Mom 46 with Son being deployed to Irac in March.....

Debbie - posted on 02/02/2010

God Bless Him...What he is doing is very brave and having a mom who can support him must make him feel better...I thought sending my kids to college was hard butyour sons choice puts it in perspective for me...Tell him the tears are tears of LOVE and PRIDE!!!

Carolyn - posted on 01/31/2010

Dear Lynn,

I know your worries my son was in afghanestan from March to November of last year I know how hard it is. I was not invited to any support groups as we live appox 100 miles apart. I would suggest that you get a support group at base if you have the time. I know that there will be other moms in his unit that would be glad for that too. Also keep in touch with him.

SUE - posted on 01/31/2010

Hi Lynn,
My son is a medic in the Army stationed at Fort Carson. He is also being deployed in March to Iraq. I will be worried too like you the whole time he will be gone......but I am just going to put him in God's hands and pray for his safety. Good luck to your son..... and to you too!! To you and all the other mother's out there who have children and/or spouses over seas.......tell them a big THANK YOU!!!! I'm sure you are as proud of your soldiers as I am of mine.

Ellen - posted on 01/24/2010

My son is there in the Air Force...we do not have a relationship right now (looong story), at least you can tell your son how you feel about his deployment. I'm sure he knows your worried about him, and will take whatever opportunity he can to get in touch.

Look for support groups in your area, you'd be surprised how many there are. Good luck to your son and you.

Elaine - posted on 01/24/2010

Hi Lynn if you have a faith pray daily. It may sound odd but for me it was the only way l could get through the time my son was over there. What is his name and l will pray for you both.
Elaine

Janise - posted on 01/24/2010

Been there, done that, bought both the tee shirt and the hoodie.......my advice,....stay away from the TV and commercial media.....stay close to your newest best friends....other military moms, not the cryers but the ones who can support your emotions through the deployment. I was part of the January 2003 inital deplymt to Iraq, my son is a USMarine, was 20 years old and left to the complete unknown. Pray and faith, my fellow Marine Corps Moms helped me and many survive and maintain positive light. I don't know what branch you son is with, it really does not matter, what does matter is the battl you have at home. God love the military Mom!!! Check out Marine Corps Moms.com (go to about us) I am the brunette on the left back in 2004 after my son came home and my divorce (yes my second husband could not handle my emotional needs during 2003 and left me). I am no long an "active" MCM, my sisters dropped my bio because I did not continue on into the land of sydication after my son came home. Connie (the blonde) went on to do that and Deb (the redhead) continues to Rush Linbaugh with the "blog". Tell people about your son, talk about him, not his deployment (stick to what you really know, not what you think you know). Post his photo in a tranquil place where you, he, and God can talk. Love to you.."Nise

Debra - posted on 01/23/2010

Well coming from a step mom, of a son who just returned from Ahfgan it is not easy. They are or at least Matt was able to email, and Im us everyday. We didn't get many phone calls but he did stay in touch via the other forms. It helped knowing he was safe and sound. I will not lie it was not easy the day we esorted him to the gate. Tears will flow on both sides I can assure you of that. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts as each day goes by.

May God protect him each day he is away.

Deb

Linda - posted on 01/23/2010

Lynn,

I have a son going to Iraq early summer. he will either miss his brother's high school graduation or leave shortly there after. He is the second oldest child of 5 and he's following in his dad's footsteps. His dad went to Iraq back in 1990. this has been hard for me too but, I know he's going to listen to what they tell him and he's going to be ok.

September - posted on 01/23/2010

My son served in Iraq. He is back home and now is in Rota, Spain with his wife and two dogs. He probably will be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. With today's technology youcan receive calls and keep in touch by emails and Facebook. What brach of the military is he in?

