Hi, My son is at Basic and in 2.58 B at Benning, and there are no pics available. I have sent email asking why this is when there are pics of the other co.'s there, they said there is a glitch in the system that won't allow them to add the pics.
I am so lost without my son, I wonder about him all the time. They would help so much to see what he is doing, how he is doing. I am having a hard time letting go. I write letters to him so often and I recieve some but it seems its never enough. Does anyone else feel this way? My son is 18 and I have been a single parent since he was 10 mos. old.
But any insight on how to let go easier would be helpful. He graduates in March and he gets a 3 day pass and that is all he goes straight to post because of Christmas Exodus.

It's hard to realize that they are growing up but that is just exactly what is happening here. You've done your job and now is the time to step back and let him show that he is the man you raised him to be. On the plus side, you are getting some letters. That is much more than I did for my mother. I think I was required to write two letters during my 13 weeks at boot camp and that was all I sent. Hopefully he will continue to write and/or email you once he gets to his permanent duty station. Just remember that he is trying to forge his own adult life right now. This will mean separating from you somewhat more than he previously has.

Not everyone gets pictures posted on the web sites. I know that some from Ft. Benning do get pictures up but, as far as I know, Ft. Knox doesn't have anything. I'm sure I would have found that when my son went through OSUT. If the chaplain's office has told you there is a glitch in the system that won't allow them to upload pictures then they are probably telling the truth. These do happen and no one is trying to cause you pain.

I know and I understand that point about him becoming a man. I do get it, I am very proud of my son. I know that its more than what he would ever have here. And yes you should have written to your momma more. I am learning slowly, I know its his time, and when he needs me he will let me know. But man its still hard. But thanks.

I sympathize with you. My 18-YO is at Fort Benning now, but still in reception. He is my oldest and first to leave home. You can certainly still miss him terribly, even though you are letting him be the man you raised him to be. My son has been away from home before, but he always called me every day to let me know what his day was like. When something happened in his life, good or bad, he called me almost immediately. We have a very special connection. Joining the Army was his decision and while it wasn't what I wanted for him, I was 110% supportive and I still am, but I can't just flip a switch and not be sad, not want to talk to him and see pictures of him.

Yes it is hard and just because someone else doesn't feel the same way you do, doesn't mean your feelings are not valid.

Exactly, and see hes been away one summer out of 18 years. That sure doesnt make this easier on him, or on us. And I understand you perfectly, I didnt want this for him, but the alternatives, are very limited. Good luck with your son. I hope that all goes well with him, my son went in on Nov. 7th. He graduates on March 6th.

Hey Melissa! I'm there with you. Dan is the middle of three boys and I too, was a single mom forever, and Dan is the first to leave. This just plain, flat out, hurts. Dan's been in the AF for two years, and I was a basket case when he was in BMT. It got alot easier after BMT, though, because we were able to communicate alot more. I don't know how it is in the Army, but in the AF, Dan had a computer and cell phone while he was at tech school, and at his first base assignment in Texas. We talk ALOT. Like every other day or at least a couple times a week if not much is going on. We've even been able to visit him and stay on base. So, hopefully, after these few weeks, things will ease up and you'll be able to be in touch with him again. I hope so!!!!

I'm giving you advice I'm also giving myself right now. Dan is deploying tomorrow. I'm a basket case again, alot like when he was in basic.

Your son probably knows you better than anyone else on the planet. He's your best pal, and always has been, is my guess, just like Dan. When he's gone, there's a hole in your (my) heart. After a while, we don't realize that hole is there until you (we) see that missing person and finally feel normal again!

That's how it is for me. What helps. Well, right now, the only thing that helps is time and letting myself cry. After a bit, helping other people out is a real good way of keeping myself out of a pity party. However. Right now, it is TOTALLY okay for you (and me) to have a pity party. I'm here with you. It's okay to cry. I'm crying with you. It's okay to miss him. Write him upbeat letters. Try to find the love that still connects you and hold on to it with all your might. Peace to you. Hope to you. I'll put you both in a prayer. There must be a special place in heaven for all single moms, but ESPECIALLY ones with kids in the military. Hugs--Mary Jo

Thank you and same to you. I hope and I will pray for your son. I have a list of soldiers at work, that I have dealt with so far only 4 that I know of that has deployed. I will add dans name to it. I say a prayer everyday. I do cry, alot. But I get to go see him in a couple of weeks on family day. I am soo excited. of all 3 of mine, hes the one I clicked with, and you are very right its soo very hard, and right now I don't know where he will be sent after OSUT. I hope someplace here in the U.S. but just don't know

THANK YOU SO MUCH for doing that. I'm a great proponent, believer, practicer of prayer. It helps. That simple Thank you. You and Darian will be in my prayers, too Hugs--Mary Jo

thank you, me too I have been crying everyday. I have a lot of family members in heaven, my dad and his gram and my gram andevery day I ask for them to watch over him and protect him