A very emotional week for me. DS#1 has signed up for the U.S.M.C. He won't actually leave for boot camp for 5-6 months, but the thought of him (1) leaving home and (2) possibly being deployed at some too-near date has me choked up — and I don't usually get choked up often. We're very proud, but I'm a basket case.
This has been something he's wanted to do for a while now, but I think *my* misgivings is what kept him on the fence for so long. He did look at other branches of the military at my and DH's urging, but the Marines was always first choice.
This past Tuesday, I finally relented and went to the Recruitment office with him, where we spent nearly 4 hours talking with the Recruiters and asking lots of questions.
I decided I really couldn't stand in his way anymore, so I let him know that I would sincerely support whatever decision he made. Sniffle, sniffle. My baby is a full-grown man. More sniffles.
My second baby, DS#2, is playing out his very last day of high school today. And I do mean "playing," as he finished all of his finals yesterday and really had no reason to be there today except to goof off, be counted on the attendance rolls, and say his goodbyes.
I can't believe how fast all the school years flew by for my two sons. Be thankful for every day is all I can say! And we have been. I'm sure the future holds new exciting times, but I need to get through these big changes first.
* * * * *
In sewing news, and I use that term lightly, not much going on. I did cut out and flat-measure the pattern. I've got an icky knit ready for the muslin. And I did make the "sacrifice" of buying a new piece of fabric (OK, four pieces!) that will actually be long enough for this dress. Now all I have to do is start sewing. I hope to get a jump on that this afternoon and then finish up the muslin tomorrow. Then I have to wait on the fabric, which is supposed to arrive Tuesday. Then sew like the wind so I have a dress to wear to the graduation Friday night.
Wow Debbie! I am sitting here crying for (with) you. I don't know if I could ever have done what you have done. I'm pretty sure that if Bart ever joined the service they would find me laying in the road crying as they took him away! I am very proud of you and your son -- thank goodness we have people in our world who are as generous and wonderful as you!!! I will keep both of you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI don't have sons, and thank goodness my daughters weren't interested in the military, but I feel for you. The hardest time in my life was during the few years when my girls were graduating from high school, then college, then getting married and moving thousands of miles away.
ReplyDeleteI will keep you and your sons in my prayers.
Ah, Debbie! I don't have children. But, I can totally sympathize about how tough this has been. My parents, despite having a good run with the military, cautioned me about enlisting. I'm thrilled you were able to support him and really proud of him for serving his country and doing what feels right for him.
ReplyDeleteHave and totally understand your feelings, had similar reaction with my 24 yr old nephew. 10 weeks boot camp, then 6 mos training which he will be graduating July 4th from marine officer's training. Then off for 10 more months intense training before deployment. When I look at him, I remember the little boy who was so shy and intelligent. In my mind he is a musician, a jazz player, not a marine! But he felt he needs to do this, and we love him and support his decision. But as a "mom" you worry for their safety and all they must endure. my salute to you & to your son, w/a heavy "mother's" heart and admiration for your courage in letting him go.
ReplyDeletechloeE
It is hard to watch them grow up. My baby #5 just graduated from college and will start her new job as a kindergarten teacher and marry her boyfriend this fall. Now the 9 grandkids help but it's still wierd to think we are all done with raising our kids. It's fun while it lasts. Good luck with the birds flying the nest.
ReplyDeleteWow, Debbie, that is a big change. Very emotional for you and your family. Please tell your son thank you for serving our country.
ReplyDelete**Tears**
ReplyDeleteMy son is only 10 months old and I already feel like it is flying by. I know we will be in your shoes before we know it and definitely long before we want to be. What a brave and honorable decision your son has made. I can only imagine an empty nest feels heart breaking and incredibly joyful knowing that you have raised them to be the men that they are today.
My nephew joined the marines 2 years ago, with almost the same scenario as your son. He is still, thankfully, in North Carolina, but the rumors of him being deployed later this summer seem true. My sis-in-law has found a wonderful, supportive group of other marine moms. All the best to your entire family.
ReplyDeleteIt's bittersweet when we let them go. One son wanted to join the special forces, but since he couldn't pass the foreign language aptitude requirement, he gave up. I tried to tell him that the Air Force would be a good alternative, but he's not that into it. I'm proud on your behalf, and shedding a few tears, too, because I know just how hard this is for you.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through these 'changes'.
ReplyDeleteCan I also say how much I appreciate you and all that you do. Thanks!
Helen K
Debbie;
ReplyDeleteI am thinking about you. I salute you and your son for his decision.
I can understand your fear and apprehension, but you must be feeling proud too.
Best of luck to him. If he's as feisty as his mom, he'll be a great Marine.
Mermie
It is men like this who choose to keep our country free. Thank him for me. Let us know his status so we as community can keep him in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteOh, Debbie! I don't know what to say about the future Marine. While I'm sure you are proud, and it's wonderful that young people are willing to make the sacrifice to serve their country in the military, I wish there was no reason to do so! I wish they all joined the Peace Corps or something. Good luck making the transition, and thank you, his parents, for *your* sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteThe hardest thing about being a mom is--letting go. Best wishes to both of your sons, and to the mom who has to endure.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard for us when they grow up, isn't it? The fact that we are at war makes this that much harder. that and ds #2 is moving on at the same time. double whammy here! but you can be proud that your son is doing what he wants to. My thoughts are with you and your family. Enjoy the graduation.
ReplyDeleteYou have raised good and strong willed young men. My thoughts are with you during these transitions,
ReplyDeletemary
Can't hold them back when they grow up, but on the light side, I agree that if he's as feisty as you are, Debbie, he'll be ok!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Em
And if he's not feisty, then he has his own style and will still be ok.
