How do you prepare yourself for departure day? It is rapidly, and I mean rapidly, approaching for us and I have no idea how to get myself in the right mindset. We did this last year, I feel like I should be ready, but I am definitely not. I know that I am going to bawl like a big baby too, but I want to stay strong so my son doesn't have major anxiety because he sees me crying my eyes out and wonders what is wrong.

I don't have any advice because I haven't gone through this yet (although I will be soon) but here's a :hugs

I think the best way to prepare is to really let yourself know that this is going to happen...I don't know if that sounds weird, but I know before db left, it just didn't seem real to me...kinda like ooo this will never happen...does that make sense?

Hmm well, I cried alot to DH after DS went to sleep and we just spent time together watching movies and cuddling etc. I felt like it wasn't going to happen even though i knew it was. Also- I found that focusing on DS through the day helped me to not cry so much, as well as hugging him etc. It's when he's gone to bed that it hits you :(

I don't really prepare. Maybe that is weird but I act like I would any other day.

Remember that it's ok to cry, and that it's ok to let him know you're sad/angry. He's not happy about it either, and it's much easier to stay close as a couple if you share your feelings. I'm a basketcase on departure day, and I've come to realize that it's ok and that everyone deals in their own way.

:hugs It never gets easier Laura.. If you need to talk I'm here.

Thanks girls. :hugs

Remember that it's ok to cry, and that it's ok to let him know you're sad/angry. He's not happy about it either, and it's much easier to stay close as a couple if you share your feelings. I'm a basketcase on departure day, and I've come to realize that it's ok and that everyone deals in their own way.

:hugs It never gets easier Laura.. If you need to talk I'm here.

Thanks. :hugs I think that's what I need to do, just let myself be ok with being as upset as I am. I always feel like I should be strong and don't cry and that usually makes it worse. Last deployment I waited until he was on the ship before I started bawling and he is in Navigation so he was up on the bridge watching me cry and dancing around like a dork trying to make me laugh instead. He is really good about understanding that I am a big cry baby and totally upset, so I guess I need to get on board with that too.

When DB left we went out to eat first, than I took him to his work like 3-4 hrs before he had to be to the air terminal. We said our goodbyes and I drove home, it was hard I cried alot on the drive home but before he got on the plane he texted me and said he loved me and we both said" see ya" not good bye.
I don't really know how to tell you to handle it, I'm not sure I did. You just get through...I think what helped me handle up to when he left was knowing we were strong, committed and we would be back to the homecoming. I kept telling myself sooner we get this started, sooner I can get you back and we never talked about him leaving or what I would do while he was gone, we only talk about things we'll do when he gets back which gives me something to look forward too.
Not sure if that helps you any...

Thanks girls. :hugs



Thanks. :hugs I think that's what I need to do, just let myself be ok with being as upset as I am. I always feel like I should be strong and don't cry and that usually makes it worse. Last deployment I waited until he was on the ship before I started bawling and he is in Navigation so he was up on the bridge watching me cry and dancing around like a dork trying to make me laugh instead. He is really good about understanding that I am a big cry baby and totally upset, so I guess I need to get on board with that too.

That was very sweet of him to do.:grin: He sounds very supportive.. My husband, being an engineman usually has to be there way early, so I drop him off and we say our "see ya laters" at the car... It's just me, but I can't stand there and watch the ship leave. I can't sit at the airport either.. G and I handle it like removing a bandaid basically.. it's awful for both of us and on Cam as well, so we don't prolong it.

I hope you guys get as much quality time in as you can.

Once you're back in the groove of things, we should do coffee!

Sounds like a great husband. Mine tried to make me laugh too. I don't think there is any right way to prepare. I cry but HATE when others see me upset. I tell myself over and over...before you know it...you will be standing here again picking him up. That works for a little bit. When he first leaves I want to be alone. At least at my house. By myself but on SOS of course.
I cry after leaving and treat myself to a milkshake and start thinking of care package ideas.
We will both have to keep busy...and Rachel too:)

That was very sweet of him to do.:grin: He sounds very supportive.. My husband, being an engineman usually has to be there way early, so I drop him off and we say our "see ya laters" at the car... It's just me, but I can't stand there and watch the ship leave. I can't sit at the airport either.. G and I handle it like removing a bandaid basically.. it's awful for both of us and on Cam as well, so we don't prolong it.

I hope you guys get as much quality time in as you can.

Once you're back in the groove of things, we should do coffee!

Definitely! The only people I "know" out here are you girls so I plan on coming to g2g's and getting to know everyone better as much as I can. :) Thanks for offering.

Sounds like a great husband. Mine tried to make me laugh too. I don't think there is any right way to prepare. I cry but HATE when others see me upset. I tell myself over and over...before you know it...you will be standing here again picking him up. That works for a little bit. When he first leaves I want to be alone. At least at my house. By myself but on SOS of course.
I cry after leaving and treat myself to a milkshake and start thinking of care package ideas.
We will both have to keep busy...and Rachel too:)

That sounds like a good plan! I am already getting some ideas together for care packages. He got really spoiled last time because we had more disposable income, so I am going to have to get creative this time, but it will be fun.