My husband and I will be going to Mississippi a week from today ( on the 11th) to pick up Jonathan and some of his Army buddies, then bringing him home until April 15th. He has to be back at 11:59 p.m., midnight he will be late.

Mississippi is about 350 miles from here. We'll have to take Jonathan back to Mississippi on our 30th wedding anniversary. He will be deployed within 24 hours.

I feel like my heart is going to break! :(:

:bigarmhug: Labrat

I know you must have so many mixed emotions right now, with the joy of having some time with Jonathon and then with the thoughts regarding his deployment. My thoughts are with you, my friend.

Hope your trip is well with the makings of wonderful memories, lots of laughter and not too many tears.

Hugs,
Cindy

Thank you Cindy.

I can only imagine what you are feeling. My son wanted to join the military but couldn't because of health issues. To say he was disappointed would have been an understatement. My husband served 20 years in the USAF, he was sent to Viet Nam and Tripoly (7 day war) His mother was a basket case. (but then my MIL IS a bag of mixed nuts anyway)


I hope you guys have the best time ever!

Dear Labrat,

One of the sweetest times my husband and I had with our son was when we traveled to see him graduate from boot camp three years ago. We were able to take one of his sisters with us.

We only had 24 hours...and he had to be back on the base at night. Just doing silly things like bowling...playing cards in the hotel room, talking, eating...eating...eating. I had never seen Mike eat so much in his life. He went in a skinny kid and came out a bulked up man (still the most gentle guy I know).

He still has three years to go...so far no plans for deployment...but we've had a few nervous moments from time to time.

Soak up all the family time, enjoy him like crazy, and know how much we appreciate your son serving to keep us safe!

You're in my thoughts. Oreo

Labrat,
My son joined the Army at 18, right out of highschool. He did bootcamp, then 9 weeks of AIT, and after that he was assigned to the 101st Airborne at Ft. Campbell, KY. I expected him to stay on base a while for further training since he was with an air assault/ paratrooper unit but he was deployed in less than 6 weeks with no time to complete further training.
He came home from Iraq last April (06) and his last day of active duty was just this past September. He still has 4 years of reserve status to serve.

If there is anything at all I can do, any questions you have.. anything, dont hesitate to ask. You can send me a PM and I will be glad to give you my e mail or phone number.

Most bases now, even the smaller ones, do have internet access so tell your son to try to send an e mail, even if its just a one liner, to let you know he is ok.
I got alot of one liners but those were what kept me going.

Thank your son for me.
~Pam

good luck with your son i cannot imagine what your feeling right now!
:bigarmhug:

Dear Labrat,

I can only imagine your feelings right now. I think if I were you I would take him to Canada never to return to that war torn country. I hope you can enjoy his visit, and that he remains safe serving our country.

When is his service going to be over? Does he have a certain amount of time he signed up for? I hope you have lots of fun seeing him, and being with him for that special day. I think my heart would be breaking too, if I were in your shoes. It's ok to feel the way you do. It's obvious you love him greatly.

I wish peace and safety for him. And peace for you, how much is ever possible.

Hugs,
Bonnie
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:

He will be in Iraq until March ( I think his time is counting while he is in Mississippi)
Being in the reserves, he can only be kept a year. He is in the reserves for 7 years. Am aware if this damn war doesn't end, he might have to go again.

We drove to Mississippi to pick up Jonathan and two of his buddies. One of which will be in the same trailer with Jonathan.

It sure is good to see him! I hate to take him back on the 15th. (357 miles, 1 way, 714 miles in 1 day!) Did I tell you gas is expensive!

I'm going to enjoy my time with him and may not check in as often. We have to take his girlfreind to Atlanta to catch a plane on the 16th. After that I'll catch up.

Labrat:

My thoughts are with you and your family. Hope you had a very memorable time with your Son.

Take great care, :im_033:
Dispatch

It has been great!

We are just about to leave to take him back to Mississippi. It's going to be a long drive home. :Tantrum:

I am so glad you had this time together before Jonathon is deployed. Be careful on the drive and my prayers are with all of you.

And Jonathon - always remember we are behind you here, don't let the media tell you otherwise! If it were not for young men and women who are willing to protect our freedom, this country would be like the others, always looking for help instead of standing on our own two feet.

Hugs,
Cindy