Danette - posted on 01/23/2010

I feel that you have done an excellent job at raising your son!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You should be proud and vindicated that you have done as God has directed and raised him up to be a testament to Him. You must know that God has your son in the palm of His hand when the integrity of your son shows such strong trust in the LORD. Now it's time for You to trust the Lord. Keep in touch. aloha

Serena - posted on 01/23/2010

Hang in there Josie--- all well be well as we are all Gods children :)

Serena - posted on 01/23/2010

My daughter is in the navy and they were in the Persian Gulf in 2007. It was stressful for me to say the least... She was just deployed this past week to Gitmo (special assignment) to help with Haiti. I guess how i cope is to get on my knees and pray for her a couple of times a day...Know that Heavenly Father knows them personnaly and he knows their particular needs as well as ours. Know that every trial we face or our kids face in this life is for our benefit to grow and mature and become better people and citizens in our community. Have faith, have hope, and have charity in your heart. For me, charity means to be of service to others, be involved and busy so you dont have time to think of all the possibilities that could go wrong...I know I am the same as you. As I sit here typing this I have tears in my eyes...just stay busy and have faith :) I am on Face Book if you want to talk ever - Serena Towery

Susan - posted on 01/23/2010

Hi Lynn,
Just when I thought I was alone. I have an 18 year old son who is finishing his infantry training in Camp Legeune, NC. He graduates that on Feb. 10th and then gets his orders. The classes seem to have a 2 week turnaround time until they leave for Afghanistan. Ouch! All I know how to do is pray. One wise friend told me to remember, 'God loves our children more then we ever can!'. Since He is perfect in all things, I must agree!
I also have 2 more sons: James Kolbe, 4 and Jack who will be 1 on Jan. 30th. They keep me ultra busy so my routine with them helps keep my mind diverted so that is a huge help to my coping, too.
Good luck.

Brenda - posted on 01/22/2010

Lynn, I totally understand where you are at. My Ryan as a Marine was sent to different areas including Afghanistan. I found that becoming active and keeping myself busy helped. I am not saying it was easy the tension and tears were still there it is just that it helped. Check your area for the Blue Star Mothers organizations. We are a national organization of mothers who have service personnel deployed around the world. Right now the larger focus is Afghanistan and Iraq but our children are all over the world. Just type in bluestarmothers.org and it will take you to the national where on the left there is a line for locating chapter in your area. Also as one stated contact the FRG at his base for suppor if you can. Ryan is home now, my other son Mike is in AF now and our grandson is going in service in Feb. Fox News is really the only reliable news. My son told me not to listen to anything else. One thing to that I did find is there were some friends that didn't always want to talk when needed so that is where the support groups are very helpful. Anytime you need to chat I am on FB brenda dodgens. God Bless you and your son.

Jeanie - posted on 01/22/2010

Hello to Mom's with deployed or deploying children! Yes, my son WAS in Iraq. He is on his 5th deployment now. It is hard and my heart goes out to you. Keep in touch with him. Computers are wonderful now for that. If you can afford it, get him a laptop with skype so you can talk to him when he's able to connect with you. Open yourself up and be strong for him. He'll need your happiness and bringing home to him. Pics help them and send packages of silly stuff you know he likes. These things help you and him. Anytime you want to talk...I am on FB Jeanie Carter I have lots of parents I share with and we all have kids over there. You are more than welcome. God bless you and your son!

Sherry - posted on 01/22/2010

dont know what I can say that hasnt been said, my son will be getting his orders soon. he already had orders for air crew out of Iraq and Afghanistan but they both got declined because they were orders that are usually reserved for the more experienced and my son is just getting started, I already feel left out because the nature of what he is training for requires a bit of secrecy, and when he 1st told me what his orders were going to be before they got dropped my heart felt liked it stopped but I still managed to have a normal conversation with him, I told him I didnt like it but understood that it was his duty and he knew what he was getting into, no fighting with him, he knew and knows Im scared for him but he also knows I support him 100% and did/do so the whole time which is more than could be said for his father, I am proud that this is what he chose to do with his life (he plans on being career military, at least 20 yrs) it does not reduce the amount of fear I have for him but I believe he has to do what feels right for him. I tell my son everyday I get to talk to him that I love him and have resolved to be strong for him when those orders come in but I also know there will be times when I break down, it is to be expected, but I also know for my sons sake I will have to pick myself back up and carry on, I find it helps to find things to keep me busy so I dont have time to dwell on what I know is coming, my best wishes for you and your son

