It's Going to be a Long Year

[Dixie Luvr 98]

DISCLAIMER: I am totally wallowing in it today, but I can't seem to help myself. My usual personal pep talks just aren't working

DS deployed last week for a year in Iraq. Got a call Sun. from Kuwait and another yesterday letting me know they had arrived. News that the weather lousy and the chow hall food pretty good mixed in with comments about machine gun and mortar fire.

Add in the fact that tomorrow is his 20th birthday and a heaping dose of PMS on my part, and I feel quite lousy.

I know thousands of others have gone through this and I'm told it gets better, but right now I have a huge lump in my chest that refuses to budge.

Thanks to anyone who reads this for allowing me to vent a little.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I've never sent my son to war but sent my husband twice to Iraq. Some days just suck. Some days are easier than others. The first few days are very hard and seeing the news and thinking about whats going on or whats to come doesn't help any. Also, if you are super sensitive I wouldn't hang around the threads about the good vs the bad of Iraq. It just makes you feel worse. If you need any suggestions for goody boxes please let me know. I have a list that I can send to you. Also are you a member of the MOMs(Moms of Marines)? I'm sure you could find a group near you. Good luck I hope it goes smoothly.

 

[Otto's Doll]

Thanks to your son for what he is doing, and hugs to you for what you are going through.

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

my son in law just got back thanksgiving from a year in iraq. he waa home last april ,when his son was born. its my daughters first child and also our first grandchild. so he actually had only seen the baby 2 1/2 weeks of his life. well he was home for christmas, the three of them are now down in fort hood,texas. they left jan2. mydaughter is not sure how long they will be there, oh sorry he is in the army. hes on black hawk helicopters. now i dont know if they will head back over there after the presidents speech. my daughter doesnt know. i miss them so much, especially cause they lived here with us and her mother in laws house. we have all the baby stuff-his swing,packn play,it is hard but i know at least my son in law is home and they are finally a family. so i send prayers to you and your family ,it must be hard to have your son over there. but i know my daughter kept in touch with some of the wives through the comp. she did send alot of care packages, my daughter made sure she sent extra candy, games, cards, and homemade cookies,which they all loved. so maybe sending things to him and the other men and women will help you a little. also keep in touch with the support groups. im sorry this is so long, but take care and god bless you all.

 

[4nana]

Vent away sweetie, that's why we are here to help each other through the ups and downs. Know that many hearts and prayers are with you, your son and our brave military and their families. It's not easy sending our babies off to harms way, but thankfully family, friends, support groups and prayer circles can bring much encouragement and hope while our boys/girls are in the sand box and know we're not alone. I will add your family and son to my prayer list and may Godspeed his every step and his guardian angel watch over him.

 

[tngramma]

As a proud Army Mom I have been in your shoes and will surely be praying for you. My DS served 2 terms in Iraq. He was in Kuwait when the war started. My advice is do not spend too much time watching the news. I stayed glued to the tube the first time and the second time I took my doctor's advice and stayed away from the news as much as possible. Send him plenty of goodies, let him know you love him, and look forward to the day he comes home.

 

[Dixie Luvr 98]

Thanks to everyone that responded. Your kind words actually brought tears to my eyes

I have finally stopped shaking at least DS is in Fallujah and "enjoying it here so far". He has sent several e-mails and called twice. Says he has gotten quite used to the mortars going off.

I'm trying to stay busy, not obsess over news reports, and count the days until he gets to come home on two weeks leave. (120 days!)

Thanks and hugs to all of you!


Susan

 

[dreamergirl78]

My husband just left on Friday. So I know how you feel. He has been in Texas for training for 9 months and will be gone for probably about 14 more.
You all are in my prayers. If you need to vent further, let me know. I am sure we can help one another out.
Take care and try to stay positive!

 

[Melisa1]

Vent anytime - we all know how you feel!
My DH has deployed many times now and the best advice I can give you is stay busy and don't watch too much news. The first OIF deployment, I stayed glued to MSNBC and it was a looong year. I have since learned not to do that. Keep a positive attitude and lots of prayers and your DS will be home safe before you know it!

 

[lovemygoofy]

My husband just left on Friday. So I know how you feel. He has been in Texas for training for 9 months and will be gone for probably about 14 more.
You all are in my prayers. If you need to vent further, let me know. I am sure we can help one another out.
Take care and try to stay positive!

I hope things go quickly for you. I know how difficult this is for you, especially if you haven't done it before or a deployment this long. I've been in your shoes several times and getting ready to do it again. If you ever need to talk or have questions please feel free to PM me.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Just wanted to add my sincere thanks to all of you for serving our country and hope your loved ones are home safely SOON!

I have a dear friend that just left for Afghanistan from Ft Bragg on the day we left for our trip to Disney World. I thought it was just so surreal to be sitting watching the Shamu show while Michael was arriving for his year in the desert.

Being the guy that he is he says it is "no big deal" and he is just doing his job.

 

[crzy4mickey]

First of all, BIG THANKS for your DS for serving our country. I am so proud of our men and women in our military! I hope your year will go fast. It's a comfort to know that you can keep in contact with your DS not like in past wars. My nephew is on the end of his year deployment. He left Jan 06 for Ft Brag and then for Afganistan the Saturday before Easter in 06. So send him lots of goodies, cards, letters etc. Keep him in your prayers, I will also.