Friend is leaving for military...

My best friend has left for the army this morning at 3 am. i knew this was going to happen for almost a month now but its bothering me so bad that i cant stop thinking about it. this kid has literally kept me alive being in rough times and now the reason he is going into the army is because he feels he is not needed in his current life. i wouldnt be here if it wernt for him, 3 years ago i was almost suicidal and he came to my rescue, he gave me place to stay and hope that things will get better. now he's going to be gone for 16 weeks of boot camp and basic training. thats not what im worried about though. his job is going to be a truck driver for 3 years. that puts him right in the middle of gun fire. ive never cried over a close friend before. i have no way of contacting him untill he sends me a letter atleast. i dreaded this day for a while but i didnt ever tell him not to go. i had to respect his wishes so i did. im not sure he knows how much he is needed here with all his friends that didnt want him to go. i dont want anything to happen to him.

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doug-doug the mighty's picture

I felt similar pains when my younger brother (with the Army Corp of Engineers) signed up for a 6 month stint in Iraq.

The best thing you can do for your friend is return the favor. Often times, our people feel alone and distanced from back home and much appreciate mail, gifts, reminders of what they are missing and what they are fighting for (although it seems they are the ones who often remind us what they are fighting for).

Focus on your friend's needs and start putting together care packages for him (latest DVDs, adult mags, newspapers from hometown, cookies, the latest copy of MacAddict magazine). Pray for his well being (or at least light a candle if you don't pray). Do not allow yourself to fall behind or down. Perhaps your friend feels it is time for you to stand in his place and be his beacon of safe haven.

Rise to the challenge and thge occasion.

As far as your own needs, do not neglect them. Find another friend, a companion, a soul mate.

Be Tremendous - in every sense of the word.