56 days...

[shellz]

doesn't seem like a long time. But to those waiting, it is the number of days until April 15th....the day that hopefully will mark the end of the waiting to hear and the beginning of the waiting for R-Day. I think passing the days from April 15th to R-Day will go much faster, but maybe that is because I am the mom...and will treasure each day with my kiddo before he flies the coop.

Good luck to all of the mail man stalkers. Who will be the lucky first one to hear? Can't think of a nicer bunch to wait with. I am guessing March will be the big month around here.....come on March!!!

 

[Mom1315]

Thanks for the countdown! Here's to hearing something sooner than that.

 

[Luigi59]

..and will treasure each day with my kiddo before he flies the coop.

You better.

Because from the time you walk off the parade field after seeing him march to Chase Hall to begin Swab Summer (after your 15 minutes to say goodbye) until you can actually talk to them, see them, and touch them again at Mystic, it seems like forever.

You think you're stalking the postman now? Just wait until Swab Summer begins.

After a few weeks in New London, you won't recognize your kid, honestly (mine marched right by us at Mystic when we were scanning his company, we didn't recognize him).

They'll be fit, trim, and tanned, with a presence of maturity that will seem way beyond what could take place in only 4 weeks.

And perhaps when you get another glimpse of them at the Shoulder Board ceremony later in the summer, or maybe even waiting until Parent's Weekend in the fall, the transformation that will have taken place will astound you.

Baby them while you can, because on June 29 reality will set in when you realize that they'll never again live in your home.



.

 

[shellz]

Thanks Luigi

You better.

Because from the time you walk off the parade field after seeing him march to Chase Hall to begin Swab Summer (after your 15 minutes to say goodbye) until you can actually talk to them, see them, and touch them again at Mystic, it seems like forever.

You think you're stalking the postman now? Just wait until Swab Summer begins.

After a few weeks in New London, you won't recognize your kid, honestly (mine marched right by us at Mystic when we were scanning his company, we didn't recognize him).

They'll be fit, trim, and tanned, with a presence of maturity that will seem way beyond what could take place in only 4 weeks.

And perhaps when you get another glimpse of them at the Shoulder Board ceremony later in the summer, or maybe even waiting until Parent's Weekend in the fall, the transformation that will have taken place will astound you.

Baby them while you can, because on June 29 reality will set in when you realize that they'll never again live in your home.



.

I've got a lump in my throat. While letting them go is the right thing, it sure is tough to do! I just need to remember, that if he gets this great opportunity, it will be a wild ride and the trip of a lifetime. I know he will make the best of whatever life throws his way, and I feel so lucky to be able to watch from afar. (but not too far ) Thanks for the heart felt words. It's nice to know that others have gone through all this, and have survived missing their kids. Son is the oldest of three...does it get any easier? I sure hope so.

 

[J Collins]

Holy Crap... there went the mascara.... I guess they lied when they said it was waterproof...


small print :
not tear proof...

 

[Mom1315]

Sniff, sniff, snarfle, snort...

Thanks Luigi, needed a good cry...
Ugh, one more reason not to wear mascara, I would be looking like a racoon! And DS is oldest of three, with DD following in two years (meaning we start this again in one more summer??? EEEK!!!)
Here's sniffing and snarfling with the rest of the mommies and daddies who are letting their babies go off to the real world very very very soon ...
Was it me who said rollercoasters are fun? Emotional rollercoaster not so much:

 

[shellz]

55 days.....

Holy Crap... there went the mascara.... I guess they lied when they said it was waterproof...


small print :
not tear proof...

Note to all moms....no mascara while reading this thread. Especially when Luigi posts....

On a lighter note, youngest son is taking this all in stride. Has "claimed" older son's room should he be leaving for CGA in June. I know he will miss the big brother, but as in real estate, it's location, location, location!

Have a great day fellow wait-ers.

 

[shellz]

Daughter will be a senior next year

Holy Crap... there went the mascara.... I guess they lied when they said it was waterproof...


small print :
not tear proof...

Thanks Luigi, needed a good cry...
Ugh, one more reason not to wear mascara, I would be looking like a racoon! And DS is oldest of three, with DD following in two years (meaning we start this in one more summer??? EEEK!!!)
Here's sniffing and snarfling with the rest of the mommies and daddies who are letting their babies go off to the real world very very very soon ...
Was it me who said rollercoasters are fun? Emotional rollercoaster not so much:

so we get to send her off to school next year as well. Little bro will truly be an only child during the school year. What a change that will mean for our family! Growing up as an only child, I didn't think it was so bad at all. Now, as a parent, I am thinking it is going to be rather quiet around here. What to do with all of that free time? lol....care packages for cadet and starving college freshman daughter come to mind. (hopefully)

 

[LineInTheSand]

On a much lighter note....


15 MINUTES!?!?!

When I was a swab (a line that had annoyed cadets forever, but usually can found found with "cadet" instead of "swab"), we only had, maybe a max of 5 minutes.


