My son is on his way to Iraq again.

[Wilful1]

I wish sometimes life would only give us one thing at a time to handle.  I already feel physically and emotionally drained by the hep c and tx, but today I'm also so sad for my son's family.  He left last night from GA.  His wife called me on the way home and I could hear my grandaughter just howling and sobbing. She is 11. My son has been married twice and also has two sons who are living with me now.  His twelve year old son ran away yesterday after saying goodbye to his dad.  When he came home he told me that he was glad dad was going to Iraq because he heard there was going to be a hurricane hitting Georgia.  My grandaughter wants me to go live with her until her dad comes home.  I've been considering it because I'm going to have lose my house because of the medical bills and I really don't know how to start again.  I had a very good job, so I'm not use to being so dependent on others for any kind of financial support.  Boy I'm having a difficult time dealing with reality and making good decisions while feeling tired and my intellect (whatever I had) has been drained and I'm left confused about the smallest details.  Anyway, please keep my son in your thoughts and if you know of any good hep C, 1a, docs in Savannah, Ga, I may just move.  Thanks for letting me share my saddness today.
Wilful

[Tallahassee]

We are all very proud of your son, proud of you (what a wonderful man you raised), and proud of his family!

Prayers, love, support, hugs... thank you!

[Deb_c430]

We are here for you!     Count on it!

Deb

[Wilful1]

Again, it is so wonderful not to be alone and to be truly understood.  The first time my son went to Iraq when protests began and the Fourth of July came around, I asked my son how he felt about the protests, and  he said, "This is why I am here, so these people can have the same rights to express their views.  I don't take offense that Americans can say these things."  And on the Fourth. he told me again that he was glad that we Americans could be here celebrating such a holiday. I am also so proud of all of the men and women who serve for the greater good in the world, and thank all of you who have been through this as military personnel, mothers and fathers, children of soldiers, and as human beings of the entire world may we all be able to one day come together with tolerance, hopefully acceptance, but with greater conflict resolution skills and diplomocy than reducing ourselves to violence.

Thanks, my Angels, for your warm and kind response and great understanding.
Barbara

[IAmTheWalrus]

I can  not imagine how you feel sending a son of to a war. I have not had that experience. Your hardships seem overwhelming. My thoughts and prayers go out for you and your son. May we all be keenly aware of the sacrifices these young men are making. It is for us, after all, not patriotism or political allegience, that they do it.

Thank you,
Brent

[meakea]

I am sorry to hear your son is heading to Iraq.  I know all too well the worry that goes with that.  My son has been in Iraq x 2 (he was also in S Korea) and, in fact, just got back from Iraq this summer and then found out he had testicular CA.  My Hep C dx in April, on top of all that, just about did me in.  Life went on with the support of our family and friends.  

I'm glad you posted this so we can keep you and your son and his family in our prayers.  I'm also glad you had a good cry about it - that always helps.

As a Mom, I know what you are going through.  I hope you are able to take comfort in the fact that your son is up for this challenge and that he will meet it head on like a wonderful soldier.  I took great comfort in that from my son.  I told him that I would be strong for him and he told me that he would be strong for me.  It worked!

God Bless your soldier son and all our brave and strong soldiers! Tell him that his service is greatly appreciated by me!

[Deb_c430]

That is what helps, another suggestion< I used to do this and still do it helped me a lot to feel I was doing something.

Most local communities have  package  sends, buy a little something,  hand wipes, videos,   jerky, all sorts of stuff, koolaid,  hard candy, and help package them and send them. if you can't afford to buy a lot, help make up the boxes, we  do that and I  have made some great friends,    

It is their jobs, and I can never   stop feeling so proud of them,  they are awesome.  strong men and women!  

Deb

[Wilful1]

Thanks for your support.  "It's been a cryin' time again" today!!!  Apache, my son has said similar things to me.  "It's my job, mom."  He just got back from South Korea less than a year ago, and he went to Iraq when it was a "war"--don't know what it is now!  I just needed some crying and some comfort, so thank you all for giving me what I needed.  It truly helps to remember that "this too shall pass" and using the Serenity prayer---lol  although with the brain I have lately, I'm not sure if I'll pick up on "the wisdom to know the difference."  lol
Bless all of you
Barbara

[apache1]

Well Wilful1, you are not alone.
My son also is on his way to the sandbox.

I also am very concerned for all our boys over there.

My son just told me last night,
"dad this is what I want to do"
My son is a good soldier, and I have to believe his years of training will give him the judgment to lead well and keep his platoon safe.

My prayers for all our sons and daughters over in harms way.

apache1

[fretboard]

Sorry to hear about everything you have going on, must be extra difficult on tx.  "This too shall pass", I have a nephew who's been to Iraq twice and the army is now sending him to Afganistan.  I know what my sister goes thru worring about that, alone.  You definitely have a full plate, the man upstairs will never give anyone more than they can handle.  With that said, I haven't tx'ed yet, so I can't possibly imagine how all of this affects you.  I'm sending you prayers and wishes of good health throughout the difficult months ahead.  God Bless you

[Deb_c430]

That is hard to hear I know,  spent 27 years as a military wife. My son in law just returned from Iraq.   It can be frightening for sure. Try and stay calm,   keeping you in my prayers, if I can help you in anyway let me know.
Having this disease doesn't make it any easier,  Take support as you can.

God bless and prayers for you all.

Deb

[Trish77]

Sounds as if your family needs YOUR comfort as much as you could use some support yourself right now.  I'm fiercely independent myself and I can relate to not wanting to rely on others.  Perhaps ... from a peanut gallery point of view .. it's just simply a good time for you all to be taking care of each other.   Your treatment won't last forever and you can get out there on your own again.  Sounds like a good time for a family to pull together.

I'm sorry for your distress and I wish you well with making your tough decisions over the next while.   At times like these I get reminded of the principles of the serenity prayer, regardless of what one's beliefs are ... and I wish you the serenity to accept the things you cannot change, courage to change the things you can and the wisdom to know the difference.    Wishing you peace and strength.

Trish

[Jacob43]

You and your son's family are in my thoughts and prayers.  Hang in there, and stay strong. Perhaps it is time to allow your family to support you.  After all, that is what families are for.  You've been supportive in taking care of his two older sons.  Besides that you could be a great asset in their household as you begin to get stronger.  It sounds as though it could be a win-win.  May God bless and keep you and your family.  Jacob

[Marcia2202]

I am so so sorry to hear about all the hardships you and your family are going through. It is difficult for me to find words of comfort, but I just wanted you to know that you are in my prayers.

Hugs, Marcia