Another Goodbye. (Goodbyes Suck.)

After seventeen days, Andrew’s leave ended today.

We left the house at 6am and just a few hours later, I was saying goodbye in a parking lot. As I walked around the car to give him a goodbye hug, I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes, but I fought them back.

“Stay strong. Son.” I said. “Make me proud. I love you so much.”

He hugged me, I hugged him back.

“I will, Mom. I love you too.”

He turned and walked away carrying all of his things. I sat in the car and watched him walk away.

“He’s a man now. My son is a man.”

I wanted to roll down my window and shout out “I love you! I’m going to miss you!” like I used to do when he was just a little guy. But I just sat there , watching him, proud of him. And then, I drove away and left him to do continue his journey.

His time here with us was simply wonderful, but the days flew by too quickly. He’s gone again and his presence here is already missed deeply. I can only hope the next three months pass as quickly as the last seventeen days did.

8 thoughts on “Another Goodbye. (Goodbyes Suck.)

  1. Daniel

    No, it doesn’t compare, but my son came home for the first time since Christmas a couple of weeks ago. He’s not putting himself in harm’s way, and I can call him up and talk to him when I need to (and he can call me) – he’s in college. Still, my point is, try not to focus on the time you are apart, but cherish the times you have together. Enjoy him for who he is and where he is in his life. Be glad he wants to share his life with you.

    1. Y Post author

      I really appreciate this. You’re absolutely right. I cherish the time I had with him, I am grateful that he chose to spend much of his time on leave with us. Sure, he hung out with friends, but he spent so much time with us. It’s good to know that my son loves us as much as we love him. I’m actually VERY excited about the training he’s going to get over the next few months. He’s going to come back with so much knowledge. Thanks for always having such encouraging words, Daniel.

  2. Laurie

    I know it’s hard, but you are both so strong. He is amazing and you should be so proud! I am proud of you. You’ll be busy with fall stuff and activities, that hopefully this time will fly by!

  3. Leah

    You are a very strong mama! I hope the time flies by fast. This is your new normal- it will take some time to adjust.

  4. Linda Tackett

    He is such a handsome man! You and your husband have raised a wonderful son! I know it was so hard to see him leave.

  5. Marcilia

    Oh, my, the transformation!

    He’s got this and so do you! The next reunion will be just a sweet.

    Be well.

  6. Christina M

    I’ve been reading your posts about this the experience of his leaving for boot camp, how his absence has weighed on your heart, and — this is going to sound so corny — but I’ve had you in the back of my mind this week as I’ve been taking my kids to their first days of kindergarten and how I’ve just struggled with FOUR HOURS of their absence, while you’d been missing Andrew for a much more prolonged period of time. I’m humbled by how much strength you have, and aspire to it.

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