The sentiment is correct. On the other side of it, it can be a little tough going home, realizing that while that house is your "home", you will increasinly feel like a guest (hey, it had to happen some time).

Do not be affraid if your kid looks a little "on edge" if you see them at Mystic. The long road has only begun for them at that point, and things are coming at them fast, but no worries, they can take it, especially with the help of their classmates (shipmates).

 

[J Collins]

Note to all moms....no mascara while reading this thread. Especially when Luigi posts....

On a lighter note, youngest son is taking this all in stride. Has "claimed" older son's room should he be leaving for CGA in June. I know he will miss the big brother, but as in real estate, it's location, location, location!

Have a great day fellow wait-ers.

Oh yeah my 14 yr old already is planning what to do to his sister's "OLD" room when she leaves! I am not sure what he thinks we are going to do with all the furniture, but he does not care... Her room is 1" bigger and he wants it! LOL

 

[shellz]

Don't need 15 minutes

On a much lighter note....


15 MINUTES!?!?!

When I was a swab (a line that had annoyed cadets forever, but usually can found found with "cadet" instead of "swab"), we only had, maybe a max of 5 minutes.


The sentiment is correct. On the other side of it, it can be a little tough going home, realizing that while that house is your "home", you will increasinly feel like a guest (hey, it had to happen some time).

Do not be affraid if your kid looks a little "on edge" if you see them at Mystic. The long road has only begun for them at that point, and things are coming at them fast, but no worries, they can take it, especially with the help of their classmates (shipmates).

As a mom, all we require, to impart our infinite wisdom, is approx. 3 minutes. Need proof? Here ya go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6P2w5GkXmU I love this video, as it is so true, and I have uttered many of those lines to my three kids on a regular basis.

All kidding aside, 5 minutes will never be enough, but knowing he will be going on the journey of a lifetime will help me pry my fingers from around his neck. Poor kid....but at least I know I won't be the only cryin' momma around.

 

[LineInTheSand]

Just keep a smile on your face for your kid. The last time they see your face before the yelling REALLY starts, have a smile. Tell them you're proud of them, know they can do it, and then tell them something normal that you will be doing at home (so they know the entire world isn't ending.)

 

[Luigi59]

....but at least I know I won't be the only cryin' momma around.

Crying mommas?

I think I saw more crying fathers!

I don't think the sniffling stopped in our car until the Tappan Zee bridge.

 

[shellz]

You make me smile Luigi!

Crying mommas?

I think I saw more crying fathers!

I don't think the sniffling stopped in our car until the Tappan Zee bridge.

Glad to hear that the dads are joining in on the boo-hoo parade. Makes me feel better!

Sunny out today, and life is good. Gonna go on with my day and NOT stalk the mailman! My DS has been beating me to the mailbox anyway. Darn that kid.

 

[kpwehope]

When hubby and I dropped our oldest off at the airport for his flight to boot camp I'm not sure who cried the most, one of the hardest days of my life for sure. Now it has been nearly two years and I still cry every time we take him to the airport, it just takes me back to that first time! Now I only cry for a minute instead of hours, it does get better.

 

[mnolan]

Crying dads

I will agree......I was as close to breaking up as I have ever been.

This will sound odd, but start learning how to let go now, yet still enjoy the time you have left. Once they leave, they really never come back. I have a kid in a civilian college and a 4/c at the Academy. It is like night and day. Even if they are the same distance apart, the one at the Academy seems farther away. You have to remind yourself that they are leaving to have the experience of a lifetime.....but they are leaving!

Enjoy them now while you still have the chance!

 

[zfam]

doesn't seem like a long time. But to those waiting, it is the number of days until April 15th....the day that hopefully will mark the end of the waiting to hear and the beginning of the waiting for R-Day.

Oh shellz, has it been almost a year already, since we were both racing
to the mailbox?? You kept my spirits up last year..

Keeping you, and all who wait, in thoughts and prayers, and fingers crossed and hoping for the best..

and Luigi, we always knew you were a big ol' Bear with a soft heart!

 

[shellz]

Hello Old Friend!

Oh shellz, has it been almost a year already, since we were both racing
to the mailbox?? You kept my spirits up last year..

Keeping you, and all who wait, in thoughts and prayers, and fingers crossed and hoping for the best..

and Luigi, we always knew you were a big ol' Bear with a soft heart!

Yup...a year. Can you believe it? Son has used his time wisely and has had a good year so far. Now, of course he would have rather been at the academy, but all in all, I think the past year has been time well spent. Now hopefully we will get the news he's been hoping for. How is your son liking CGA? Any words of wisdom, mom to mom, should we get the green light?

Good night all

 

[Objee]

Crying mommas?

I think I saw more crying fathers!

I don't think the sniffling stopped in our car until the Tappan Zee bridge.

Don't forget about the crying boyfriends and girlfriends! I can't even imagine what my mother would have said (or done to me) if I'd suggested my HS girlfriend accompany my family to R-Day! I think those good-bye's can/should be made before heading to New London...

 

[mwbluebeard]

When Objee speaks...

I listen.