Doreen - posted on 01/22/2010

I just read all the e-mails above and I have been crying so much I could not see them all.I have one son(29 yrs old) and thankfully he is only 1 hour away (by car) and I get to see him every week(to have mom wash his clothes and have a good home cooked meal) and I thank God he never enlisted(he had talked about this)but he "fell in love"and his girl would not let him go.This was the only thing I liked about her.But I would like to thank all of your children for taking care of my family and the rest of the USA.

Doreen - posted on 01/22/2010

I don't knpw how you feel,but my prayers are wth you.I'm here if you just need to talk.however I'm not great on the comp. my son wrote to me to stop yelling at everyone and I did not know that when you type in caps that means your yelling.so if that happens i'm sorry.I always type in caps so I can read what I wrote!(bad eyes at my age)

Joey - posted on 01/22/2010

Thank your son for his service to our Country. My son served 2 tours in Iraq, with the USMC. I understand your anxiety, you might want to talk to your Dr. about some help, whether it's in the form of medication, theraphy, etc. My Dr. recommended I NOT WATCH the evening news, don't glue yourself to CNN, the footage is old and reran. Personally, I walked, ALOT, prayed, and didn't take a full breath until he returned. The Marine Corps actually called me the minute his feet were back on US soil, but he wasn't home until I held him. I even counted his fingers and toes, just like I did the day he was born. lol They say "no one wants peace more than the warrior" I would add unless it's his Mother. God Bless

Evangelista - posted on 01/22/2010

Lynn God is the answer to all our problems just surrender that trip to HIM and have faith and trust the God who is in heaven never fails us. To the son tell him also to be on his knees and seek ye His face You have cried enough let the LORD take over I know its hard but accept it.

Andrea - posted on 01/22/2010

Yes, I have a 23 year old son that spent a year in Iraq just a year ago and he's on his way back again this year. He's in an Infantry unit and this will be his second tour. He will be deploying right after his first child is born but he's ready. And you are correct not to tell him how you feel because distractions and worry can get a soldier killed. I also served in the military and I was able to explain alot of things to my son. I don't worry, I just hate to see him leave because he is my first born and he's about to have his first. Stay strong for him....

Barb - posted on 01/21/2010

Hello Lynn, I am a mother of a Army Soldier the first time he went to Iraq I cryed so hard I had all the standard fears Will I ever see him alive will he be the same person when he comes home I was so afraid everytime the phone rang or the doorbell rang that I was going to find out bad news but you do get through it. I am happy that it will only be for 6 months for you When my son went he was gone for over a year. He will be back home for one year in June and I just found out that he will be deployed again in July for 15 - 18 months this time to Northern Afganistan. I know what to expect yet I have all the same fears. I suggest that you take one day at a time. My son told me that even though you don't hear from me you know I love you and your love is what is going to get me through all of this. I hold on to that everytime he is away and also he told me don't worry about me unless you have something to worry about. ( he went on to say unless someone knocks on your door I am fine) that was not helpful for me personally but he thought it would help me out. I hope this helps you some. Your friends and famiy will help but you will still miss him greatly and the not being able to contact them is the hardest thing of all. Good luck! Barb

Anita - posted on 01/21/2010

Hi Lynn,

Just wanted to let you know that I have two sons in the military and both have been deployed at least twice. I have a set of their dogtags that I wear the whole time they are deployed. I feel the tags around my neck and its like I have a peice of them with me. ONce a day I wrap my hands around the dog tags and say a prayer for our troops. The only advise I can give is to have faith and trust in you son and his CO that they will come home safe.

