, and he fell asleep on my shoulder while I stroked his face and hair. He got about a 30 minute nap before he had to go in for another briefing and watch a video. Not too long after that, they were getting ready to load the vans for the airport. I latched onto him and did not want to let him go. I just wanted to snatch him up and take him home. Watching him climb into the van and then the van pulling away, I just felt my heart collapsing. I cried all the way home and when we, (me and my husband) got home, I changed into sweats and curled up on the couch to "sleep". I really didn't rest, but I just could not bring myself to do anything. I felt, and still do, so lost and empty inside and my heart just aches. I have never felt any type of pain like this before in my life. Coming to work is helping keep me busy, but I am so exhausted. I have major dark circles around my eyes and today I am having a hard time keeping my eyes open. My daughter has been sleeping in my son's room on his futon. She says it gives her some comfort and makes her feel closer to him. We both are ready for the weekend because we don't plan on getting up early at all. Right now, we are just waiting for that first phone call and we are all on edge right now until we hear from him. This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life!!!

2nband, hang in there. I will be ok. You have made it this far and we are here for you. I know it is not easy but try to rest and pamper yourself. My thoughts are with you.

That's good advice roxy! Pampering herself a will help. You're very strong and becoming stronger everyday. We're all here for you 2nband! Keep your chin up!

That's good advice roxy! Pampering herself a will help. You're very strong and becoming stronger everyday. We're all here for you 2nband! Keep your chin up!

hiya 2n, didnt see this until now....

I hope this finds you hanging in there!! Your son is doing something very big. Air Force, or Army, by the way?

I enlisted in the Navy right out of high school.It was a culture shock, but it set the foundation for my entire life. When I left the service, I was well-prepared for the things that I didnt know were coming--in 1999 I was diagnosed with cancer. I had a very rough time of it, I honestly dont know if I would have come out the same if not for what the Navy taught me to be. Your son made a very brave choice, and a very respectable one. Please, the next time you talk to him, tell him thanks from this old sailor, seriously.

Now, I am a father to three incredible girls. My oldest is 11...and even though she is a little ways off yet from that age, I can already see it coming and I already dread every thought of it. You clearly raised a very good son--be proud of that. I know you said that youre just an average mom, but you arent--in my line of work, I have seen more parents that dont care about their kids than you can imagine. You're DEFINITELY one of the good ones. The average 18 year old man today is too busy thinking about himself, while your son chose to serve his country. You obviously did a lot of things right!

We're here for you so please keep us updated. And if you have any questions, I will describe anything I can about what he's doing so that we can put you a little more at ease about his training. He's going to come out of this just fine, and you arent going to believe how proud of him you'll be! Youll see--when you get to see him in his uniform, youre gonna be taking pictures and showing them off to everyone, I can see it now!

Keep your chin up, mom, youre going to be just fine. Take pride in the man you raised him to be. Your family will be in our prayers! And one way or another we're gonna make sure you get to Texas for his graduation! It isnt much, but if it will help I will gladaly donate my debtcc points to you--please dont be afraid to let me know if that will help!

God Bless

Jon

Finially got to hear from him last night, but could not really say anything. He was reading from a type of script. Did get his address though. He could not tell me how he was or anything. After he gave me his address, he read more of the script and hung up. I didn't even get to tell him him I loved him. That really hurt not to be able to tell him that, but I already have a long letter written to him, so that went in the mail today. This is really hard, but I am trying to keep busy, for the most part.

HI 2nband....My eyes welled up reading your two latests posts here.

I remember as a young child and my dad would leave on assignments and we would be with him until he left and it was just such a scary feeling. And the phone calls...we looked forward to those so much that I never wanted to leave the house for fear we would miss his call.

You should be very proud ( as I know you are)....keep your chin up :D