I'm so scared my kid is going to be killed in Iraq.

[w8liftinglady]

As many of you old DUers know,my son served three deployments in Iraq,was wounded,and developed some ptsd in the process.He has not been able to fit in since he was discharged.He has taken a job as a contractor(NOT with halliburton/KBR) with the rationale that they can't redeploy him if he's already working as a contractor.Am I thrilled?Hell no.i did everything I could to talk him out of it,but there you have it.He will be imbedded with a group of Marines in the 4 most dangerous areas of Iraq.It just kills me.I just had to tell someone.no one i know understands.

[wryter2000]

1. Oh, God

I'm so sorry to hear this. :hug:

I hope this all ends well for you and your family. Damn Bush and his illegal war. :mad:

[CottonBear]

2. We are here for you w8liftinglady. Your son will be in my prayers.

:hug:

[niyad]

3. oh my god--I am so very sorry to hear this. please know that our

thoughts and prayers are with you, and your son. Know that your DU family is here, whenever you need us.

I don't have icons, so (((((((((hugs)))))) to you.

[gkhouston]

4. I'm sorry to hear he's going back.

I'll pray for both of you. :hug:

[ThomCat]

5. I hope he doesn't stay there long,

and I hope he is able to get some help with that ptsd.

I'm very sorry that you and your son are going through this. :hug:

[librechik]

6. anytime you need a shoulder, you know where to come

I wouldn't blame you for crying every day all day.

:loveya:

[Solly Mack]

7. ((((((w8liftinglady)))))

I wish I didn't know the waiting. And it's really "the waiting"...waiting on the next call...afraid of the next call...life on hold...waiting...until the next call...afraid of the next call...life on hold...waiting...and this is every minute of every day and every night...until they get home.

If you need anything, please just ask. I'll do anything I can to help. Even if it's just to talk.

[Poll_Blind]

8. I wish for him, the best. I'm very sorry, you must be going through...

...hell right now- and a hell I can't arguably imagine.

  When you say "fit in", can you be more specific? Problems with him fitting in in the civilian world are also likely going to cause him problems in a military one as well. If it's the money, I can't help with that: War is a profitable business. However, if it's social there has to be someplace better for this kid than back in Iraq. And likely other vets in your area who can help making that transition.

  Maybe get in touch with veterans groups in your area and see if they can help tempt him back?

  I'm so sorry. I'm sure you did everything you could as a parent but your child is an adult now and making their own decisions. Offering attractive alternatives is about the best I can think of to help change his mind.

  My thoughts are with you and I hope for a safer environment (mentally and physically) for your son!

PB

[w8liftinglady]

14. Re:fitting in

Most of his state-side friends/acquaintances haven't been in the military.I know my son saw/did things that he can't talk about.I tried to get him to go to the VA and get some counseling,join a support group,something to help him fight these demons that he still battles inside.
He will be in Iraq in 1 week.Thanks for caring.It helps.

[alittlelark]

9. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this.

Best of luck to your son. If he has PTSD he is likely hyper-vigilant - that can help him in Iraq.

(((hug)))

[QuestionAll...]

10. o sweetie, I'm so sorry....

I'd use the hugs emoticon, but one of them is smiling and just doesn't fit. so I physically hug my monitor for you and your son.

will be thinking of you.

[me b zola]

11. Oh God, w8liftinglady

It's been a while since you posted about your son wanting to go as a contractor. I've kept you and your son in my thoughts. Please take care of yourself. :hug:

[4morewars]

12. I'm sorry you're going through this.

I don't know what else to say, that won't make your burden heavier.

Maybe this foley scandal is the begining of the end for this bunch of war criminals, and we can end some of this madness.

I wish peace for you and your son. And all the moms and all the kids.

I'm deeply ashamed by my country.

[cynatnite]

13. Nephew just got his orders for third tour...

:(

I can't know how you feel...I can only sympathize and let you know your son will be in my thoughts both for his physical as well as his mental welfare.

:hug: Just know we care very deeply.

[Marlie]

19. I'm so sorry

You and you're son have been through far too much and now this. It's all so unfair, this burden of war is put on the backs of so few while the rest go on with life like everything is just fine and dandy without a care in the World. I'm at a loss for words except to say I'm so sorry your family is one of the chosen suffering for Bush's war. Bless you, your son and your entire family. Big hug to you. We care and will always be here for you.

[w8liftinglady]

15. Thank you everybody...your love is what I needed.It helps

:grouphug:

[flakey_foont]

16. You and your son are in our thoughts

we are all here for you

[GreenPartyVoter]

17. *hugs and prayers* for both of you!

[Horse with no Name]

18. I have no words of wisdom here

but I have a :hug:
I am afraid that this is a problem that many of our returning soldiers will be facing. Not fitting in.
I will keep you and your son in my prayers.

[OzarkDem]

20. So sorry

I think of him every time I see you post. We really need to bring these kids home and get them the help they need to resume productive lives in the community. Its so unfair. I'm praying for you.