MARY - posted on 01/21/2010

I KNOW THIS IS TRUE MY OLDEST SON DID TWO TOURS AND HE ALSO KEPT IN CLOSE TOUCH AND HE WAS A MUCH DIFFERANT PERSON THAN MY YOUNGER SON HE LIVED AND BREATHED ARMY ,HE ALSO TOLD ME NOT TO WATCH THE T.V. OR PANIC OVER THE NEWS THINKING THAT SOMETHING I SAW OR HEARD WAS ABOUT HIM BECAUSE IF ANY THING HAPPENED TO HIM I WOULD KNOW BEFORE IT BECAME PUBLIC.I DON,T WANT TO SOUND LIKE MY YOUNGER SON IS LESS CAPABLE .I GUESS HE IS MY BABY AND I DON,T WANT THE LAST OF HIS EMOTIONAL INNOSENCE TO BE TAKEN .....HONESTLY I HAVE A MUCH HARDER TIME WITH THIS THAN HE DOSE ...HES READY.

Carol - posted on 01/21/2010

My Son is in the 82 Airborne and was deployed on Sunday to Haiti, I have to say I'm relieved he is there as verses Iraq or Afganistan, regardless, it is tough not hearing from him for weeks at a time. I try to remind myself that he is living his dream and so very much wanted to go somewhere to help. With all that went on in my life the 1st year he was gone I felt like I was suffering from Situational depression and saw my doctor. She did put me on an antidepressant- prestiq- (1st she gave me 8 wks of samples) and it has helped a great deal. I still tear up from time to time but I seem able to control my thoughts so much better. We have discussed being on this for 6 months to a yr and then get off them. I hope all goes well with your son and you find happiness soon.
Carol

MARY - posted on 01/21/2010

HI LYNN

MY OLDEST SON PULLED TWO TOURS AND I THOUGHT I HAD WORKED THROUGH ALL THE ISSUES THAT A MOTHER FEELS WHEN HER CHILD GOES TO WAR ,UNTILL MY YOUNGEST SON JOINED THE ARMY AND IS DEPLOYING IN MARCH ALSO .YOU KNOW I WANT TO BE ABLE TO JUST ACCEPT THIS ,I DO UNDERSTAND THAT HE CHOSE THIS I KNOW HE IS TRAINED ,I AM PROUD OF HIM ,I DO WANT TO BE STRONG FOR HIM ,AND I DO TRUST IN GOD ,BUT THE MOTHER IN ME WANTS HIM TO BE SAFE .I FEEL SO SELFISH WHEN I SAY THAT I KNOW EVERY MOTHER THAT HAS A CHILD THAT HAS GONE OR IS GOING WANTS THEIR CHILD SAFE .I KNOW I PROBABLY HAVE NOT GIVEN MUCH ENCOURAGMENT EXCEPT TO SAY ANY FEELING YOU HAVE IS LAGITAMENT AND EVER CHANGING OR MINE ARE ANYWAY.

Becky - posted on 01/20/2010

My thought and prayers are with you and your child. I am a 48 year old mom with a son who has been deployed 3 times to Affganistan and I do know the pain and fears you could be feeling. He is fixing to leave again to go back there and my heart drops everytime I think about it. Just know that God will take care of them and keep intouch anytime.

Cheri - posted on 01/20/2010

My son deployed in November of last year and i know that the only way that i survive it is cause i get daily phone calls from him. He has a laptop computer and calls me on skype and it only cost him about 2cents a min to call me. I would go crazy without my phone calls. You dont need alot of fancy equipment for you to be able to talk on skype and it is such a releif to talk to him so much. I know exactly how you feel not wanting to tell him how you feel and not wanting him to worry about you. I have found this to be the best solution for all involved. He calls his sister and his wife this way also it is great!!!

Sharon - posted on 01/20/2010

My son got back from Iraq in September. It was his second tour over there. For me it was a whole new lesson in trust. I told myself often that all my worry did not keep my son safe but actually robbed from the positive energy and productivity I could be putting toward something that would benefit the soldiers. My children and I helped a group out that packed boxes for soldiers. We also organized a group that pack Christmas boxes. This curbed the helpless feeling. I e-mailed my son often and just let him know often that he was loved and that we were proud of him. It is not easy. It is a chance to grow a depth of soul.

