I didn't get to go to the airport to say goodbye :(

United States
May 16, 2012 10:22am CST
Since my boyfriend left for the army yesterday, I had planned on going down to the airport to say my goodbyes. None of his family could go so I was either going to go by myself or with my friend from work. Well, my boyfriend ended up texting me saying he was on his way to the airport with a group of other army enlistees but I wouldn't be able to see him. I had a feeling something like that would happen and that's why I tried to say all my goodbyes the night before without being so emotional. I'm glad I did because even though I didn't go to the airport and see him, I know that in my heart I said goodbye to him and everything else I needed to say. It was just kind of upsetting but it was probably better that I didn't see him right before he left because I know I would've been an emotional wreck. I'm still devastated that he left and it's constantly killing me to not talk to him, but at least he doesn't have to remember his last time seeing me as crying my eyes out. The next few months will be hard, but I can't wait to see him graduate from basic training after working so hard for it.
1 person likes this
7 responses
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
29 May 12
I've always envied people who could easily say goodbye. Specially if it's a loved one leaving. I know I've seen people who would just say goodbye as if they'd see them the following day, or not go to the airport to avoid the messy goodbyes. But like you, I find it really hard. I hope you're keeping it together!
• United States
30 May 12
I think it was probably better that it happened that way. The night before, I pretty much said my goodbyes without having the mentality that I really was saying goodbye. I knew something like that would happen so I made sure to say what I needed to say just in case. As much as I would've loved to go to the airport to see him off, I know I would've been a mess and it would've made things harder for the both of us. I'm doing better now though. He was able to call me every day for a week and a half while he was getting shots, examinations, and his equipment. But of course the first day we couldn't talk in 2 years had to be my birthday. That was a little rough. I've been keeping busy with work and school and I'm looking forward to his graduation in July
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
30 May 12
This would make your birthday next year even more special! When you're spending it together, and you remember the year before when you couldn't!
• United States
31 May 12
I'm definitely hoping he's able to spend it with me next year, depending on where he's stationed. Even if he can't physically be with me, I'd at least like to just hear his voice. The days feel surreal without talking to him
@GardenGerty (158301)
• United States
17 May 12
As I remember that is usually how they send off the enlistees, all together, under supervision and possibly even on a military transport if it is available. Of course I lived near an Air Force Base growing up. I am surprised he still was allowed to text and call you. Of course things may have changed over the olden days forty years ago.
• United States
17 May 12
I think that may be how it works in some areas. I know my friend from work also has an army boyfriend but she was able to go to the airport to say goodbye to him. Luckily, I said everything I needed to say the night before and then all that morning when he was texting me. Right now he's at basic but in what they call reception. I guess this is when they get all their shots, uniforms, supplies, etc. and they're still allowed to have their phone on them. My boyfriend can only call at night and when I talked to him he said that the drill instructors were still kind of rough on them but nothing compared to what they'll be like once training starts. For now, I'm thankful to be able to talk to him and every day I get closer to the next time I can see him again
• Philippines
16 May 12
yo there, friend! cheer up! keep your positive thoughts going til the next few months! he'll make it there! think of his goals and believe he can make it. focus for some other priorities in your life while he's away, just to ease your emotions when you miss his presence. it isn't always necessary to tell goodbye in person when that person leaves, but telling what you ought to tell before he leaves the next day is enough through messages. it's alright dear friend! cheer up, he'll be back soon. tomorrow is another day! good day!
• United States
16 May 12
Thank you :) I had said most of my goodbyes the night before in case something like this happened and I'm glad I did. Yesterday he was able to text me from 4 am to about 11:30 and we talked more about our goodbye and how everything is going to be fine. I'm glad I was able to say everything I wanted to say and I don't feel like there's more I need to tell him. Of course I'll say a lot more to him when he writes me letters but for now, I think he knows I'll love and miss him while he's away and not do anything stupid
• Philippines
16 May 12
hi CK, My cousin is a PMAer and he is a pilot now every time he will go for a mission or will be assigned in far places its hard for her girlfriend to bid goodbye. And he don't want to see her girlfriend in tears so he always suggest not to go to airport with him. Its really hard to see someone we love to go away even we know they will come back. happy mylotting
@ravisivan (14079)
• India
16 May 12
I am also of the same opinion. It is advisable for us not to go to airport or railway station when someone desirous of us is leaving.
• United States
17 May 12
I'm proud of him Courtknee! I'm thankful for everyone in the armed forces to serve and protect our constitution. Without them we might not have the basic freedoms we take for granted now. I have tears in my eyes over your loss but also for the bravery of your boyfriend. He may have to face some tough things in his army life... but he will make it and will be with you again soon.
• United States
17 May 12
Thank you :) I've actually grown to become proud of him too and I think now he's really thankful for my support since in the beginning, I was upset with him. I have family in the Marines and I've always been grateful for their service but when it came to the one I love, I was very against him going into the military. But, I've gotten a lot of insight on his job and I'm confident that he'll be safe. I have a long road ahead, but I can't wait for the times when we're together again and I know that in the end, all this pain will be worth it.
• United States
16 May 12
I am glad you got the chance the night before to say your goodbyes. When writing to him make sure you tell him how much he is loved and missed. This will help him get through the days and nights without you. Remember to tell him how much you are looking forward to his return. Good Luck:-)
• United States
16 May 12
Thank you :) I'm keeping a notepad with me so I can write stuff down that I want to tell him in letters. I know he felt bad that I couldn't see him at the airport, he was expecting me to be able to go down there. But I told him I wasn't mad at him and that I loved him. Luckily, I was able to get a call from him late last night and it might be the only one I get for a while. These next few months will be hard, but I know that it will be such a happy day when we can see each other again
@ravisivan (14079)
• India
16 May 12
courtknee: You are in Florida, USA. Your boy friend is going to Army for graduation study. In cases where one may not be able to control emotions --such as girl friend, parents --it is advisable not to go to the airport because he may be thinking about it afterwards fully,.