I'm sorry!  It is going to be tough, I'm sure. 

There were a few things that really helped during my husband's deployment.  We got a web cam and used that to talk to him on Skype.  Your son may or may not have access to a web cam where he gets stationed.  My husband didn't have one for the first few months of his deployment.  The internet reliability over there really varies.  If your son does have access though, take advantage of that!  There is something really comforting about being able to see them when they are so far away.  Another thing that really helped us was sending care packages.  We sent a box every week.  The kids and I would go to the store each week and buy snacks and treats for the box.  Then we'd make cards and draw pictures, etc.  We spent so much time working on each box that it made the week pass more quickly.  Plus, my husband loved getting the boxes.  Nobody else sent him packages, so it was really special when he got our boxes!

I know there are support groups for military moms and spouses.  If you are near a base that deploys often, you might have some nearby.  If you aren't near a base, there probably won't be anything in your area (we had that problem) but you can find them online.  Sometimes it feels like nobody appreciates or understands what you're going through.  Some people are very unsympathetic toward the military and it really helps to talk to people who do comprehend the difficulties you're facing.  Yes, the military lifestyle is a choice, but that doesn't make the sacrifices any easier.  Try to seek out other military moms that are going through deployments too, as they'll probably have plenty of advice and words of wisdom for you.

I think the most helpful thing for our family during the deployment was to stay BUSY.  Our traveling and moving and family activities made the days pass more quickly and were a very much needed distraction.  That is probably what really got me through it without a huge mental breakdown! 

What branch of service is your son?  If he's Army, try to get in touch with the FRG for his unit so that you can be included in the updates that they send out to the families.  All of the branches have this kind of support but it's called something different.  You'll probably feel better when you have some ideas of what his unit is doing and those updates help.

Stay strong!  I'll be praying for your son!  Hopefully some other military families can chime in here with some more tips. 

Hi Annette, My name is Susan and my sister Megan forwarded me your profile.  She thought I could help with your question concerning your son's deployment.  I am not sure if I can help, but I can tell you that as a mother of 3 children who are currently serving or served in the past, deployments are not easy.  My youngest son is a Marine and is currently in Afghanistan.  This is my 8th deployment as a mother.  This is also the toughest one for me.  

I can tell you that I stay in touch with several moms from Brian's unit.  We talk about our fears, about our boys and their homecoming, who called this week etc.  Nothing is off limits and it has helped.  I do have to admit that I did go to my doctor to talk about the anxiety I was having.  (Some panic attacks etc)  he put me on a mild dose of an anti-anxiety medication and that has helped.  

You need to surround yourself with people that are supportive, people that know what you are going through, because honestly they will be the most help to you.  

I pray all the time.  My alarm on my phone is set for 7:00 pm. and all of us moms stop what we are doing and say a little prayer for the safe return of our boys.  

Stay strong and ask for help if you need to.  There is a lot of moms out there that are willing to listen.

Susan

Thanks ladies! My son is in the Marines (infantry) and we have been told that the town they will be in  does not have internet or the ability to use phones. We have also been warned that packages or letters may take forever to get there... so Im writing now and giving him a bundle of letters before he leaves.

Im not near a base where I can get with other moms.His basic training was hard enough on my now we may go 7 months to one year without hearing from him.:(

Brian is in Southern Afghanistan and they get to use a satellite phone about every 10-14 days.  So you will get to talk to him occasionally.  The mail is super slow, it takes about 2 months for them to get a package.  I would send one out the day he leaves.  In every box (I sent one a week) I would send him cheap white socks (pre washed) and boxers.  Brian did not have any way to wash clothes except in a bucket.  I told him just throw it all out and use the new ones each time.  I spoke with him this morning and he is super excited to come home.  It has been a long 6 months.  He has showered 2 times since October.  Also make sure your son packs extra boots.  Brian was in knee high water a lot.  His boots were always wet.  I ended up sending him two pair while he was over there.  What unit is your son in?  Brian is a Marine with 2/1 out of Camp Pendleton.  This is his second deployment and he will get out in August and start school in September.  I look forward to that!  Let me know if you need anything, if I don't know the answer I will help you find it.  Hang in there Annette, your are a Marine Momma now and we are tough!

Susan