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Mixed Emotions
Posted On 10/31/2008 21:52:17 by pam

Okay so this is the first blog I've written.  But wanted to get some of my thoughts down in writing.

 

My son who is a senior in high school and is 17 made a huge step in his life yesterday.  He took an oath to join the Navy.  He will be on a delayed entry program and will not leave until August 11, 2009.

 

I have so many mixed feelings.  Most of them being selfish. 

 

Until I moved to Utah 13 years ago, the Navy life had been the only life I had known.   My dad, my uncle and my ex husband are all retired Navy.  I worked for the Navy for 18 years as a civilian.  I love the Navy life and the opportunities it can give someone.

 

I think this will be an excellent opportunity for him to learn, to grow, to experience and to hopefully see some of the world.

 

At the same time, this son is my bud.  We do so much together.  He's my friend.  While I want him to enjoy and progress in something, it saddens me to think I will also be losing him somewhat.  I know that's how life is..it's just coming faster than I thought it would. 

 

And with the state of the world these days it frightens me at the same time.  Will I be sending him off to war?  Will I lose him to war?  

 

As a mother you always want to protect your child and keep him out of harm's way.  But in this case I have no control.

 

He's excited for the possibilities.  Already looking at ways he can progress in rank and he hasn't really even started yet.  I'm proud of him and proud that he wants to follow in the tradition of family.

 

I guess my little boy is growing up.   



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Viewing 1 - 4 out of 4 Comments

From: GhostRider
11/01/2008 13:54:37
Pam, my Dad was the same way with me when I joined. I wanted Combat Arms. More spicificaly. Infantry (Airorne). He was shocked. I was the same age as your son though and since he had to sign all the paperwork. I did not get the ob I wanted. Instead. Folowed in his footsteps and went Signal.
It must be hard though losing your bud. That I do understand. But think of it this way. With being in the Navy, depending on what he does, he wil be getting great on the job experiance, Great medical coverage, and abouve all..free travel to see this great world our HF has given us!
I wish him well Pam. And wil pray for you. May He comfort your soul

From: Hemidakota
11/01/2008 13:02:30
Being the Navy has advantages than being in the Marines or the Army. He will most likely be ship bound or base. Eventually, we will have to fight several wars prior to the big one as I had already seen. Being faithful and obedience will protect him from harms way. I for one had fought in a engagement or war, only to be protected by the Savior. Now war is not the issue I would be worry about but that most LDS who's testimony not built upon a rock, will only loose it during their contract period in the military. Something that moms can be a great help in keep checking up on their children.

As you will find out, the first presidency has many in the church keeping tab on the military pulse around the globe , members who do join. You will be receiving a letter from Elder Oaks in congratulating you as a parent and giving information to keep tabs on your son through boot camp and onto his career in the navy.

Let you know Pam, my oldest daughter is a Marine Aviator and my oldest son wants to be a Navy Doctor when he returns from his mission. Last month, my younger son wants to fly the latest Harrier F-35 fighter jets. It seems, we do follow our parents footsteps.

Seeing him joining the Navy, too bad though, I usually interview the new recruits for the Marines from the west coast and my counter parts does the east coast. LOL

Steven S.



From: Elphaba
11/01/2008 06:04:06
I'm trying to think what to write, but I feel like I'm going to say the wrong thing no matter what.

 


I would be terrified if my child were joining the military right now. So, if the need arises, I have xanax you can borrow.


 


It is so difficult to watch them go out the door and know they're not going to be back in a couple of hours.



I can say when my daughter left for good (it took her two disasters to figure it out), I did finally get used to it.


 


Better yet, she actually treats me like a human being once in a while. Heck, she's even nice to me!


 


Good luck Pam.


Elphie


From: StrawberryFields
10/31/2008 22:33:28

Hey Pam,


 


I can really relate to your story and wanting to protect your son. I am also in the process of letting go and that is exactly what it is... a process. It is good to talk about your fears with others understanding that like always our children have the right to make choices. Apparently your family has made a positive impression on him and he wants to make the choices to serve and have the opportunities opened up the the military can bring. I am sure it is not an easy place to be the mom of a son who wants to join the military right now and I am quite sure you are not alone in your fears. I will pray that things go well and if this is where he needs to be at this time you will feel the comfort you need to know these things.


 


Hugs, SF

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