The 2nd most difficult thing a parent can do

[FJRMGM]

Dale - I'm with you man.

My only daughter is 18 and will be heading off somewhere to college this next year and every time I think about not seeing her every day I get choked up big time.

I remember when I left the house for my first job after graduating from college. I thought it would be easy to tell Mom and Dad so long but it was a very tearful goodbye from me to them.

I told them: "well, this is what I went to college for and what we wanted and I thought it would be easy to go but it's sure not".

My Dad, who never cried, was bawling big time that evening - and me with him.

I can tell you though, that every time I came back home my Dad gave me the best hugs..

 

[user 213]

It's ok Dale. You spent the last 19 years teaching him what you could. Now he's taken a big step and made the first major, truly life changing decision of his own. He will now experience Cause and Effect in a big way with the introduction to the Air Force, just as you did that first day in the Navy.

In a short time when he comes back home on leave, you will be able to share new experiences with him, with his new perspective suddenly allowing him to realize just how hard some of your lessons were, and how much easier it was for him to learn from you first, then re-learn in the Service.

Be happy for him, making this transition in his life. He's just growing, and growing up. You did ok with him, now he'll prove that to himself.

 

[JimLor]

I've got a son 23 and a daughter 20. Son's in Charlotte NC and Kate is at school at JMU. I love my kids dearly - love to see 'em come home and almost, almost love to see 'em leave again just as much!

 

[Bounce]

PM sent to H

I'm hoping Dale undestood my wishes better. No one wants their kid in harm's way.

 

[Groo]

My oldest daughter is still only 13, but that day is looming on the horizon... you gotta trust what you did raising them to this point, and let them spread their wings. But I do fear the day... in triplicate.

 

[Mogambo]

Have your daughters disappear from your life at ages 1 and 5, to go 1200 miles away due to a vindictive ex-wife, and state complicity. I envy you those 19 years.
"I felt bad because I had no shoes, until I met a man with no feet"

Some ancient ****** Proverb

Change the ages to 12 and 16, then shorten the distance. That would be my current situation. Under their mother's influence, I wonder at times if they would even care if I lived or died. And there isn't **** that I can do about it. I tried my best to be a good dad. It seems as though nothing I did counted for anything.

In the way's that it is most important Dale (Warchild), you are a multimillionaire. Cherish the moment and look forward to the inevitable reunion. You are a blessed man.

 

[snikr]

WC, I feels for ya. There are worse things to come, my friend. Wait until you walk your princess down the aisle and give her to some other man to watch over and care for her the way you do.
<snip>

When I read your post Warchild the above snip is the first thing I thought of. Walking my two daughters down the isle was the HARDEST thing I had to do. Not to mention the Father/Daughter dance. I'm sure things with your son will be fine. Keep your chin up.

Tom

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I did not think it would be this hard.
I was unprepared for the emotion I am experiencing.... but then, I've never done this before. It shouldn't be this big a deal. I didn't think it would, anyway.

But appearently, I was wrong.

Jeeze guys.... I can't even see this ******* keyboard, all the letters are blurry from the flood of tears.

*sigh*

I gots to pull my **** together, and right now, too.

Because in one hour, I take my eldest son to the airport, and put him on a plane, and send him away to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to begin Basic Training to become a U.S. Airman.

He is 19 years old.

Jesus, fellas.... jesus.....

Well Warchild, we found something we have in common besides the FJR. Who would have thunk it. My oldest left in September and it really, really hit me 2 days after he left. Did I spend enough time fishing, camping, talking, guiding, playing and mentoring my son??? Most of all, the feeling I got was that my time with him was over and I didn't want it to be. Yes, we still talk and we still see each other and perhaps the distance really has made the heart grow fonder. He'll be okay. Lackland treated me just fine and he's about to learn a lot of things that will add to the young man you delivered to this world. He's starting out on a noble path and I, for one, thank you and your son for his contribution.

Andrew

 

[TheAxeman]

Dale,

I'm in the same boat as you buddy. My only son, 18, is on Parris Island right now at Marine Corps boot camp. I felt the same way that you did when he left and really miss him but I realize that it is a life choice that he has made for himself. The funny thing is that he flew his first solo flight when he was 16 but didn't have any interest in joining the Air Force. One thing that I can assure you is that you will be wearing a path to your mailbox every day looking for that first letter. Good luck to your son and all the best to you and your family.

Chris

 

[rogdeb]

Dale,

Watched both my sons go (one in the Marines), then both return ---------- then go again --------- then return.

A revolving door of emotions for sure. Now they are both living close with families of their own

Think what I'm trying to say is that you'll never be without him -- regardless of distance or situation, and he'll be buffed like you wouldn't believe

 

[FJRay]

My dear departed mother always said that she appreciated the teen years because it made parting so much easier.

When I returned from Lackland and tech school my relationship my relationship with my dad was much improved as I could comunicate on his level rather than a ******** teenager.

Good luck. It will turn out well and think about him getting a haircut just like yours!!

 

[Feejer/Weejer man]

WC, I am tearing up feeling your pain. My daughter,14, moved about 100 miles away this summer with her mom to be by family on her mom's side. I am ok with that but her absense,after nearly raising her full time for many years while her mom traveled, is heartbreaking. Even though I have more time to myself I miss her on a daily basis.

 

[dcarver]

Hey Warchild.. I can only imagine what you are feeling; I have no children. I think I can get a glimmer of understanding though, and I empathize. Were you able to cowboy up' in time to see your son off? My bet is YES you did. And.. you should be very proud of your son. Truly a life defining moment.

 

[FJRChick]

Hang in there Daddy