Mary - posted on 01/20/2010

i have a son now serving in afghanistan he is expectinghis first child feb9, 2010. it has been very difficult for me to come to terms that he may not be there for his sons birth. he will have 2 week leave but has to go back for six more months. it took me along time to get my head around this. now i do everything i can to support him and his wife in this very difficult time. i wil also miss the birth because she is in germany where they have been stationed for the last four years. i haven't seen them since last summer. i decided i could cry and be down but that wouldn't help me or them so i pray and leave it in gods hands. i am also so proud of him and i realize many more come home than don't. support that you raised an awesome child who is giving himself to help others. you need to talk about it with other moms and family- i think mine don't always get it but i talk anyways there many be an army wives mothers group near where he is stationed-especially if he isin the reserves. this is the first deployment for this son but i had another son in afghanistan too he came home safely. my daughter-in-law has been deployed numerous times aghanistan, iraq, turkey kuwait etc. she is now done witht her military service. Althoughthey may not say much listen and don't forget to tell him you love him and are proud of him . hoope this helps

Brenda - posted on 01/20/2010

My son Brian was deployed to Iraq a few years back so I know how you feel. I never let on that I was fearful but I was. One thing I learned is that they cant tell you what is really going on there, so pray for him daily and send packages when you can or when they allow. Letters lots of letters. My son is also being redeployed to Iraq again in July. Stay strong and that will keep your son strong. He will come back a changed man. There is no way around that. My son was injured in an IED attack, he received the Purple Heart for helping his buddies. I am so proud of him and be very proud of your son also, it takes a real man to fight for his country. Its their choice and you have to respect that. Take care

Vickie - posted on 01/20/2010

Lynn,

I have a son that rejoined the Army for the second time and this time he will be going to Afghanistan in a couple of months. I've strted feeling it a little bit as it closer to his time to go over there. I also have a nephew that is there right now. I just have been praying for both of them and all the soldiers and have others to pray to.

Hang in there,

Vickie C.

Donna - posted on 01/20/2010

My husband did 4 tours and his son followed in his footsteps .. was home for the last 2 weeks for the 1st time in 2 years. I know its not easy Lynn...... and you probably don't want to hear this....... but... Your son knew what he getting into when he sighned up..!!! I know it totally sucks!!! My heart aches for all the boys and girls that are over there and wish they would all just come home. I totally support the troops.... but I HATE WAR..... love to you and your faimly....... Donna

Josie - posted on 01/20/2010

Hi I am an aussie mum of an 18 year old who has just moved to Darwin awaiting his deployment orders. I am having a hard time letting go of my son as it is let alone sending him off to a war zone! I comfort myself in the knowledge that he has had the best training, great mates to look after him and all of our thoughts and love to support him. It isn't our war but we must all help out our neighbours. I am so very proud of him and only pray that he will return to us safely.

Deborah - posted on 01/19/2010

That's true oh so true if he see you hurting it will make him sad so you have to be strong for the both of you. My son is the youngest of four he has three sisters older and so hi being the baby is tough and the only boy. But it is hard to see him in that place but he choose this path and being a parent have to support his choice. Just remember pray, pray, pray and pray some more God never turns a deaf ear like people do.

Sue - posted on 01/19/2010

I will be 49 the end of this month , my 24 yr old son deployed on sunday he will be stateside for a month or two then leaves for Iraq.he's gone for a year. I'm scared to death but so proud of him .He signed up even knowing my feelings ,which are i'm scared because my brother was in Operation Desert Storm and died in Saudi Arabia in a truck accident in 1991. but he felt this was something he needed to do . he told me so he could change my feelings to happiness and being proud not feeling so sad about the military.to be proud on military holidays not sad. I know he could walk out his door here at home and have an accident ,I have put it in Gods hands there is nothing else i can do except find a place like this for support and to vent. So keep supporting him and love him Sue

Deborah - posted on 01/19/2010

All just remember a mothers prayer for her children touch the heart of God like no other prayer does . So my advice again is pray and seek God for your children and remember he is in control.

