Army

The beginning of this month my sweet son James left for basic training. Yes, he joined the Army back in May of last year and was in the delayed entry program. So this was the month he was to leave.

I have to tell you that the months leading up to the day he left flew bye. I don't know where they went! Honestly. I knew he was leaving. I was prepared for him to leave. But it hit me like a ton of bricks when I saw that van pull away and I knew that he would be on his own.

I'm glad that we had a lot of time to spend together last year. He wasn't in school and only working part time (just under 40 hours). We'd often have lunch together or spend  a few evenings alone while his little brother and Dad were at baseball practice.

We have always been close, he's an artist like me and we share so many similar interest, but I think last year was even more special because I knew he would soon be gone. And also I knew that this was something that he really wanted. Maybe something that he needed.

Funny, I've been a girlfriend with her boyfriend at basic training the first year and then his fiances  the second year while he was stationed far away. Then after our first year of marriage a move to a new state and then right away a 6 month depolyment!

So separations are not a new thing for me. Many separations from my hubby when we were young, when we were new parents and when are kids were in school. But boy nothing really prepares you for the first time your child leaves you. Especially when they go away to the military. Sorry, it's not the same as when they leave to go to college. We haven't talked to him in weeks. So, yep, not the same at all!

So keep James in your prayers for safety and that he continues to grow to become the wonderful man that I know he is to become. He has been a blessing in our lives and I know he will continue to be a blessing to all those that he meets.

And yes, prayers for this Mom. Even though I'm handling it really well and I was prepared for this new journey it still is not the same place with out our James here.

Comments

[Bonita Dickson]

So from the heart, I love it!

[Patti J.]

Oh, my. I'm mom to a military son too. Our son left home in May, 1994 to pursue a military career, and has never lived with us again. We haven't had his birthday with him since October 1993, and he's been deployed twice. I don't tell you this to bring you down, but to let you know that I will be thinking of you every single day, and lifting you up in prayers. It's not easy having them away, but on the flip side, you can certainly be proud of the job of parenting that you and your husband have done. You've prepared him to leave home, to choose an important career that will put him in a great position of responsibility, and to be very self-sufficient. Pat yourselves on the back! On a lighter note, soon you will never again iron or make beds to suit your James!!! Praying for you all, and wishing you peace and blessings...

[jean w.]

"A Mother holds their hands for a while, their hearts forever." God bless you all in this time of growing!