Somebody tell me it's going to get easier..

[SacramentoMike]

Damn, Barry, tough one. I tried one reply and canceled it, but I wanted to say something. I wish him well, and send him thanks. I know you're proud of him, even when you feel like you do. Good luck, Bustanut Junior!

 

[Intech]

Barry,

Your post made me reflect on when I enlisted. Hadn't really thought about how my parents felt. They were completely supportive. I now have kids that are 20 and 23 this year. Neither has spoken of military service, so I can only imagine how I would feel. I can say that having been in your son's position, continued support from home in any way possible goes a long way. Nothing like hearing your name during mail call during boot camp. It is a brief but important respite. Look forward to your post about his graduation from boot, so I can welcome another brother into the Corps.

Is he going to Paris Island? Maybe we should put a ride together to go to his graduation. I haven't been back to PI since my graduation. Would be a hoot.

Thanks to him and your family for the service to the country!

 

[TheAxeman]

It takes an enormous amount of courage and conviction for your son to sign on the bottom line during a time of war, something that most youth wouldn't even consider. Your son should be extremely proud of himself for following his heart and he should know that many of us here appreciate his commitment.

Basic will be emotionally harder on you and your wife than it will be on him...physically, not so much.

Don't worry about him, after all he will have plenty of father figures to help him out along the way.

 

[allrider]

After reading all these posts ifeel a lot better, hope you do too Bust.

 

[airboss]

And Don't Forget to Write.

My Dad was a man of few words and even fewer letters. during my time in service he would some times ad a small postscript to my Mother's are Sister's letters. I appreciate every letter I got from home, but those that Dad added to, I treasured.

 

[tmc]

I'm a child-free nation.

I call BS and say look in the mirror man. Clearly, given your toy collection, you are the child!

And for the crosseyed sheep loving dude - tell your son/ram/buck/whatever you call him THANK YOU from TMC.

 

[FJRBluesman]

Now the young'un will have a normal upbringing instead from said sheep whisperer.

 

[Bustanut joker]

Means a lot to me to hear this stuff guys...

Yeah even the love from the Klowns who've either taught me so well or have learned from the old feckers here..

He didn't actually ship till this afternoon but we were asked to attend all the functions? (hurry up an wait) of the day today before he departed..Funny how the armed services has become so much more family oriented since I was that age.. Anyway, though parting again was hard I made me proud to see the look in his eyes and smile on his face.

Thanks to all of ya.

B

 

[capttwb]

He is in the best outfit in the world. It will turn out to be the best decision he ever made.

 

[Old Michael]

Does your son know ..........that his dad's a sentimental *****?

Barry, if he's anything like his old man, he's got a good heart.

That'll serve him well.

All the best,.........................Helen.

 

[Bustanut joker]

Bahh This was supposed to be a pm.. I need some sleep

 

[FJRBluesman]

^^^^^

Welcome from San Diego.

Welcome from San Diego.

Welcome from San Diego.

Welcome from San Diego.

Welcome from San Diego.

Welcome from San Diego.

 

[RadioHowie]

Tip o' the hat to the entire Clark family...and a wobbly salute to Recruit Clark.

Bust, my son tried to enlist in the Marines about 2 days after 9/11, but couldn't get past his psych issues (bipolar) and they chose not to avail of his services. Despite the rejection, I was proud of his attempt, so I understand your current feelings.

My suggestion is to celebrate his decision, rather than mourn his leaving. It takes a man to decide to become a man. And it takes a father to let a son become a man.

Your bud,

'Howie

 

[beemerdons]

Does your son know ..........that his dad's a sentimental *****?
Barry, if he's anything like his old man, he's got a good heart.

That'll serve him well.

All the best,.........................Helen.

Thank God, Bustanut joker has finally calmed down; You, HRZ and I were going to have to draw straws with ShinyPartsUp again, to see who drew the duty to give him a hand job to get him settled down.

It was really close this time, but we dodged that nasty chore!

 

[DE OPPRESSO LIBER]

Barry,

The first time I've ever seen my dad tear up was when he was driving me to the bus station to head for basic. Wow, what an emotional sight.... it hit me in the gut because my dad never ever said "I love you" or made any verbal attempts to show his feelings. His affection was always just an understood thing. He was my dad, of course he loved me.

