As an Army spouse for the past 11 1/2 years and through two deployments. I must say, stay strong. You have two options. STay strong so your soldier is strong physically, emotionally, and mentally...OR be weak and allow that weakness to be heard, felt, or sensed through to your soldier.  Believe me, I know all the weak moments, front and back, but the most important thing is to 'soldier up' and never show that fear and weakness to the SOLDIER.  Vent to friends, colleagues, therapist, pastor, whomever, just for your soldiers sake...not to him!  When my husband deployed with B co 2/503 in '07 we (myself and our two daughters) did not hear from him for 6 1/2 weeks. No email, no phone, nothing.  But just remember its hard on you but harder on them knowing that you are worrying.  My husband said when he got back that knowing that the girls and I were okay through the deployment, made him okay.  Soooo Bob, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, things do get better. The hardest hill to climb is usually 6-8 weeks after they leave then it seems to get a bit easier, anyways it does for us spouses.  Get into a good daily routine, even if thats a simple wake up, shower, coffee, work, home, dinner, bed...just stick to it as much as you can, that truely does help.  And remember there are always WONDERFUL people here on AS that are willing to support you as much as they do your son.  I have made some life long friends here through my husbands deployment and I will cherish them always.  Take care of yourself Bob and cherish every moment, whether its static or just the sound of your soldier breathing during the delay, its a sign of he loves you and is thinking of you.  Email him daily if you can, sometimes they can Read their emails but not enough time to respond...remember that.  SMILE for your son, he can feel it and see it more than ya know!  Take care,

Ang

Bob,

That's a lovely poem........and see that is exactly some of the things you can do to keep your mind clear.    You put your feelings down in words (as someone suggested to write a journal).   When someone I love is far from me (usually hubby when he travels) we tell each other to look up at the nite sky and look at the moon and stars and think of me.   Well, you just did that with your son.    He will feel your positive energy..........you must believe that. 

I want you to know (and all other parents) that I support our troops tremendously.   My children are not in the military (the youngest is thinking about it and I fully SUPPORT her decision.....) so I truly don't know how you are all feeling.    I can not financially send letters and packages to all.........but  please know that we pray for our troops daily.   I lift them up in daily prayer when I sit and meditate and again at nite before I go to sleep.   I include them along with my family and friends.........cause that is EXACTLY WHO THEY ARE TO ME.....FAMILY  AND FRIENDS!!!!     

May all of you try to rest easier with the advice that so many supporters have given in the last few days.   Just reach out and email or PM someone if you need to talk.   GOD'S   BLESSINGS   TO    ALL    PARENTS.............

Love peace and blessings......Anne Marie

Oh Bob,

What a beautiful prayer poem that perfectly captures the essence of it all!  If this kind of writing is your outlet, you keep it up.  Your son will be so proud of you when he reads it.  Your love and pride in him shines through. 

Kathy

Thank you and pls keep posting.

There must be some very special stars out there in Kansas.

Ann

Aaaaahhhhhh Bob,

That is a beautiful poem for your son.

 And you are right, men do not often show or put on paper what they feel from their heart.  I am sure your son would say, "don't worry Dad, I am a man now and they trained me well".  He is doing what you taught him to do. 

Mimi

I am posting this here in case anyone is interested in getting some of these socks for anyone they support in Afghanistan where the winters are COLD, especially in the mountains.  These are for slightly irregular socks.  I looked at the ones I got and I can't see anything wrong with them.  I ordered the Cold Weather Mountaineering socks.

Another AS supporter got this special deal on these socks, but the price is only good for large orders, 50 pair or more.  I had several inquiries from other AS supporters so I am posting this here.  Feel free to PM or e-mail me with questions or your orders...

Hi Bob,

Your poem is beautiful.  I hope that you have mailed it to your son.  I am sure that it is something that he will treasure and keep close to his heart. 

There is nothing wrong with loving and worrying so much about your son.  I have heard many times though to not let your son know how much you fear for him.  Keep posting here and send pms or emails if you need support.  Don't be a hermit, that will be harder, let it out and reach out to others.

Blessings for your son and you,

Vicki

First let me say that my fellow employees at Edward Jones give me money to mail my packages.    They have been helping for at least 3 years.  Well, I had to go to St. Louis a few weeks ago and I took my soldier money (about $250.00) out of my purse and hid it somewhere in my home.  Here's the stupid part, I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE I PUT IT!  I'm so mad at myself, I have two boxes ready to go out.  I know I will find the money eventually, but it is driving me crazy. 

Also, Bob I know definitely know how you feel.  My sister's son, Brent, was a tanker in Iraq in 2003.  We all stayed so stressed out.  Everytime we heard about a tank casualty, I'd help her and we would call Fort Carson, the Red  Cross and anyone else we could think of.  The Red Cross started recognizing my voice I called so much. Unfortunately, Brent didn't make it home.  Next month will be 5 years since his humvee flipped into a canal and he drown trying to get out.  His purple heart makes us proud, but we'd rather have him home.   Please know that I am not  telling this to make you feel bad.  I wrote it because it is still so hard and I think about him every single day and I don't want him to be forgotten.

Teresa

I feel pretty good this AM,  Rick called twice !!

First call was last night, then again today around 11:00  am  local.

It was Rick and another soldier being   promoted to PFC !!   Already even.

That is sooooo awesome !!   Makes me proud  !

Soooo, needless to say, my spirits are pretty up there for now.

Peace to all you and your soldiers

May God bless all of you !!

( hugs)

Bob

Bob,

I am so glad that you have heard from Rick, cherish those moments as you have.  I have been praying for a calm spirit for you.

Angela (mom of Chris)

Teresa  I'm so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful nephew, I remember that sad incident.    I'm glad you have been there for your sister and she for you.  Please let her know how many here pray for our warriors and their families constantly.

Anita

That's wonderful Bob!

I am so glad you're feeling better.  My name is Tamra and my son has been in the Korengal Valley (Vegas) since July and I have not heard his wonderful voice through the phone yet, but I do get emails from him, and I know what that means...just to hear from him...it means he's alive and well.  And really, that's all I need to get through my days, even if it's only "Hi Mom, I love you!"

We have to be strong for our boys, just as they are being strong for their country.

Thanks to all of you for the great support you've given the families and the soldiers.  Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Tamra

Bob that's wonderful news, lets you catch a few deep breaths and keep on keeping on.  Glad you found the forum to share your fears and frustrations so you can stay chipper for him when he calls.  Blessings,

Anita

Teresa, I understand, and my heart goes out to you and yours !

I see it this way, It is really a shame and heart breaking that he lost his life,  BUT,  to me, some have given all and may be gone, as I see it tho, they will NEVER EVER be forgotten !!!  I myself will not allow that.

We ALL have true American heros out there, some may not have made it home, they are heros as well, they all are true heros in my book !!

To all who fought and came home, to those who fight and WILL come home, to those who fought......and didnt make it home,

I stand before you all,

my deepest graditude.

I salute you all

I swear, as God as my witness,  THEY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN !

So help me GOD !!!!!!!

* salutes*

ps.  I did a lil time in the Army back in the day, am familar.....sorta