ReplyDeleteEm again
I am very proud and thankful that there are boys like yours who want to be in the service and parents who support and encourage them. Will hold you all in my heart as you enter this new phase. g
ReplyDeleteYour post landed right on my doorstep. My daughter recently informed me that she wants to go into the Air Force. I'm having a hard time understanding how she she is jumping from being a flight attendant to wanting to go to the Air force.
ReplyDeleteThe Important thing though is your support of his wishes. I guess, I really need to take a cue from you.
Wishing your Son the best in whatever he decides.
I hear what you are saying. My son just came back from Afghanistan (he's army) and he is just finishing up his 3rd year with them. I felt all the things you did also. He is our second oldest of four sons. It is very difficult to let go but even more so when they choose this path. He is to be admired for his decision. We need men like him. He will make you proud. Most of all it will be okay. I will keep you in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteYou son has made a very courageous decision and I know part of you is very proud. But, I also know it's hard to compartmentalize and turn off the Mom part of your heart. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a lot going on at once!!! This fab guy at work was a Marine and he turned out quite nicely, so I bet DS will do the same. :)
ReplyDeletePS- love your new blog layout!
My father was career Marine and I grew up steeped in USMC culture. It’s the elite branch of the service in my opinion. Only one observation to share: if he really likes it and wants to make it a career he needs a commission; officers have many many more opportunities than the enlisted and NCO ranks. He doesn't need to go to go to Annapolis; many Marine officers are commissioned through Officer Candidate School at Quanitco
ReplyDeleteYou must be incredibly proud of your son. I have two boys and a DIL in the Army, MPs. AT one point last year, all THREE were in Iraq.
ReplyDeleteIt's not like the stories we heard about WWII when we were kids. Now they have internet, and you can stay in contact much easier. And the care packages...they have access to stores, so don't need every magazine and book you have available. They even order stuff online for delivery to Iraq.
Many thanks to your son for the commitment he is making. And thanks to you and your husband for raising such a man.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you as you go through these changes with both your sons. It truly is incredible how fast the time goes.
The thought of your son going into the service brought me to tears as well. As the mother of a son who is growing up way too fast, I can really relate to your pain. Our babies have to leave the nest at some point. I'm happy there is still boys like yours willing to serve their country.
ReplyDeleteI'm crying with you, kids just grow up too fast (and mine are still relatively young). Please thank your son for my family. We most sincerely thank and respect all the men and women who are on the front lines. I'm glad there are people that step forward to serve. And graduation, I don't think I could make it through that event without a huge box of Kleenex. (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteI have two daughters, but when youngest DD was in high school, we had recruiters on our doorstep. DGD is in the Navy. I worry about it all the time. As previously mentioned, he can go to OCS. It would be worth it to him. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn D.
My first time commenting! My husband is returning to active duty this summer after several years in the Reserves. The Corps is a tough place, but also can be so rewarding, even for family members. I will be thinking of your son -- and you -- as I pray for all the service members and their families.
ReplyDeleteWow -- here I am, feeling all snivelly and weepy about my two sons finishing up the school year and not being first grader and third grader anymore. I can't imagine how these feelings must be magnified when they are graduating from school and joining the marines! My sons are about the size yours were in some of your photos. I know what you mean; the baby pictures flash up on my computer screensaver and I feel like it was only a year or two ago that they were little bald babies drooling all over the place, and I thought I'd be changing their diapers forever. Too bad life doesn't have a "pause" button like the TV!
ReplyDeleteAh Debbie this is indeed hard times, my youngest is graduating and also moving along which is hard :(
ReplyDeleteAs for the military ~ I "joined" the Military (Canadian) 30+ yrs ago, as did my husband and it has been a very good life for us, sometimes challenging, so I am sure your son can make a great life with this career :) I wish him all the best! and you too :)
Debbie, what a hugh change for your family! Your son is someone to be proud of! At the same time, this type of decision is heart wrenching for parents. I'll pray for your son to be safe with all his fellow soldiers that are standing up for the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you are feeling about your son leaving home. I have only one son and he joined the military (Air Force) when he was 20. He is now 44 and retired from the military. I cried buckets of tears but I knew it was what he wanted to do. It is hard being a mother but it has so many rewards also. You will also cry with pride the first time you see him in his dress uniform. Please tell your son that I wish him all the best in his future career.
Best of luck to your son Debbie. That's pretty huge. I come from a military family so all I can say is it can be a great career for some people. Will keep you in my thoughts. . . . Drsue
ReplyDeleteAnd as two of my oldest friends (also Marines) remind me: "once a Marine, ALWAYS a Marine!" Thank him for me. My late father, Navy in WWII, my DH, Army during Viet Nam and several close friends, Air Force now and during Desert Storm. Without folks like them and your wonderful son......well, I don't want to think about the possible alternatives. I love all our troops!
ReplyDeleteI am a Marine Mom so I know what you are going through. I wait for those calls. He has been in 2 yrs now and is in Japan. I know the day will come when he gets deployed, I'll cry buckets. I knew mine would make that decision that's what he wanted to do since he was 11. e-mail me and Join marine mom's at Facebook- great bunch of women.
ReplyDeleteWhat a vulnerable time for you! And him! I think you did yourself proud in that parenting moment. Letting them go is hard enough, but I can't understand how hard it is to see them go to Marines and all that potentially holds. I am so glad for both of you that you have had such a wonderful relationship that you mourn this transition to adulthood. It makes it harder but is so worth it. He is a lucky kid!
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs to you and your son.
ReplyDeleteIt's tough being the military mom. I joined my local Blue Star mothers group. That helped a lot.
ReplyDeleteI'm anxious to see the Butterick dress in the final fabric.
Happy sewing.