Parents VS Mixed Emotions

[Greg Griffin]

Even though its early in my sailor's Navy Journey, I must say that dealing with mixed emotions on a daily basis is a true challenge. We feel the pride that is present inside us to overcome the sad feelings of missing our sailors.  Jared graduated Boot camp back on the 15th of March and is now in A School in Meridian Ms.  He's "classed up" and as of today his A School graduation is schedualed for May 23rd after which he will have his first leave. He is AZ which is Aviation Administration Maintananceman. I'm tempted daily at 50 years of age to be grief filled that  its to late in my life to not be seeing him on a regular basis at least for the next 4 years. Right now its all peaches and cream so to speak getting to communicate with him on a daily basis in A School but I know that after his first leave will come the 1st deployment and the real test of faith will come. But I say again, that one word "Pride" will be suffice to overcome the sadness. He could very well still be on a base in the states and be able to communicate, but he may also be out at sea or across the other side of the planet. Either way, its not gonna get any easier. Interesting to me I still look at the RTC graduation schedual as I think most of us looked at it 100's of times during boot camp. There have now been since his graduation 78 more divisions that are schedualed to graduate.  at 80 per division thats 5,920 new recruits and it's not even a month since he graduated. part of me wonders if its the lack of jobs, or just a calling our kids seem to feel. For Jared, it was def a calling. In closing, I hope it helps to just ponder this thought for a moment and let it bring warmth and comfort. The emotion of pride or to just feel proud is a product of love. We love them, we are proud of them,, so at home and as a part of there journey and to eliminate any worry they may have about us struggling with them being gone, we win the battle against mixed emotions. God Bless you my sailor son, God Bless every sailor and sailor dad and family and God Bless the greatest country in the world The United States of America.

[Bob Blair]

My son Cameron entered Great Lakes on Monday evening last week, 4/7/13. I was very proud to attend swear in! I will really be happy to learn his ship and division number, and the date of PIR so we can begin to plan our trip to graduation. He was so excited to start his training. We will enjoy hearing how it is going. I will enjoy following the messages of those who have young sailors on the same track!

[Eric S.]

Hang in there Greq, it doesn't get any easier. We have two in now, one went nuke and one is a SeaBee. There are times now, even though they have the access to communicate, they just don't have the time. It was really difficult when my youngest son went in, 06/2010, and when my oldest went in, 12/2011, it wasn't a whole lot easier, even though I had been through it already. We're just trying to take it as it comes and appreciate any time we do get to talk/chat with them and if possible go and see them.    As long as they know we are there if/when they need us.   And exactly what you said, 'God Bless you our sailor's, God Bless every sailor and sailor dad and family and all of our loved ones serving our great country,  and God Bless the greatest country in the world The United States of America!!! '