by Lydia (part of the solution) Shelley
Member since:
October 5, 2007

Sunday Chat: Loved Ones in the Military

January 06, 2008 08:05 AM EST (Updated: January 06, 2008 08:08 PM EST)
views: 44 | comments: 29

My son Frank just left to return to King's Bay Georgia. He is in training there to be a Missile Technician on a submarine. We don't spend much time together nor do we communicate a lot... but I love him and miss him.

Frank is my oldest... and while we may clash at times I have the greatest respect for him and what he's learning. Not without concern for his safety... but I must remind myself that there is no such thing as "safety" anywhere in this world. A meteorite could plunge from the sky anywhere at any time and wipe any of us out. Or we could die of fright if we foolishly focus upon such things.

He is not even deployed yet... but I know that training is dangerous too. However, once he is finished and obtains his first assignment, there is no telling where in the world he will be nor even whether he'll be allowed to tell us. I think he likes that.

While his girlfriend/fiancee would like to get married ASAP so they can be together... he refuses to do so until all of his debts are paid, including his truck and student loan. At this point he seems to be shooting for 2010 or beyond. I wonder if he ever really plans to get married at all... or if he wants her to be sure she can stand the long months when he's away at sea before doing so.

I'm sure many of you are saying goodbye to loved ones who were on leave over the holidays. I'd be honored if you'd tell me about your son/daugher husband/wife/SO here in this thread... and feel free to post their photo along with it.

I have a box of tissues here and I'm willing to share if anyone needs them...

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Comments: 29

Marty S. Jan 6, 2008, 8:27am EST
hmm, I hope that your son will enjoy his time in the Navy.
Lydia (part of the solution) Shelley Jan 6, 2008, 8:40am EST
Thanks, Marty. He seems to really love it so far... he's talking about making it a 40-year career!
Carl Prime Time Lee Jan 6, 2008, 9:34am EST
You already know if it's what he wants, then it's for the best. But, at the same time, it will never get any easier whenever he has to go...
Lydia (part of the solution) Shelley Jan 6, 2008, 9:40am EST
Yes, Carl. You've got that right! No doubt about it.
Carl is right, if it's what he wants then he should do it. So hard to let them go though, isn't it? Pass a tissue.
Harrel (Len) Phillips Jan 6, 2008, 10:38am EST
Need cheering up? Go to faithway.org It's on right now.
Mark Lange Jan 6, 2008, 11:11am EST
God Bless him! I can't say thank you enough to all the military for putting their life on the line to keep this country free! God bless you too for raising such a brave man!
John S. (arizona) Jan 6, 2008, 11:40am EST
He seems to know what he wants, which is more than I can say for mine at the moment, ha ha. I often wish I had stayed in and made a career of it myself. I hope he likes the "silent service" in the subs, I had a friend that did that. It was years ago, and he liked it.
My best wishes for him, take care.
Curt L. Jan 6, 2008, 12:07pm EST
Sending positive vibes and a prayer out for you and your son, Lydia! :-)
Larry M. Jan 6, 2008, 12:34pm EST
I have a nephew in the navy. He just recently completed basic training. The family all think he is just where he belongs. We worry, of course, but as you say, nowhere is completely safe, especially when you are a young man.

I think your son shows good sense to put off marriage until his debts are paid. If he really saves what he can while in the navy he should be able to enter marriage debt free which is the best way to begin a marriage. Personally, I would be embarassed to propose to a woman with debts but then I am from a different era. :-)
Sharon B. Jan 6, 2008, 1:13pm EST
I can't say that I know what you are going through as I don't have any sons that age yet. My oldest has been talking about taking college at a military school (westpoint) though and that has almost sent me over the deep end just thinking about it. He is 16 and has 2 years of high school left and I just hope he changes his mind before then. I know he is thinking this because his school would be paid for then but there is other ways to pay for school. I would not be so concerned if it weren't for the war and the situation we are in right now.
Sherrie H. Jan 6, 2008, 2:58pm EST
I hope the time flies safely by.
I have a son who had uncontrolled epilepsy all his life. He became controlled on medication at 14. He was behind in schooling because of it causing a learning disability. All of his hard work paid off he got his drivers license at 16, and now at 20 he is welding at a local factory, ADM. I am really proud of Nicholas.

Megan will be sweet 16 on the 16th. My baby girl is growing up fast. Sometimes way to fast.
Most of you as well know about my James. At 18 months old I have a very brave and courageous little boy. He is my little hero.
Kitty Lone Hawk Jan 6, 2008, 3:12pm EST
I couldn't bear to right now......I've cried enough already.....just wanted to stop by and show my support and love for you and encourage you to have Faith that our God who created him will also take care of him as well.

Good story.
Elaine B. Jan 6, 2008, 5:08pm EST
Your son is brave, Lydia. God bless you and your son!
William M. Jan 6, 2008, 5:19pm EST
Be proud of your son.
CRYSTAL C. Jan 6, 2008, 5:51pm EST
I don't know how your feel and don't want to pretend that I do. I just hope you can be brave through yet another trying time in your life and count your blessings God has given you ((hugs))
Samantha V. Jan 6, 2008, 5:53pm EST
My hubby is currently deployed... Army National Guard... We are ever so proud of him and all of our other servicemembers! :::HUGS:::
Lydia (part of the solution) Shelley Jan 6, 2008, 8:04pm EST
Thanks to all who stopped by today... I had to go help a friend with computer problems and then my husband's been hogging the PC all day. My laptop shuts down after 20 minutes and I hope I can post this before it does so!
Jessica I. Jan 7, 2008, 9:22am EST
Perhaps you can get him involved in Gather and share stories with each other that way. I'm sure even though you miss him he's still making you very proud.
Lydia (part of the solution) Shelley Jan 7, 2008, 12:14pm EST
I would love that, Jessica. And he could really use the extra $$ from gather participation, too. I hope he'll join...
Sandra T. Jan 8, 2008, 2:38am EST
My best friend's husband was in Iraq for almost 18months. He is home now but they got restationed in Maryland (they were in Kansas). I remember all the phone calls from her because she missed him so and my heart goes out to you and your son! Hope he comes home for GOOD safe and sound and SOON.
Lydia (part of the solution) Shelley Jan 8, 2008, 8:05am EST
Thanks Sandra... but my son's still in training and hasn't even begun to actually serve yet. He has a six-year obligation due to the intensity and value of his education. He's been talking about making a 40 year career of it.
Charles Temm JR Jan 8, 2008, 7:23pm EST
a missile head with subs? Your boy MUST be smart...thats not easy to get into...

My son is a grunt, actually an 11C (mortarman) with the 1/325 Inf (82d Airborne). I'm proud of him as its not easy to say the least...he's got 4 years under his belt now.
Sophiya S. Jan 10, 2008, 9:30am EST
best wishes

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