Losing a friend/Basic Training

[Lehn]

One of my best friends deported this morning for basic training, and we had a huge row last night that wasn’t even half-heartedly patched up....
We’ve been friends for almost 6 years now, and things just, well, exploded last night. I knew it was coming, but I just didn't expect it then, the night before he was going to leave, you know?
It's really messy; and kind of private, but basically I called him out on something about me that he didn't want to be called out on. And it just, sucked. Because I'm completely helpless about the entire thing. And I hate being helpless.
It's been his dream for as long as I've known him, to go into the army. And... I don't want to keep him from his dream.
But, gaaah, he's basically planning already to die over in the Middle East. He's only 18. He’s trying to shut himself away from me because he’s worried about what might happen. You just don't start building walls around yourself emotionally for that sort of thing at 18. It’s just not right.
Yeah, I know he think he’s doing it to protect me, but I don’t need it. I’m not a glass doll, no matter how he feels about me.

In the end, we threw six years of friendship out of the window in less then five minutes. I didn’t even get to say good-bye.

And three months is a long time to stew over emotions.


.... And I've placed this entirely in God's Hands. Just pray that everything turns out how it's meant to be (whatever that is), and that God protects him.

[sunet]

i'll definately pray

[Mr. Rogers]

will pray

[Staci]

I will pray. Maybe you should keep a journal just for your friend to let him know how you feel? (Giving it to him later, of course.) It's always better putting things down on paper. ~_~ Just a thought. *hugs*

[ClosetOtaku]

Lehn,

I will pray.

Please consider that your friend may be under a lot of pressure, and some fear, going into the Army. When he gets to Army Basic Training, the pressure will be even greater. I know, I've been there.

In a couple weeks, he will be able to begin receiving mail. May I make a suggestion? If you can get his address, write him. Don't go over the bad stuff. Just tell him you are thinking about him. He will need to hear that right about then. Staci's suggestion is good as well, but at that point he could probably use some encouragement.

Again, I will pray.

[Yojimbo]

I've been thinking about how to respond for awhile now... Well as some of you know for the last 2 years the only career choice I've thought about seriously on is the Army, so I can relate a little. But I've tried to do the opposite though really by breaking down any walls I've built up over the years.

But let me tell you this after he gets back from basic I think he'll soften up and realize alot of things about life. Granted I have no idea about what was argued on that night, but he will be a much more mature person when he gets back. He will think more about how precious life is and he will appreciate everything we are all so blessed with. Even more so after he goes on tour. After such a grueling experience emotionally and physically I really don't think he'll be angry at you afterwards. In fact you should deffinetly write him at least once while he's in basic. Just write about anything other than the problems with you two he'll appreciate it.

[ssj2gohan61]

I will pray.. im doing the same thing kind of to this one other girl but not completely pushing her aside of me because soon as a job opens up in the air force i will be getting ready to leave for basic., i had to sign some deployment rotation thing friday understanding that i may likely goto the middle east or asia or somewhere

[Rogie]

I'll pray for him and for you.

[Zane]

[Anna Mae]

GOD be with both of you.

[Fsiphskilm]

Dear Lehn.