Tuesday, October 14, 2008

I didn't know that I signed up for this 19 years ago

It's funny how one day they are babies in your arms and then the next day they are grown and gone. Dylan left for basic training on Monday. His mood was great and we had a good morning together as we went to Walmart to buy a duffle bag and stopped by McDonalds to pick up something for breakfast. We had one last talk about how it was going to be while he was at basic training and what we both expected and didn't expect from each other.

Once we arrived at his dropoff, we hugged goodbye and I told him that I would see him in about 6 weeks. I took pictures as he made the walk to begin his journey in the Air Force and then he was gone . We drove off and started the ride back home and it seemed like everything was going to be ok. But that was just a mistake in my thinking and as I would later find out.. Ray's thinking too. Nothing is the same and life now has a different look. I'm sad and my head is in a fog. Being by myself at the house today was unbearable. I thought that keeping the tv turned up loud enough where I could hear it from any room would keep my mind focused on other thoughts. No matter what I tried, I couldn't escape the fact that I was alone in my head.

I ended up leaving the house right after 11 and going to where two of my very good friends work. I was not going home until my kids came home from school. I hung out with them during lunch and for the rest of the afternoon. Their office was closed for the week and they were doing small jobs around the office or I would not have been able to be there. As was expected, we laughed... a lot... and I was soon feeling good again.

I really have the very best friends that one could wish for and I knew that turning to them would be the answer. I will lean on them for the next few days as I wait for things to get better.

But none of my kids are ever allowed to leave us now that we know what to expect. :-)

8 comments:

Dawn said...

Gulp! That brought tears to my eyes. I can't imagine what you are feeling.

I'm so glad you have friends to lean on. That's what they are there for.

I was coming over to tell you I had tagged you for a meme but I see you got tagged by Michelle too! LOL

I'll be praying for you. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm glad that you have some good friends to turn to. I just can't imagine...I've had 1 daughter to move off to college but this is so much different. You and your family will be in my prayers. I hope the days get better

DeeBee said...

I'm not planning on future post to be sad but I had to post this because I'm just keeping it real. It's going to be hard but I know others deal with this sort of thing all the time. This is just my experience. Thanks to your kind words and support. Bloggers are the best!

Anonymous said...

I remember when our daughter, our oldest, went off to college. I had no idea how it would affect me either. I was so sad after she left and the first week would cry whenever I went into her room. And that was just college, not basic training. What was really hard was when she got married and was gone for good as far as living with us anymore. Someone needs to tell us moms how hard it is when our babies grow up. :)
You can email me anytime and cry on my shoulder. I will probably cry with you. You and your son will be in my prayers!

The Hunter's Wife said...

What a hard day. I can't imagine. It's nice to have friends you can lean on.

Prayers to your family!!!

Debz said...

I remember dropping my son at Air Force recruiting center for him to leave for his basic. It was actually 10 weeks for us to be able to see him again. For his graduation. His basic was in San Antonio and we live in SC, that was a long drive, but one I would have done over if I had too.

Then we he got stationed at Seymour-Johnson in NC, I was ecstatic.

I feel your pain though, but it does get easier/better.

Angie said...

I couldn't make it through life without my friends. I have 2 friends that I've known since kindergarten (now I'm 45). You are stronger than you think! That's why your baby boy CAN leave the nest. Continued prayers from me to you...ang

Anonymous said...

It is so hard. Our daughter went to basics for the Coast Guard. We are so proud of her. It will go by fast. Hugs.