Deep Denial

Comment

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on December 2, 2009 at 1:24pm

You will all discover that this process is a lot harder on the parents than on our sailors....they just do it....we worry about it!! After the first week and the initial shock wears off, you'll see that the time goes by alot faster than you think it will and before you know it you'll be sitting in the drill hall for PIR.

Comment by Joel A. Ortiz on December 2, 2009 at 1:16pm

Paul - awesome post. So many Children serving!

"I really don't have a choice"! that is dead on what I was in such denial about. That's spilt milk; I'm on board and supporting Allison all along this fabulous endeavor, the journey that is her life, now and forever...with that wonderful Flag o're head!

I hope here bearings take a heading home, and I hope we use this time wisely; I will learn so much more about her now, and I'm bursting with Pride! thanks Paul

Comment by Dan (Zach's Dad) on December 2, 2009 at 1:15pm

Joel - yea same here.. two sets of parents.. so its hard - I did however, last hour get a call from him - sitting at the airport just waiting... :) he is with 4 other soon to be sailors .. and just joking and laughing all relaxed now :) Hang in there :)

Comment by Joel A. Ortiz on December 2, 2009 at 1:11pm

Dan, thanks

Best wishes to your family and Son. We'll all have the hardship of the holidays without our respective son or daughter and wonder how well they will cope with the lack of normalcy this year. I don't know what if anything "Special" will be provided for them; it should be close to week 5, a major hurdle for them right? I hope they get more than one phone call since she has parents in two house holds...and so many friends she wants to call for sure (priorities)!

thanks again, Joel

Comment by Dan (Zach's Dad) on December 1, 2009 at 9:32pm

Joel - my son departed today for GL - and yes it was I think one of the hardest things to ever have to do.. the tears were flowing, the smiles and laughter were all there too! He is 19.. and he thinks this is a great opportunity for him. I know when I was 18, I was at Ft. Benning, GA going through Army bootcamp and Airborne School... and I thought it was the best thing for me!

I told him how proud we all were, how joyful we all were.. but still it hurts seeing my little army buddy leave.... but, I know after things are all said and done, he too will be able to experience the sights that I was able to see when I was in the military...

Hang Tight - and we are all in this together! ~* SALUTE*~

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on December 1, 2009 at 8:42pm

welcome to the journey Joel! It's been almost 5 years since Kat shipped off to Great Lakes and I've finally come to terms with her gone and out in the world. It was a little easier because she was with her mom and I had gotten somewhat used to the idea of not seeing her each day...still....
Now her journey in the Navy draws to a close as her enlistment is up in April. She has found a life of her own...she will do well I'm sure and has choosen to stay int eh Seattle area...has an apartment and serious boyfriend of eight months...plans for school in the fall. You'll adapt...you really have no choice int he matter!! In retrospect, the years have FLOWN by...I cannot believe it's been that long since I flew to Chicago for her PIR....and then to repeat the process with her brother!!!!! You'll end up like me...and EG...and all the rest of us crazy NavyDads....Navy stuff everywhere and soon you'll know as much about Nvay life as our kids do!! Enjoy it and share the experience!!