My son will soon be deploying

i don't know how to help you. i have never heard of any chat rooms fro mothers of military soldiers. i think it is a good idea to create one. it will be lot helpful you gals.

I have several friends who have had sons leave, and come back. One has had two tours already. I was dating a sailor during the Vietnam War, so that is similar (married him). I hope your son is okay, and also pray that you find a way to be calm and at peace with his deployment. Hugs to you friend.

During the Gulf War (under Papa Bush) I had three of my sons over there. It is amazing how differently they see things compared to their parents. I worried myself sick, they thought nothing of it. Darn kids!
I guess that all you can do is pray and remember that this child of yours is doing what he wants to do. I hope that your son will be okay, do his tour and come home safe and sound

My sister just returned from a 15 month tour in August. It was by far the hardest thing that I have ever experienced in my life. I can't imagine what it was like for my parents, as it was so hard for all of us. She is not deployable for at least 12 months but almost certain that she will be deployed at that time unless things change.

According to my sister right now Iraq is probally the better place to be right now if you have to be deployed to that region. We were able to stay in contact with her for the majority of the time using email, webcam and instant messenger. Sometimes they would have a few days when no communication could get in or out but that wasn't often. And it really is getting better and better.

As far as support groups his home base should be able to give you that information. Almost everybody knows somebody that has been affected by this war. So there will be people that you can talk to.

Up until the day my sister returned it would still be days that I could not stop the tears from flowing. Its one thing for your loved ones to be away, but to know that they are literally walking into harms way in a war is just not easy! My sister is part of a infantry platoon and there are people in your unit that are on there 5th and 6th tour, and looking at the families when they departed it doesn't get any easier.

If he has a laptop make sure that he takes it. We all got webcams so that we could physically see him and we kept in touch via instant messenger. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Having a son in the Navy I know there is a Navy Mom's group.

Try some of these places...

http://www.militarymoms.net/

http://www.momjunction.com/members/groupabout.aspx?g=8858

And I'll bet there are a lot of Moms, wives, Dads and husbands out here, In fact I have been in some of their there discussions. Maybe you could start a new interest topic for you all to get together.

You will cry, you will feel helpless and lost. Your son will probably have access to a computer on occasion with a web cam, if you have one you can see and talk with him, that will help tremendously.

We are all here to help.

oh iam so sorry. i cant imagine how terrifying that is. but i did have one in prison once and that was pretty horrible. what a wonderful son you have. i will pray for his safe return.

Hey Suzy,
My heart goes out to you sweetie. Just try and know that I am here for you. Like I said in one of my posts earlier, I had to leave my Son behind in California. I know it's not the same as what you are going through but I'm not sure I mentioned he is Bipolar? I live every day wondering if I will receive a phone call of the worst kind. He is under medication and sees a psychiatrist but the illness can take over at any time.
Even still, I can't begin to imagine how desperate you must be feeling. You also have other things going on that would drive any Mother crazy. Just let yourself cry until you can't cry anymore. Then get on mylot and let us help you escape. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugssssss
leenie

I have never had anyone deployed.
As a fellow mother I really feel for you and all my thoughts are with you, I hope you find a good site to talk to fellow mothers and girlfriends etc.
Its going to be so hard for you, but be proud of your son.

Sue, I haven't had anyone in defence forces. But, I know how how hard it is for a mother to let go her son in fiery fields. But I am sure, he will be just fine and will be back sound and confident. I am so proud of him and I know you are most proud
of him.

Love and peace.

oh... that's heavy... i don't have children yet, but i know how that feels like... just have faith in your son... be proud of him.. and have faith with God.. take care..:)