Archive for the ‘USMC Parent’ Category

Well, I’d have to say the common cold turned for the worse today.  Definitely a fever and feeling oh so groggy.  I thought I’d write for a moment.

Saturday we had the welcome home gathering.  Here are some photos for your enjoyment.

There are local groups that make sure those in the military, even those fresh out of boot camp, never again get the welcome home our Vietnam Vets got.  This is honestly beautiful.

There was an older gentleman at the restaurant that I took James to, before the riders came to escort us to the house.  This gentleman was a Vietnam Vet and was commenting on how wonderful a Marine looks in his uniform.  He proceeded to tell us how they wouldn’t wear their uniform because they were spit on, or things were thrown at them.  We talked to him for awhile before the riders came in and yelled for the “Fresh New Marine” to come out.

This older gentleman watched from the corner as the folks that came to escort us piled in the small cafe hugging James and telling him who they were.  The look on the gentleman’s face told me all I needed to know.  He was taking it all in.  I pointed him out to our friend, who is also a Marine Vet and told him about the talk we had with him.  They all went over to him and talked to him telling him of the local events they have for Vets and welcoming him to join them in those events.

We proceeded outside and waited a bit.  The gentleman came out and was obviously touched, but unable to speak.  He hugged James and told him to appreciate this reminding Jim of what they used to get – scorned.  He sobbed a moment and then quickly caught himself and went for me – he gave me a huge hug and broke down in tears.  He told me to be proud of my son.  He told me to support him and never let him feel alone.  I assured him I would.  He tried to pull out of the hug quickly and I just held on to him tighter.  He completely let go – tears and all.  I kept telling him that this showing is what he and those that served with him should have gotten.  They should have been thanked.  There should have been parades.

My son has not yet served – he’s brand new.  But he knew – that this outpouring was for the community, not just him.  The community gets to see that we appreciate those who volunteer to protect us.  No matter what you think about our politicians – we should support those who serve our country.  Our first responders, our military – those that serve so willingly.

To all of you that serve – thank you.  To those that made sure the vets are appreciated and cared for – thank you.  From a momma with a brand new military son – we appreciate all the families do to care for their own.  For everyone that came on Saturday to tell my son thank you for his decision to serve – THANK YOU.

Thank you from my heart.

With my son back with us for less than a month, I’m feeling good.  So much has happened in this past week.  We drove down to San Diego and saw him for the first time in over 13 weeks on Thursday.  Seeing him was shocking to say the least.  He went from 220lbs (about) to 164lbs.  This was a huge change!  Not only that, but the change that only basic training can provide.  A focused young man greeted us for family day.

The United States Marine Corps is very good at training our men and women.  It’s evident in all of the young men that we saw on Family Day and Graduation.  Discipline, respect, honor and courage.  I’d say they all have that.  It’s obvious just when you look at them.  For a mom, this takes on a whole new aspect – believe me.

There are so many feelings I’d like to share, but perhaps I will show a photo first.  The photo is of my son and the best thing a momma could ask for – one huge hug.

Yeah! We got to see my son, we get to take him home tomorrow.

Wow what a change.

As of Thursday, February 25th my son is a United States Marine. 

I couldn’t be more proud of him. 

I can’t imagine what he’s gone through to get here.

As for me – I’m officially a United States Marine Corps Mother. 

My son has your back America. 

Blessings to all who serve – you are my heroes.

 

Special thanks to the website and forums that kept me sane during all of this:

 Recruit Parents (at Marine Parents Site)

Next week our family will be going to MCRD San Diego for his graduation and Family Day. 

I’m sure I’ll have a ton of pics for your enjoyment heh!

I got some letters from him in the past few days.  His attitude is very good!  But – momma is fallin’ fast.  I have one in the military basic training, one child on her way to being a momma and another child 6 months away from High School Graduation.

What now?  Each day I got up it was for my kids.  I know that isn’t how it should be – but we had some very hard financial times for many many years.  The only thing holding me together and focused alot of times were my babies.  The laughter, the running around – the neighbors kids bolting through the house screaming with mine.

It’s too quiet.  It’s scary.  Time flies by too quickly.  I miss my babies….

So, I was waiting for the Postman and I was caught on video ~ ofcourse, it’s my SON I’m waiting on letters for, not my BF – but you get the idea.

Recruit Parents are stalking U.S. Postal Service folks as we speak.  Okay, military families to be sure!

So here’s me – or how I wish I could dance!  She’s adorable!

I need a Postman radar….

Argh.

But, you know – my boy is busy and momma is just gonna have to hold tight.

It’s so hard to do! 

I have a little bit of time to write.  Amazing!

On December 7th, my eldest son – middle child – went into USMC Boot Camp.  Sunday, December 6th I dropped him off at the recruiter’s office and that’s the last I’ve seen of my boy.  That’s a key word – “Boy”.  You see, once he graduations and becomes a Marine – he will forever be lost as a boy.  Sound harsh?  Maybe – but it’s true.  The come home men.  Parent’s girls who leave for Parris Island come back Women.  It’s inevitable.

I’ve been lucky to have found Recruit Parents Forums within the Marine Parents website.  There are parents, girlfriends, wives, etc. that are going through the same thing I am and with the same platoon as my son.  It’s a very good form of relasing I guess you would say.  The USMC is the longest Basic Training of all of the military basic’s.  My son will be gone for 13 weeks and I’ll be able to go to his graduation on March 5th.  Ofcourse, the drop out rate is high for Marines I’m sure – so I’m going to assume my son will make it through.  Of that, I have no doubt.

The emotions I’m going through are plenty.  In no certain order:

• Pride
• Sadness
• Loneliness
• Happiness
• Fear
• Excitement
• Loss
• Frightened

In all of that, Pride tops the list.  To be a USMC Recruit Mother – there are few of us as there are few Marines.  I’ll let you know what it means to be a USMC Mother when that happens.

For those interested – the link for the Marine Parents Site is:  MarineParents.com

It’s Christmas – and I miss my son.  My daughter and my youngest son are at her Grandma’s house for Christmas day.  It’s just me and Daniel for the night.

I feel so lost.  For the last 21 years all I’ve ever done is be a mom.  What the heck happens when that’s not a full time plus job anymore?  Who am I?

Love and Light to all of you ~ I am blessed to have made connections with you.

~Monica~