It's going to be a long week... help!

Finally something to laugh about - censored word is a 4 letter word beginning with "o" and meaning the type of surgury done to pull teeth.

Mom - Don't know why it censors o*r*a*l!?!?

Anyway, we all feel your pain. I don't guess I really experienced it until son went off to college last year. Whenever, the first separations happen - it's not easy for us parents. You worry about them getting hurt, you hate to miss their joys, hate to not be there if they need a shoulder.

However, it's separations where you get glimpses of the man your son is to become. How he copes when mom and dad's shoulder isn't there, etc. He'll be fine and we're fortunate in the world today to have cell phones!!!!

Cell phones will definitely help!

Agree with lafmom about being able to see the kind of "man" your son is becoming while away.

Sent 16 yr old off last summer for about 10 days for tournament in Florida. Had met inquiring coach just 6 days prior. And this coach had a 17 yr old team, which meant he wasn't even going to be with my son's team! Of course, we did some checking about team and coaches before agreeing and allowing him to go!

Anyway, he had the time of his life. Did not have a cell phone at the time. After about two days and not hearing, I did break down and call coach, just to see how games were progressing.

Funny, though ~ son went to DC this fall for a conference ~ had cell phone, now. Was calm and didn't worry. Bout three days into his absence, kind of wanted to hear his voice. Hubby kind of teased me about it ~ then, I found out hubby had been texting son frequently. Talking about having a hard time dealing with it!!!

Good news ~ your son will have plenty to share when he returns!!

We're pulling for you!!

Son called home, last night, just as the Home Run Derby was starting. Coach told them to be in their rooms by 10:30, lights out by 11, but they all wanted to watch the HR derby, so they went to their rooms and called Domino's for pizza (5-5-5 deal so it was inexpensive).

Have to say I had a kind of surprised/proud moment. Turns out the hotel rooms have mini fridges and microwaves, so the boys went to the grocery store. Son bought two 64 oz bottles of Gaterade, Bagel bites, ring dings, and such. Not sure what his roommates picked up but he told me that 4 guys in another room pooled their funds and bought $120 in groceries! I looked up the hotel on the web. They provide a pretty good continental breakfast every morning and there are 51 restaurants within less than a mile - everything from McDonalds and Subway to top notch establishments - but the boys went grocery shopping. Never in my wildest imagination did I think 16 year old guys would do that. I am soooo impressed! Now to get through the rest of the week...

Trust me ladies the young men mature quickly on their own and find ways to make thing work--give them credit

KmomNH

If you son is with the team I think he is with he is in great hands-- you can relax as your young man matures

TR - If the team you think he's with plays their home games in your home town, you are guessing correctly.

Our son will be returning from his second residential camp in two weeks. Both camps were his first experience away from home without family or friends. He'll be 18 next month. My husband has been opposed to overnight camps for both our children..in fact, is opposed to "sleepovers". It is only recently that he's relented because our son has needed to have these baseball experiences. So I was interested to see how the boy would do away from home. Of course, I've always suspected that he's very selfsufficient and would do fine without us around. The first camp was very competitive and he didn't really make any friends. It was pure baseball and not much fun stuff. So he came home tired and reluctant to go to the second camp just a day and a half later. But he went. Much different experience. Made friends with his roommate immediately. Was definitely one of the older guys there so took on a leadership role. We've talked to him a few times and he sounds like a completely different guy. Totally happy and amazingly secure. We're picking him today. I know it is hard to let go. Parenting is all about letting go from the day their born. But it often pays off in ways that you can't know until to take the chance.

Thanks for the post KMom -

My son is in his second year of collegiate summer ball and I know just how you feel
Yes, he is able to deal with just about anything that comes up, and I don't worry as much about him getting enough sleep, eating properly, or ...... , but the transition is hard - far more on me than him. I would bet that just on the basis of what you have posted, he is doing well and handling himself in just the way you would have hoped - and possibly even better!

He's home!!! He's got a great tan and no injuries, ate well, slept well, and worked his butt off, but loved every minute of it. Okay, he didn't really love the games they lost or the early morning workout on the sand, but even those gave him new respect for the competition and made him want to work harder this off-season to prepare for next year.

