YaYa and I were at a stop light, en route to drop off for his 3-day backpacking camp, when it hit me. Mid-sentence, my voice warbled and my eyes welled up with tears as I told YaYa that, after he returns from his trip, we will have one day left to spend with BoBo.
I am planning to take Friday off from work, I explained, so that YaYa, BoBo, and I could spend the day together before he ships off to Moody AFB in Valdosta, Georgia. This will be his new home for the next 2 years (barring he does not get deployed).
Up until today, I think I’ve been in denial in acknowledging that BoBo won’t be back home for a L-O-N-G time. I’ve said it out loud but it hasn’t quite hit me the way it is now starting to.
Months ago, when my son called and told me that he would not be able to come home for Christmas, I was just happy that his “bad news” was not that he was being deployed. Now, however, I am feeling the disappointment.
Once more, I am forced to change with the ever-changing times of my new life – only I am not sure how to change with this one. Frustrated with the return of another broken Christmas, I resist the urge to jump up and down in tantrum-like fashion and cry “This is NOT how it’s supposed to be.” Instead, I remind myself that it is never quite how you imagined it. *sigh*
For the most part, BoBo’s visit has been a good one. Unlike other visits, we’ve seen quite a bit of him. He helped my brother with a few repairs around the house and has spent a lot of quality time with YaYa and me. In fact, not only have we spent time with BoBo, DD also come it up from Southern California for a few dinners as well. It has been a bit like Thanksgiving in July (with pizza instead of turkey).
Although the visit has not been stress-free, it has been good. And even though I am looking forward to the return of orderliness and routine to my world, I am really feeling the sadness in seeing BoBo go.
You can fight the flow of life, or you can go with it. It’s all about choices. My father always told me you don’t get to choose the cards. You just get to play the hand.
Welcome, BoBo, to my beautiful state. It’s a bit hot… but I think you’ll like it here…
It was good to share some time with Bobo before he has to leave.
I see a new maturity in him. It is good.
It was good to see Bobo again. He is growing up and becoming a man. Starting his adult life. What a handsome guy.
I am glad that you are enjoying your time with your sons! GA is a nice place to visit :) And Wes I like what your father said…so true
Since you are celebrating Thanksgiving in July, you can celebrate Christmas next time you are all together again?
My brother spent 2 Christmases in a row in Guam. Georgia is not so far away. Not the same as having him home but not impossible.
Hugs.