dolcelatte

And evening madam

Hi noty  thank you, it fits with the next clue as well. Brain isn't in contact.

Good to see you back

Thanks noty  I'm not sure how frequent I'll be, my son is off to Afghanistan on Sunday and guess I will feel a bit pre-occupied, but in my experience the forum can be a good way for diversion,

Oh Cologne.  I can imagine how stressed you must be.  Big hugs.  He's very brave, you must be proud.  The forum can be great for distraction and reassurance too

I am stressed noty. When he went to Iraq, we were on instant hotmail every day. It's not going to be the same now, so I have no idea when I can 'talk' to him. Anyway, positive thinking and all that. I might even be on here 24/7 and you'll all get fed up with me.  

Cologne, my heart goes out to you.  I could not handle the pressure.  Defo positive thinking all the way.  No ways will we get fed up of ya  Your presence was very much missed.

I'm off to bed now hon.  Sending you positive vibes.  See you soon

Aww Cologne..... it must be such a worry for you

Thanks baz   It's driving me round the bend, truth be told. My daughter is cooking for me on Sunday a: because it's Mother's Day and b to take my mind off it.

I can only imagine the constant worry you (and other forces familes) must feel Cologne.....   I am not sure how I would cope if it was either of my kids (or grandkids).

Big hugs your son is very brave

He said to me that he's doing what he's signed up for and to try and understand that. I'm certain all the other boys and girls over there feel the same way, but I'm not one of those parents who feel that their child dying for their country would give me peace. I'm German for a start, but I don't think that any country should expect that sort of sacrifice. Having said that, it's his life and he wants to live it his way. He has a young family (2 boys aged 5 and 2) and the decicions are his to make. All I want is to click my fingers and be in September when he's back.

 I guess it comes under the banner of letting our kids be themselves and follow their own paths......  from experience, the hardest part of parenting.

Baz, that is so true. I used to think that I might have an independent life once my children had grown up. How wrong was I?  I could be 100 and they would be in their 70s, I'd still be worrying and fretting.

big hugs for you cologne  i worry when my daughter goes into town on her own

LOL.... I know exactly what you mean.... mine are in their mid& late 30s and I think I worry more about them now than when thy were little

Aimee thank you  and Baz, I know, mine are 30 and 32. Crazy. I was completely on my tod from the age of 23 and any mistakes I made, I had to run past myself and nobody else, which is probably why I don't want that for my children.

it's try baz you worry more as they get older  my parents still worry about me and i'm 36  my daughter is going to spain in june with school and my lists of rules grow by the day  she's also been picking which college and university she wants to go too and i'm  i want her to be 3 again

that should say true *puts down wine glass*

Awww I know what you mean Aimee It's so much easier when you can give them a cuddle and put their world to rights I even try to grab my daughter's hand when we cross the road.... she just grins and says *i think i can do it on my own now mum*

Baz, you're lucky. My daughter tried that on me last week. How old did I feel?
Aimee, I know what you mean, I remember a specific night, years ago, when we were all in our beds and I just lay there, totally happy because I knew everybody was under my roof and safe.

cologne, enormous hugs.

it won't let me quote  but knowing they are all in and safe is true  when we had all that snow and ice, my dad *67* drove up to check me and my daughter were ok and had enough food  i tell them we ok but he lubs us

Essie thank you
Aimee, I so wish I still had my dad around to do that. It must be a lovely feeling.
I'm off to bed. Good night all and thanks for letting me vent.

I know exactly what you mean .............it certainly gets harder if anything as they get older. Thank God I'm not in your position re- having a child in the forces but .......you just want your kids to be happy. One of mine is desperately sad at the moment and I feel so helpless. You just want to make things right ......not always possible though Cologne .........I'll be thinking of you and your son (and his family) I pray that he'll keep safe

it is, my parents have been a god send to me and have helped me no end to give my daughter the best

soozy  we can't always make it right, no matter how much we want to. Thank you for your thoughts on my son. Aimee, you are very lucky (or at least my daughter keeps telling me, that she is to have me).

i am and i know it  my thoughts are with you and hope your son keeps safe  let us know how he is doing, maybe a thread about what he  is up to do will help you and we will learn whats it like to be a mother will a child in service

big for all the worrying parents out there - i got home 50 mins late tonight and my mum was on the phone asking where i was, i am 40 years old, bless her

i havent got any kids of my own but really feel for those of you who are going through a tough time 

Cologne

I can imagine what it must feel like for you and I always think how bloody hard it must be for parents with kids in the Forces.  Both my 2 are going through some tough times at the minute too, 1 has moved back home with me and is getting loads of trouble and abuse from her ex, so much so the police are involved. She is in a terrible state.  The other one is moving back home with me next weekend because of problems as well.

They are 20 and 22 and I am more worried about them now than when they were younger!

My thoughts are with you  ... and I hope the time speeds over and he is back safe with you soon!

Hope all goes well Frau Koeln
I have started planning the Grand Tour BTW.

Cologne, my heart goes out to you, I know it will be a worrying time for you.
I hope your son is soon back with you, safe and unharmed.