This won't be easy.

choppersmom · Apr 3, 2008

I'm heading down to Virginia this afternoon to see my son Steven off. He's in the Navy, and his carrier is shipping out for Japan on Monday. He'll be gone for two years. I don't know when or if I'll get the chance to see him during that time. It's already very emotional around here, and getting worse by the minute. As you may be able to see, I'm wide awake at 5:30 in the morning and have been for several hours. I'll be pretty useless at work today, but I'm only there until 1 in the afternoon, then we leave for the drive south. I'm bringing the laptop with me, so I might be able to check in from time to time, but if not, I'll see you all Monday evening!

Trish

Stew21 · Apr 3, 2008

Big HUGS, Trish! You're right, it won't be easy. It's going to be a hard day. We'll be here for virtual hand holding and shoulder crying if you need us.

Jo · Apr 3, 2008

My stomach's lurching just thinking about it. ((hugs)) and <hankies> :Hug2:

sunna · Apr 3, 2008

Ol' Fashioned Girl · Apr 3, 2008

Perks · Apr 3, 2008

That's rough. Take it easy. Have lots of kleenex on hand. We'll be here.

Bmwhtly · Apr 3, 2008

Chin up, ma'am.
I know you'll miss him, but maybe you can find some consolation in the fact that he's doing an important job.
Maybe?

sunna said:

I agree.

Elaine Margarett · Apr 3, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May Stephen have a sucessful mission and return safely.

EM

choppersmom · Apr 3, 2008

Bmwhtly said:
Chin up, ma'am.
I know you'll miss him, but maybe you can find some consolation in the fact that he's doing an important job.
Maybe?

Oh, totally. I'm so proud of him I could bust wide open. It's just hard to pack off your oldest child, not knowing if you'll see his face again for two years, and more if he decides to stay in longer.

Thanks you guys for all the hugs and support, it means so much to me. It's going to be a little better knowing you all are here.

Joycecwilliams · Apr 3, 2008

choppersmom said:
I'm heading down to Virginia this afternoon to see my son Steven off. He's in the Navy, and his carrier is shipping out for Japan on Monday. He'll be gone for two years. I don't know when or if I'll get the chance to see him during that time. It's already very emotional around here, and getting worse by the minute. As you may be able to see, I'm wide awake at 5:30 in the morning and have been for several hours. I'll be pretty useless at work today, but I'm only there until 1 in the afternoon, then we leave for the drive south. I'm bringing the laptop with me, so I might be able to check in from time to time, but if not, I'll see you all Monday evening!

Trish

I know how it feels. My daughter lives in California and I don't get to see her much. I miss her terribly. It's not like she is in the service, but the missing part is the same.

Will he get any leave?

Saying goodbye to your babies is one of the hardest part of being a mom.

Good luck and hugs

III · Apr 3, 2008

acharity · Apr 3, 2008

Mumut · Apr 3, 2008

Best wishes, Trish. But you wouldn't want him to miss the opportunity for the overseas posting, would you? So it will be sad and happy at the same time.

writin52 · Apr 3, 2008

choppersmom said:
I'm heading down to Virginia this afternoon to see my son Steven off. He's in the Navy, and his carrier is shipping out for Japan on Monday. He'll be gone for two years. I don't know when or if I'll get the chance to see him during that time. It's already very emotional around here, and getting worse by the minute. As you may be able to see, I'm wide awake at 5:30 in the morning and have been for several hours. I'll be pretty useless at work today, but I'm only there until 1 in the afternoon, then we leave for the drive south. I'm bringing the laptop with me, so I might be able to check in from time to time, but if not, I'll see you all Monday evening!

Trish

Trish. Bring lots of keenex and lots of love to send with him. We're around for more hugs when needed.

choppersmom · Apr 3, 2008

Mumut said:
Best wishes, Trish. But you wouldn't want him to miss the opportunity for the overseas posting, would you? So it will be sad and happy at the same time.

LOL, that was one of the things that really made me encourage him to join! I asked him where else he would get the chance to see the world and get paid for it, all while serving his country and learning skills for the future. It's an awesome opportunity for him.

choppersmom · Apr 3, 2008

Joycecwilliams said:
I know how it feels. My daughter lives in California and I don't get to see her much. I miss her terribly. It's not like she is in the service, but the missing part is the same.

Will he get any leave?

Saying goodbye to your babies is one of the hardest part of being a mom.

Good luck and hugs

Thanks Joyce C! Yes, he'll get leave, but it's not going to be practical for him to fly over from Japan. Airfare is crazy! So unless a miracle happens, he likely won't be coming home for a while.

quickWit · Apr 3, 2008

Best of luck to both you and your son CM in the days ahead

nerds · Apr 3, 2008

Jersey Chick · Apr 3, 2008

And so many good thoughts also coming at you, Trish.

reigningcatsndogs · Apr 3, 2008

I am so sending you prayers and hugs and vibes (and virtual kleenex too).
:Hug2:

sometimes it sucks being a parent -- we work to guide them into being responsible adults, love them to pieces and then have to stand and watch them go out to start their own lives. You're heart will be breaking, but you'll be trying to smile... it simply means you did an awesome job.

JLCwrites · Apr 3, 2008

Awww! I can't imagine how much this must hurt. Be sure to give him two years worth of hugs and kisses! (In front of the other Navy guys!) And then you should try to plan a little vacation to help get your mind off of it.

I told Mr. Turkey, when the last child leaves home we have to go on one of those 'around the world' cruises. That way I will be nicely distracted, and by the time we get home, I'll be looking forward to a quiet, empty house. Maybe.

Hugs for you!
-TL

Cranky · Apr 3, 2008

My hugs to you, too, chopper. He'll have a great time, I bet. I's jelus.

writerterri · Apr 3, 2008

I remember when my brother left for Japan. I was so happy. But this isn't the same. I'm not looking forward to the day my boy leaves home. Or am I? Nevertheless, a hug for you. We'll get you through.

MoonWriter · Apr 3, 2008

C.M. - I feel your pain. Being the youngest of seven, I've had to watch as my five sisters and brother left the nest before I did. And if your son is anything like me, the impact of this separation will subside - unless it's dramatic. Be strong for him. The time to let loose and cry like a baby is after he's safely aboard his ship. Boys never like seeing their mother upset. You and your family are in my prayers. God bless.

clockwork · Apr 3, 2008

I can't imagine how hard it must be to do something like that, chopper but take some consolation in the knowledge that'll he'll probably have the time of his life out there. I'm sure he'll do you proud and you'll see him again before you know it. ((hugs))

This won't be easy.

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