Yep. Dale I feel your pain. We have had to say goodbye to our son three times since he's been in the Navy. I said goodbye to Evan this morning for the fourth time in his short Navy career. This will be a long goodbye as he is headed for San Diego California ( a long way from home ). It doesn't get any easier or atleast it hasn't for me. My wife Cindy thankfully was able to make the cross country trip with him and will be flying home Sunday. She gets 5 more days than me. Whats up with that? Sometimes it's just not fair being dear old dad. But I am glad mom will get the extra time. ( she really needs it ) wait ( they both really need it ) I just wanted to chime in and let everyone know basically the same as Dale, ( he really left! ) My oldest of three son's has really left. It's just sad to watch your son leave home all grown up and on his way in life. And my wife isn't home this time to talk about it. So my advice to the other Navy parents on this site is to treasure each moment you have with your child while they are home to visit because it go's by fast. During Evan's career in the Navy I know my wife and I will take advantage of every oppurtunity we can to visit him but the fact of life with the Navy is you will spend time apart from your child. So whether they leave for bootcamp, A school, post, or even their cruise I think it will always be tough to say goodbye. I wish my son the best in life and hope all of his dreams come true and I especially want him to know he will always have a place to call home. Right here on Bradford Drive wherever he may be in the world he will never be without a home. I love and miss my son and can't wait to see him again. EG
Read more…
Posted by Dale Marshall on August 21, 2008 at 7:30pm
I knew he had enlisted but the day of departure still seemed to sneak up on me.. My son Dale is a member of Cardinal Company and they all reported to Great Lakes on 8/7/08 aroound 2300. We finally got our first letter yesterday and he said bootcamp is kicking his butt. But then again he has only been there a week or so. He never did go out and run like I told him too, he is such a typical teenager(Boy). He found out he had partial color blindness and was disqualified from the Nuke Program. He is going to be a CTI which does not have color perception requirement. His graduation date is 10/3/08, and I hope to hear from anyone going throught the same things.Dale Sr.
Read more…
I received the infamous "box" on Friday last week, I was ok opening it...I knew what to expect. Sunday I found myself wanting to pick up the phone to call her, and went oops, you cant. I got the form letter on Monday, with a little blip at the end that said "Hey Mommy! I'm here safe and sound. I'm doing OK. I miss everyone. Give my address out. I love you. xoxo!" Tuesday afternoon I got a phone call from 875 area code, almost didnt answer, I did and I heard "MOMMY???" I screamed so loud..Lyssie is that you??? Her first thing she said is I am ok, I just need you to fax info here for Security Clearance. I actually got to talk to her for almost 20mins. She was in an office. Alyssa says its harder than she imagined. Also, she felt like it wasnt real. She gets to keep her wisdom teeth, but has to have a few cavities filled. She said Tues was there first real day of training, graduation is Sept 26. She said some of the future sailors still havent learned how to "shut up" as she said and they have had to "drop" a few times. (They'll learn) Alyssa also has been to "sick call" she said she was pushing thru what they were doing and her head kept pounding and pounding. She said she tried to ignore it, but broke in to tears cause it was so bad. Ugh I hope that passes. She said she had just gotten her shots, so maybe it was a side effect. She also said I hope to call you Sunday, write me letters and tell everyone else to write. Ok thats my update....for now!!
Read more…
Hello everyone I just wanted to say hi. I hope everyone's child is doing well. I want to thank each and every one of you for helping make this site what it is. We are growing slow and steady but I'm sure in the near future it will snowball. Sorry if anyone had troubles Fri and Sat getting to the site. My URL wasn't working correctly. I've been busy on the banners as I'm sure ya'll have seen. I think I like this one the best. My son Evan visited this weekend and will finish A school Aug 13th. He will come home and visit for a week or two once finished. Then he is off to San Diego and will be on the USS Ronald Reagan. He will be a long way from home. My wife is not thrilled about that. So we hope the fine people of California take good care of our son. Again thanks to everyone for supporting each other in such a positive way. I'm so happy to know that I'm not alone in this. Ya'll have been great and a much needed support group. I thank you all. EG
Read more…
