Just get back off holiday thinking I will be able to spend a little time with my eldest son (18) next weekend before he goes to Iraq when they bring his flights forward :(

I last saw him the week before we went away and I won't see him for months now.  I am feeling very down about it all as I don't really like the idea of my 'baby' being out there in the first place.

Still nothing anyone can do, but makes me feel a bit better putting 'finger to keyboard' and telling everyone how peed off I am today.

Come here {{{Hugs}}}

It's so hard for us mums to let go .....and in your case must be even harder!  You must be so proud of him, yet thinking at the same time "what the *** is he doing out there - he's only a baby".

Come here as often as you like, to let it all out!

Margot

It must be heart wrenching.  Agree with Margot, even when they tower over you they are still our babies and we want to hold them close.  In some respects I think it is harder for the families at home than the soldiers because they are there and doing a job they are trained to do whereas the families are wondering all the time where they are and what they're doing.

Oh Louise, how awful for you (and him).  I really do feel for the soldiers out there and their families.  It must be an awful situation to be in for both the brave men and women out there and the families that are left behind.

We'll all think positive thoughts that he comes home safely.

You must also be so proud of him! I know it must be hard and I can't imagine how worried you must be, he is still and always will be your baby. But I have such great admiration for these young men and women, they are doing something for others in a world where so many think only of themselves.

Positive thoughts for a safe homecoming from here
M

I am ex RAF, and i feel for you, my kids are now the age i was when the Falklands war was on. 
It is so hard to be at home when you can only guess what is happening.  Be strong for him it will make it harder for him if he feels you are low.  They will all be getting geared up for the challenge ahead, tell him to keep his head down and don't take any chances. 
Try and stay strong he will always be your little boy what ever age he is.  That is how i feel for about mine aswell. 
[[[[[[[HUGS]]]]]]]
Yvonne

Lots of positive thoughts will accompany him from here :)

I am sure you have lots of mixed emotions at the moment but stay strong and feel  very, very proud :)

I hope all goes well and he is soon home safe and well. i can understand you not wanting him 'out there' but be strong, my warmest wishes and thoughts go to you.

Awww Lovey..... {{{Gert big Hugs!}}}
we're all here if you need a friendly ear or a waterproof shoulder xxxxx
   Im sure she wont mind me nominating her..but can I suggest you get in touch with one of our members EMZ77 (she's am absolute gem..really great gal), Her hubbie was out in Iraq last year so she'll know exactly how your feeling (she has kids too, but littlies) perhaps send her a PM, Im sure she'll be a great person to chat to, and she may have little tips of things to say and things that they need/appreciate sending out to them?
Hope this helps xxx

(((((((((((((((((((((Hugs )))))))))))))))))) From me too!!

I'm afraid I would have no hair left if it were me, can't think of a worse job I would hate it :-( our instincts are to keep our babies safe, I'd be pushing accountancy books in his hands or How to be a Doctor :-D But I guess I would not be a good mum then would I?  Our kids do what makes them happy, what they are interested in,  and that is the way it should be, I guess your boy has found his niche he's very brave and yes you can be very proud.

But as a mum, here another (((hug)))

Thank you so much for all your hugs and kind words - they really mean a lot. 

Matthew's dad, my ex husband is also in the RAF and I  had got used to coping when he was in Northern Ireland, Bosnia or Iraq but with a child it is totally different.  I guess our husbands are big enough to look after themselves to a certain extent, but a child will always be that to us and our instincts are to protect them from 'nasty' things.

I am very very proud of Matthew though and I know he is doing what he wants to do.

Number two son Sam joins up this year too, so I will get one boy back and another will no doubt be on his way somewhere unsavoury soon after!  At least it will be a couple of years before number three son, Ben can join up - I will be grey or bald by that point!

Thank you all once again
XXX

Hi,
I feel for you so deep, you wouldn't understand. It could have been my son he went to sign up
but! on his medical he had to tell them if he had any madication in the last three years.
He had, for hayfever ect; so he was turned down. I was over the moon, I had not slept for weeks.
My Father and Grandfather were in the army. But! things are a lot diffrent now you do not know
who your enemies are anymore and the country does not respect the arm forces as they should.
If it wasn't for them in the 1940's we all wouldn't be here now, and there definitely wouldn't be an England as we know it.
God be with your son.
Regards
Denese 

just had a call from my friend her daughter  is an officer in the RAF and she has just been told she is going to iraq in June for 5 months very worrying time for all familes at this time.