Hard time getting to sleep tonight

[kimi]

Tomorrow the movers come for my 2nd oldest boy's things. He's going into the Air Force, he's been commissioned and is going to a base in Santa Maria CA, then onward to a base in Montana after that. I was in the military myself, and was an AF wife for over 20 years, I should be used to this, but somehow, this is different. I'm trying to make sense of it. I fully support what he's doing, it's been his goal for - well, he's been an Air Force brat his whole life. That may not be a popular stance here, but that's how it is with my family. Doesn't keep us from being good liberals and Democrats though :).

Eh, just tonight I'm a mom who's watching her boy get ready to leave, and I've seen other boys leave, but not like this, so definite, ya know? He's ready to go, he's looking forward to it, and he's driven me crrrraaazzzy with some of his stuff over the past few years -- but I'm gonna miss him.

A lot. Eh. Just needed to get that out. Thanks.

[HipChick]

1. awwwww...

hugs :grouphug:

[Tikki]

2. Mom..

MOMS ROCK....

You're going to miss him...he'll do fine and he'll miss you, also.

He's been looking forward to this...It will be a grand experience
and when he comes home on leave there will be a lot of sharing.

Tikki

[denbot]

3. You'll both be fine..

Santa Maria is a pretty area, but Montana will be freaking cold in winter.. BTW there are tons of vet's here on DU, and military service is not frowned upon by most of us.

[pinboy3niner]

4. I'll second what denbot said

My little brother worked as a civilian at Vandenberg AFB for many years, and he loved living in the area. Your son won't be far from Santa Barbara, and from Solvang, and VAFB is not a bad location as a gateway to a lot of other great places to visit in both Northern and Southern CA. I hope his stint there is long enough for him to take advantage of it.

Montana has its attractions, too, and he'll see some beautiful country there. When you think about it, your young man having the opportunity to visit new places and experience new things is pretty exciting--even if you can't be there to hold his hand each step of the way. :)

Wishing your son the best of luck and success in the Air Force...
pinboy3niner

:patriot:

[Kali]

5. !

something in my eye

*sniff* allergies too!

[kimi]

6. Thanks, everyone

Long day and the kid conked out after the movers left. He's leaving early tomorrow morning to drive from here in Maryland to California.

Yeesh, I thought that seeing him packed up and ready to go would be bad. Thinking of him driving all that way (cause I've driven with him, he steers with one hand, texts with the other) is making me see stars!

Appreciate all your words, though. Thanks!!

[Haole Girl]

7. Good night, kimi

Sleep well. :hi:

[Odin2005]

8. Need to learn to let go! Need to learn to let go! Need to learn to let go!

:)

[Joe Fields]

9. may god bless you and yours....

life is never perfect, and I hope that all of your loved ones remain safe from harm.

[sakabatou]

10. If you wanna sleep

Warm milk with cinnamon and honey.

[applegrove]

11. vibes to you all with this big change. Hope he is safe.