When my oldest son enlisted in the Marines, we learned to say, "See ya later". Military families are told from day one that it is never, "Good-bye", when sending off our children.

So many things about the military and about myself, I learned during my son's time of service.

The days and even months before taking him to the MEPs Center, was an inside battle for me. I felt like someone was taking my stomach and twisting it, kind of like wringing it out like a wet towel. I was a mess. I tried to hide my uncertainties and grief from my son and his younger brothers.

 The whole military thing was new to me. I had no idea what to expect. I read anything I could get my hands on to help me learn more of what the Marines were about and the MOS(job), he submitted to do in the Marines. Combat Engineer. I joined Facebook pages for Marine Parents and for Poolees. I yearned to know and connect with others that understand what I was feeling.

This was my firstborn. I had never experienced having a high school graduation let alone a "Send Off" party a few months later. 

The day we left our son at that MEPS center, was the hardest day of my life as a mother. I always was one that struggled when my kids left home for camp for a week, let alone this.

When your child leaves for the Marines, you relinquish your parenting rights. They no longer can listen to you or your advice. They are owned by the government. All your advice is "civilian" advice. For three months, the only contact you have with your child is through letters. 

After they have broke down your child, brainwashed him and desensitized him, built him back up to make him a warrior, they invite you to his graduation from bootcamp. It is the most amazing to see the transformation in your child and at the same time a little sadness of knowing, he's not the kid that left home a few months ago.

After more training and their schooling, they graduate and then transition into their fleet. They PT, they work, they go on special training ops. They get promotions through work and dedication. Some are deployed for training, humanitarian missions, and more.

Their jobs all relate to what they would do if they would ever have to protect our country. Their training is tough. Their young bodies are aged and damaged through wear and tear of being pushed to their max (and then some). Many skills they inquire in the Marines would not carry over to the civilian world.

 As a mom of three boys, I learned early on that I had to give them to God. It was too much of a burden to take it on all by myself. I surrendered them to Him. I asked Him to watch over them and to guide them, as I was only one person. I also know that His love was greater than any love we could feel. That is saying a lot, I know because some may not think anyone could love their child as much as they do. Only God does.

I say, "See ya later", as it is never good-bye. 

Our world does not come without risks. We cannot count on one day to the next. Our life as we know it, can change in a second.

 My son enlisted in the Marines. As many say,"We were drafted into it".

We had no choice other than to accept and grow and know that the inevitable could happen, but we also learned to keep Him close, as our worry would do more damage than good.

 This way of thinking has helped me to allow my other sons to spread their wings. To allow them to grow and learn as young men. I'm not a "hovering" mom. I only give guidance and help when asked. Life and living it, gives us the best lessons. 

Prayer and His love helps me to know, that no matter what happens here on earth, it is so small compared to what is to come.

"See ya laters", are hard but they are not forever.