Jeanne - posted on 01/19/2010

Hi Lynn, my boy just shipped off to Afghanistan Dec 30. He has been stationed in Japan for the past 1 1/2 yrs. We did have the blessing of seeing him on a one day lay over before his flight out. Basically, our family spent that whole time talking, laughing and spending precious little time together. When it was time for him to leave---big hugs and safe wishes and focused on his arrival back home next summer. Held off the tears until he was out of sight. As you, we are a very tight family. I do, however, have a little ray of sunshine for you---they have internet access. So he can email, web cam, facebook you from time to time. Best wishes and Blessings to you and your family.

Michelle - posted on 01/19/2010

Hi Lynn, My name is Michelle. My son just returned from Afghanistan for a year. He has only been my son for about 3 years now, but it didn't make me any less fearful. His wife had just had a baby, and they werestruggling as a family. I found that it helped me to find ways to connect with him. I bought him a hometown subscription the newspaper, and once a week we would place a small ad in the classifeid section with a funny thought and picture of his son gorwing up. We also went online and found a list of thingks they woudl need, and shipped enought for him and those around him. Wipes, deodorant, battteries. He was able to purchase a cell there, so there were times we coudl talk to him. I joined the FRG page and made friends with other families that were in his unit. Actually Facebook helped me there. We welcomed him home Dec 29th. i can tell you my husband had to talk to a doctor and they put him on medicine. He had a hard time, he wanted to talk about Chip all the time but he would break down when he did. I don;t think it ever got easier, but thinking I was able to help in some small way, gave me a little piece of mind.

Myriam - posted on 01/18/2010

Hi Lynn, My name is Myriam and I too have my daughter deploying to Iraq...soon. This is her second tour over seas. I can feel and relate to your heavy heart and anguish. The first time she went, I was frantic with some fear but I started to ask every chrstian to pray for her and for my strength. I also asked God to give me specific word about my prayer petition regarding her going there and he did. He told me that he would bring my sons and dauhters from the land of the enemy and so he did. He is my only hope and my faith to connect me from me to my daughter and so I hang on to the most precious promises. I cried for a while but he strenghtened me. Now as she gos off again, I will trust in him again...I will place her in the palms of his hand. I can not ask for a better place! I do not know what the future holds and I don't even know if he were to take her home but what ever he does, I will trust him. In the meantime, we shall pray for each other, support them and be proud of them. May the Lord strenghtens you and bless you! There will be other moms who will need our encouragement and support and this will keep us busy and strong.................I promise! = )

Brenda - posted on 01/18/2010

My son was in Iraq from Oct 2003 to Oct 2004. He was supposed to leave in Sept but my husband passed away and they let him wait a month. It was one of the scariest years of my life. I will be so glad when they quit sending our boys (and girls) over to fight this "war" of theirs.

If you do not have yahoo messenger get it on your computer. It was great. Eric would catch me online and we could talk pretty often plus we had cameras set up and I could see him., That helped a lot.

Janet - posted on 01/18/2010

Lynn,
I too understand where you are. I have two sons in the Army. I have one one that is redeploying in the middle of Feb. to come home after being there for a year. I have another one that turned 19 in Iraq. He spent 15 months there. I cried for weeks when I first found out that he was going. He was the first one to go over. But, what helped me the most was he told me that he trusted the NCO's that was over him, they were seasoned combat soliders, and that he knew that he was in God's hands. As far as the second son that is on his way home, well his unit was not that good and he was is not making the best decisions with his life either.

Best advice has already been given and I will repeat it. Pray, pray, pray, and when you think you have prayed enough pray more.

