He's Packed and Ready...

[PatsGirl]

So, we're counting down hours instead of weeks and months here before DS18 leaves for his 6-year commitment with the Air Force. I drop him off at the recruiters office at 1 pm

It has finally hit home with me. I'm a very optimistic type person and believe that children should be given wings... so his choice for the military vs. college (my 1st choice ) was disappointing but I was very glad that he had a goal and that he chose the Air Force rather than hanging around here with alot of his friends working minimum wage jobs and getting into bad habits.

To be honest, his level of responsibility and mature leave a lot to be desired. The last 9 months have not been very fun around here and there have been many days I wish he were already starting this new chapter. But now, today, it's hitting home, my baby/firstborn, a child I raised as a single parent from the time he was 12 weeks old, is leaving home and will most likely never live here again.

Pray that he develops the maturity he will need to succeed and that he remembers the many moral and ethical things he has been taught throughout his childhood. Everyone keeps telling me I gave him the things he needed to succeed, now it's up to him and I agree.

 

[Boo'sMom]

 

[transparant]

Patsgirl - I wish your son all the success he deserves! I can't imagine how hard it must be for you to see him go off. Be proud - you did a wonderful job on your boy.

 

[Charade]

Be strong and be safe flyboy.

 

[rie'smom]

to you both. Thanks too for his service!!

 

[shirleyb]

Good luck! My 18 yo son left July 15 for Navy Basic Training. I feel like I've already seen him mature, just through his letters, but time will tell! I'm anxious to attend his graduation in just a few weeks. I originally wanted my son to go to college as well, but he chose the Navy, and honestly, I think it was the best decision he could have made. Hopefully you'll feel the same way soon too.

 

[HakunaMatata2]

Wishing your son much success in the Air Force. Please let him know how much we honor and appreciate his service.

 

[4greatboys]

 

[Kitty 34]

Good luck to your son! I had a girlfriend from college that made the Air Force her career.

I see from your sig you'll be heading to WDW tomorrow. Nice way to help you thru this!

 

[mselly13]

to you and a big Thank You to him.

I am right there with you. My DS leaves in 8 days for Nat'l Guard basics. I know this is best for him and hope that he will also mature some.

PM me if you ever need to talk.

 

[PatsGirl]

Thanks everyone for your kind words and .

Yes, I'll be attending his "swearing in" ceremony in Boston tomorrow morning just miles from the airport so I thought, well, WTH, might as well go to WDW while we're so close

Actually, we had already planned to do WDW late August so I worked it around his leaving, now I'm really glad about the timing to keep my mind occupied for a few days.

 

[diz8297]

Brenda- You did a good job my dear. He's chosen a path that will allow him to grow and have a great future. Kudos to you! I've said a pray for Jacob's safety-both physically and spiritually. We are blessed as a nation to have men like him!
Hang in there-I'm a mom to two boys-who are growing up faster than I would like to admit. So, someday I may be in your shoes. But you've done your job-you've given him roots....and wings.
God bless.

 

[dvcfamily41801]

Good luck to him and you!!!

 

[manning]

Good luck! My 18 yo son left July 15 for Navy Basic Training. I feel like I've already seen him mature, just through his letters, but time will tell! I'm anxious to attend his graduation in just a few weeks. I originally wanted my son to go to college as well, but he chose the Navy, and honestly, I think it was the best decision he could have made. Hopefully you'll feel the same way soon too.

Here's a bright spot. Over 90% of all ranks in the military get their college degree, so you have a good chance to see your wish.

 

[THE HAT]

my db joined the Army right out of highschool 82nd airborne, he retired 2yrs ago after 24 years as an E-9. It was the best thing he ever did for himself. He was an immature 18yo that would have ended up not even half of what he has become had he not joined the military.

You have raised a fine brave young man, hugs to you.

 

[mrsmom]

 

[MELSMICE]

Good luck to your son (& to you!!)

My brother joined the Air Force a few months out of high school. He has now been in 17 years & will definitely be completely the 20 years before he retires from there.

He was lost after high school & just knew he didn't want to go to college. My parents supported his decision & he is now one of the most mature men I know (next to my DH, of coure! ). He met his wife while in the Air Force & has one DD now.

Even though him & I are 10 years apart, we are very close. We went to visit him in Colorado last summer, they were here for this past Christmas & we will once again see him in October when we're all in WDW. We all miss him, but the Air Force has been a very positive thing for him.

Best wishes to your son!!!

 

[PatsGirl]

Again, thanks to everyone! I'm just getting home from dropping him at the recruiter's office. We (myself, DS, and DD11) went out for a lunch by ourselves first just to spend our last minutes together uninterrupted. He seems sure of himself and his decision and for this I am grateful. It would have been very difficult to send him off had he been reluctant. His GF met us at the office and did me the favor (and him) of not breaking down. She had herself quite the day yesterday and I told her I wanted no hysterics today or she should do her good-byes last night and let it go at that.

We had no problem saying see ya! because we know we'll see him tomorrow briefly after his swearing in, at which time I hope I can follow the same advice I gave to GF "make it easier on him, not harder and be strong". I don't wear my emotions on my sleeve but boy I had to hold back the tears a few times already today just thinking about everything.

I truly believe that we have made the right decision and I think that is making it a little easier. And, if positive thoughts don't do the trick, I'll be at Magic Kingdom at 6 pm tomorrow night

 

[Kitty 34]

Again, thanks to everyone! I'm just getting home from dropping him at the recruiter's office. We (myself, DS, and DD11) went out for a lunch by ourselves first just to spend our last minutes together uninterrupted. He seems sure of himself and his decision and for this I am grateful. It would have been very difficult to send him off had he been reluctant. His GF met us at the office and did me the favor (and him) of not breaking down. She had herself quite the day yesterday and I told her I wanted no hysterics today or she should do her good-byes last night and let it go at that.

We had no problem saying see ya! because we know we'll see him tomorrow briefly after his swearing in, at which time I hope I can follow the same advice I gave to GF "make it easier on him, not harder and be strong". I don't wear my emotions on my sleeve but boy I had to hold back the tears a few times already today just thinking about everything.

I truly believe that we have made the right decision and I think that is making it a little easier. And, if positive thoughts don't do the trick, I'll be at Magic Kingdom at 6 pm tomorrow night

Sounds like you are holding out well. I would have been a mess. Where will he be stationed?

Just curious....is the Air Force always a six year plan or are there shorter stints? My DS also just graduated from HS and he's been "toying" with the armed forces (esp AF) but right now he's thinking he's going to get that great paying job instead. Hasn't quite happened yet!

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

Its was July of 2003 when our son left for lackland for his BMT and we will NEVER forget it. Please make sure you try to make it to San Antonio for his Basic graduation because you will never experience anything like that weekend ever again. We could not believe what we saw! Our son was an Airman! He was not the snot-nosed kid we dropped off at MEPS when he left. He was a young and mature individual with yes ma'ams and yes sirs.

Hang in there and if you have any questions or concerns, just let me know. I am a tried and true very proud Air Force mom.