Only negatives in the week: sunburn on Tuesday (tanned by Wednesday), rough outing on the mound Thursday, wallet stolen Friday (not a lot of cash, but we do have to replace his license), and he went swimming in the ocean Sunday afternoon with his cell phone in his pocket. I don't recommend anyone try that. Its generally frowned upon. Held his composure through it all - I couldn't be more proud.

Boys were up every day at 5:45am, except for Sunday when Coach got them up at 5am for a workout on the beach. Arrived back in NH at 6pm, last night, and was at the field at 10:30 this morning, throwing with some HS teammates.

Have to admit I slept better last night than I did all last week.

TR - you were right. He was in good hands.

KMom - Glad to hear he had such a great experience!

There was a funny thread in the general forum once exploring the death of cell phones amongst our baseball players! Swimming in the ocean will definately do it!!

Kmom ...

Great thread. Congrats on raising a well rounded and obviously mature young man.

As for the cell phone drowning in the ocean ... had it been out west here, based on recent news stories, it might have been much like dying in the toilet bowl as some kids' cell phones have done.

KMom, you and the other moms here have kept me going over the past couple of weeks, even though you didn't know it. I've been reading this thread over and over. Now I need you to get me through the next couple of weeks. I put my son on a plane July 22, one week after he turned 16 to try out for a team in South Florida that would go to South America to play if he made it. Well he did make the team. And that's wonderful. We are so grateful. I came down to see him play a few scrimmages before he leaves the country and my husband will eventually join him in South America. This afternoon I said good-bye. For the first time ever, I will not be able to be with him, as he plays some of the most exciting games of his life thus far. I'm thrilled for him but . . . . well you're moms, you know what I'm feeling. Please keep him (and me) in your thoughts and prayers. Many thanks.

BB - I got a lump in my throat as I read your message. How exciting and how terrifying all at the same time. Your son has a terrific opportunity in front of him and will probably remember this trip for the rest of his life, but you're going to have to focus on breathing until he gets back.

Hey moms out there - who had the pitcher of smoothies? I think BB could use one right about now (and a box of tissues and lots of good thoughts from all of us). BB, these fine women got me through my son's first trip without me and I know we're all pulling for you. Keep us posted on how things are going for him (and for you).

K - I'll take a double shot in my smoothie, thank you. Just talked to son. They are having a non-baseball night, watching an NFL team's training camp. Sounded so happy and carefree. Lifted my heart. Thank you so much for understanding. There's nothing like someone who's been there. -BB

He called tonight!! Arrived safely after 3 hour plane ride and 7 hours on a bus - to go 160 miles. Traded Cheetos for 1 minute on a buddy's world phone. Glad I sent those Cheetos!

Cute story Buzz! Hopefully he's got some more goodies stashed in his bag!!

Buzz.....what a wonderful opportunity for him! Just think of the stories he will have when he gets home......and......hang in there.....he will be fine....

He called this afternoon and he's coming home tomorrow with the medal around his neck. I'm so excited to see him and hear all about his adventure. Thank you, Ladies, for being here in the lounge for me when I needed a shoulder, or a smoothie, or whatever. Tomorrow night I'll sleep soundly again for the first time in a while.

That's great news, BB. Thanks for sharing. I believe this calls for another round, Ladies!

Another round it is gals,..this makes it our third I think, but who's counting? Ha! The more the merrier!!!

CONGRATS to your son BB,...and to you too for getting through yet another one of life's memorable, yet hard on the heart strings, moments.

I think you deserve a medal too,..would you like my crown/tiarra instead?
I pass it on to you!!!

Just for the record gals, so far we have smoothies ( the # of shots , if any, is optional )chocolate cake,..Texas size fajitas,...and world peace for the taking!!! tee hee!!!

to BB son and to her for being a studette mom!!!

P.S. I HAVE TO remember the Cheetos from now on!!!

He's home!

Safe, sound and in one piece. Husband arrived 5 hours later. Son has talked nonstop since arriving. Just announced that he has been up for 36 hours and would like to go to bed now. The rest of the stories will wait until tomorrow . . . . or the next day. Ahhh! Now some blessed sleep for me.

Thank you, moms. I look forward to helping the next mom get through her son's first away from home adventure.

p.s. I've never worn a tiara before - feels kinda nice. Thanks for the loaner SSMom!

Sleep tight BB. If I had a saying about raising children it would go something like this "Children... They greive you until they almost kill you, Then they reward you."

I am so glad all went so well.