Sharon - posted on 01/17/2010

My husband is in Iraq, Has been there on and off for 5 years now. You can talk to him everyday on skype, and e-mails, and send lots of photos. It's tough at times, but with faith, you will get through this. Just leave him in Gods hands and he will be fine. Prayer and lots of love.

Denise - posted on 01/17/2010

I know how u feel Lynn. I had a nephew and a dil go twice....not easy either time...but what i did do was ask if they wanted any specifics and kept a myspace, facebook and followed there direction....I also got a webcam just in case....mostly got to i m them when they found the site and left message on myspace....all you can do is pray for his safe return....good luck hon and keep ur faith...u need it now more than ever.....what is is m o ?

David - posted on 01/17/2010

I can tell you my wife hated to see me leave when I would be deployed or just did not come home from work because our unit up and left. I was in teh Marine Corps for 13 years and deployed all the time. No matter what service he is in, he has another family who is going to take care of and he is going to take care of him. It is going to be hard for him to be away from family and friends also. Just remember to tell him you love him and do not fight with him if he calls. If he is having a bad day and calls you to vent, just listen. Normally my wife would post all of this but I was asked to answer this because I have been here before. I hope this helps a little. I respect your son and I will pray for his safe return home. God bless him.

Tracy - posted on 01/17/2010

Lynn, I understand completly where you are!!! My son just returned from Iraq in November. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do was watch him get on that plane!! Although he did not leave directly from home, I knew that he would be leaving base in less than a month and I would not see him for almost a year and a half. I took to my bed for a week not knowing how to breath anymore. I have three other children that needed me here, so I was forced to snap out of it pretty quickly. It was hard not being able to pick up the phone and just call him. What did help though was we bought him a web cam, so we stayed in touch pretty frequently. It had to be on his time though because they kept him busy (besides the factor of the time difference. If you ever need any advice, I would be glad to be there for you. My son is stationed in Hawaii now and will be there for another year and a half. My husband and I were fortunate enough to go visit him before Christmas, and it was such an awsome reunion. Hang in there girl, it does get easier.

Betsy - posted on 01/17/2010

Lynn,

You might want to check out the website www.militaryonesource.com & perhaps there is a Family Readiness Group too. My son is being deployed to Egypt for a year in May and I'm so thankful for his units Family Readiness Group (FRG)....I find the FRG to be very informative and providing answers to my questions as they arise. I have found that with being part of the group in any way, does indeed help in alleviating my worries & concerns. I also learned that when my son & his unit are in Egypt, the 1st SGT will correspond with our Family Readiness Group's leader atleast once per month to keep us informed. For piece of mind, letting go & letting God does work...Prayer & participation in a group does wonders! Let Go & Let God!

Peace to you and your family....

Deborah - posted on 01/17/2010

Thank you & your Thank Your son for me & my family! Thank him for supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States and defending her from all enemies foreign & domestic! We really appreciate it and the sacrifices made by all involved! God Bless Our Soildiers & Their Familes!

Rayetta - posted on 01/17/2010

I totally understand you. My son deploys in April. I want so bad to tell him how scared & uncertain I am, but I know that he is scared too & that just wouldn't do either of us any good. I let him know how proud of him I am & that I can't think of anyone better to protect me, my family, & my country than my children. I also had a daughter in the Army & another son who was also in the Marines. Both have finished thier duties & have gotten out without ever bieng deployed. All I can tell you is to be strong & to be proud. Know that your a good Mother who has raised a strong, independent, good young man. He needs all of the strength you can muster. Its hard. Try to surroung yourself with friends & family for support. I will pray for you & your son too.

Janice - posted on 01/17/2010

my heart goes out to you i have 2 sons 28 and 26 both are Iraq Veterans that was the longest year of my life they both were out of different basis but both deployed within a couple months of each other my advice is join a support group that will be made up of wives moms aunts from where he is based out of there is also a great group soldiersmoms@yahoogroups.com its a great group of women there are alot out there and it can be a life saver i will keep you and your son in my thoughts and prayers