I held it together last weekend before he went away to "Uncle Sam's Extended Summer Camp" even though SF troops were killed just being transported from Point A to Point B. I can actually imagine what those families are going through. I watched my parents deal with the loss of my sister 27 years, and that is something that they have never gotten over.
I held it together when the reports of additional casualties came in later in the week. It was a bloody week in the Middle East, and that meant more grieving families.
I held it together when the reports on suicide rates in the Army came out. The debate goes on about the cause of the increase - is it related to PTSD, is it this, is it that ... does it even matter?
Then I realized: I won't get through 6 years of this BS. I have to pull it together and be Army strong because I'm the parent of a soldier, I've never been a wuss, and I've never wussified my children, damnit. We've faced some pretty major stuff over the years, so it's time to buck up.
Okay, so here I am with my proverbial "shit" together.
I got my call from my soldier. It lasted 8 minutes, 7 seconds.
The gist of the call: He's still going through in-processing or onboarding. He gets his ACUs tomorrow. His battalion is the only one that's finished all their processing so far. He's kind of on the young end of the spectrum - the age range seems to be 21-27, and he's 20. They're doing certain drills now, but not the kind of PT they'll be doing when they get to basic because they're still not officially there on base yet. Out of 220 recruits, he was ranked 3rd this week. I could hear the pride in his voice.
My big brother overheard part of our conversation and wanted me to ask him how the room service was. (Humor is a valuable resource.) My son said the beds aren't too bad, but the pillows are plastic. From a hygiene standpoint, I'm sure that cuts down on the potential for head lice. Yep, I went there.
I apparently have a letter forthcoming. There will be no return address yet, but in a few weeks I'll know where I'll be able to write to him. In the mean time, we'll be writing notes in anticipation of being able to mail them. I don't know yet if I'll send him any printouts of this blog. I may only send newsy, family gossipy-type stuff to just let him know we love him. His brothers will write and send updates on their doings. I've asked my mom to write when she feels like it and we'll include it in the package we'll send.
I learned that reveille is 0500 on weekdays with toes on the line at 0530. Weekends he gets to sleep in till 0600. At one point, I heard a voice in the background shouting something like "time to get in formation NOW", and I knew our time was up.
I have a major parenting job to continue. It will always be my job to let my son know how much I love and support him. He has made his choices in life, and he alone has to ultimately deal with any consequences. I will only be on the periphery going forward.
Though it may be difficult at times to watch what he goes through, I know who he is as a person, what motivates him, and how strong he is because of what we've all dealt with in the past. He's an amazing human being. I have been blessed beyond belief.
I have to stop now. This is going to be hard, no matter what. He will always be my baby.
This is going to suck.
What a great man you have raised. You should be proud of him.
Wrapping you in a big {hug}!
You've done a good job. He's ready for the journey.
About 4 years ago, a friend's son was in Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division and a group of us made regular shipments to him to share with everyone. We sent several boxes a month, and got some pretty cool notes back. I know it's appreciated, and I've already put the word out in my group that I'll be soliciting "stuff" to send when I can.
It's a small thing that apparently makes a big difference.
It's a huge thing they're doing.
If I remember correctly, I wasn't allowed to send "care packages" to basic, but, I can tell you, the very best thing you can do is write, write, write, and write some more! THEN, when care packages are allowed - he will be THE guy when he shares all the loot with the others. My son told me he was amazed how many did not get anything from anyone during their time in the service. I did not do nearly enough - not even close. If I had it to do again, I would send some home baked goodies every week.
The neat part of basic is that you will get to amaze each other. He will make that last passage from your child to becoming totally his own man and be the young man you always knew he would be. Such exciting and happy times! Great adventures for both of you!
Your touching and compelling love for your family is a joy to behold, and know that you have communicated that to all of us. Many thanks!
I think you have both been blessed to have each other.
You have done well, Voice.
I'm sure it will be tough...good luck!
Hang in there Voice. You will make it through this. Almost sounds like it will be harder on you than him. Though I wouldn't tell him that especially while he slogs through Boot Camp. :-)
He sounds like a strong kid (I can still call him a kid at my age), physically and mentally and that will serve him well throughout. Give yourself a pat on the back there Mom.