Anyway, don't be afraid to tell your son about how you feel about him. Be supportive and just keep doing what you've been doing for all those years..... it'll serve him well in the Corps.

As to when you feel better? Well, there is no simple answer amigo. I can only say do whatever it takes to get to his graduation from boot if at all possible. Biggest thing is to keep a steady stream of mail flowing his way. On those really ****** days when he is questioning his decision to join, your letter at the end of a hard day will help boost the morale in exponential ways (alot, Bust).

Best regards and congratulations to you on the beginnings of the proud ownership of a marine recruit!

CJ

 

[RadioHowie]

Barry,
The first time I've ever seen my dad tear up was when he was driving me to the bus station to head for basic. Wow, what an emotional sight.... it hit me in the gut because my dad never ever said "I love you" or made any verbal attempts to show his feelings. His affection was always just an understood thing. He was my dad, of course he loved me.

Anyway, don't be afraid to tell your son about how you feel about him. Be supportive and just keep doing what you've been doing for all those years..... it'll serve him well in the Corps.

As to when you feel better? Well, there is no simple answer amigo. I can only say do whatever it takes to get to his graduation from boot if at all possible. Biggest thing is to keep a steady stream of mail flowing his way. On those really ****** days when he is questioning his decision to join, your letter at the end of a hard day will help boost the morale in exponential ways (alot, Bust).

Best regards and congratulations to you on the beginnings of the proud ownership of a marine recruit!

CJ

Good post, CJ...but one correction.....

You can never "Own" a Marine....but you can rent one to have him rip your neighbor's head off.

 

[Silver Penguin]

When am I going to feel good again?
:jester:

Every time you read the news about some young punk that did something stupid. There's lots to read about. The car was taking your boy to the USMC rather than to jail. You can stand tall, be proud and tell everyone about your kid. Despite all your shenanigans with sheep and such, you've raised a good boy.

 

[ScottyUSN]

Remember... Boot camp is head games, attention to detail, and PT... He'll be fine.

You will be nervous when you know your son is in harms way (but he be in his element).

He will soon show you just how self sufficient he has become.

You will be proud... Always

You will be is hero throughout it all, and he will be yours.

 

[SDMac]

Don't normally do this and seldom comment when peeps personal lives are on display here.. But...

The first fledgling to leave the nest took flight today..

The Gumment car commissioned by the USMC came and took my oldest boy today..

Man that was rough, then Mizz and the kids...

Hitting all the sites suggested by some of you who've been there.. When am I going to feel good again?

:jester:

Hey Bust...

I CAN and DO and SHALL relate and share too!! Doing the Divorce Thing... Pretty much cried like a Baby when hugging and saying good-bye to the only one of my four kids that were home that day... My 19 year-old daughter... Haven't seen her since about May this year - It Sucks!!

Further to that, I sent her an innocent email to ask if I might borrow her GPS for about 8 weeks of Touring...

Teared up for the better part of two hours after writing a simple sentence to tell her that she'll never know how much that I miss her... Oh Frig... Here it comes again...

Worse than that was a couple weeks back stumbling upon the Folder with all the 20 years of Wife/Kid Pic's - that was kinda brutal that evening. Took a whole day to get that set of mixed/broken emotions out of my mind... It's a pretty big bag after that many years!!

It's been many months now (just about 10 for me) and it takes a **** of a long time but (most days) it does get better with time... That wasn't one of those days... Nor is tonight apparently... Where did I put that bloody box of Kleenex FFS...

CHIN UP PAL!!

We're here and Around YA!!

Safe Rides!

Scott

 

[fjrchooser]

As the son's adventure begins, an era passes for you and the wife. A time of reflection and growth for sure, a jump start for the future none will forget. Sad yet proud for the old and heady times for the young. You'll know it was right when next you meet your new young man.

Make plans now to attend graduation, it meant the world to me when my parents and little brother showed up for mine out of the blue. We recently attended the grandson's Army graduation and will treasure the moment and his accomplishment forever as will he.