A sampling of just some of the things I’ve baked in the past week for Ross.
Banana Bread Pudding.
Fudge Brownies.
Pepperoni Lasagna.
French Bread.
Fried Bologna Sandwiches.
Grandmother Bread.
Biscuit Twists.
Homemade Hot Pockets.
Drunken Rum Cookie Logs.
Georgia’s Easy Lunch Rolls.
Buttermilk Pancakes.
Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie.
Remember when he was signed and sealed but not yet delivered? Today, I have to deliver him to the recruiter who will take him to the military entrance processing station, where he will put him on a bus headed for boot camp.
Flatlander says:
It’s going to be a tough day for you…but Ross has a strong mother, who is also an awesome cook/baker, he won’t forget you….his stomach won’t let him.
Hang in there girl :heart:
On June 16, 2010 at 1:41 am
Michelle says:
Looks like a mother showing her deep love in a most tangible way. My heart goes out to you having to say good-bye…
On June 16, 2010 at 2:23 am
Deborah R says:
Oh boy! I see a day of mixed emotions for you. Hope your joy and pride in your son are the overwhelming feelings for you!
Bon voyage, Ross!
On June 16, 2010 at 3:30 am
Julie says:
That’s been quite a send-off. I’ll be thinking about you today. Both of my boys (14 & 12) are expressing interest in military careers (Dad is in the Army). It’s not my goal for them, but their lives are not mine. I doubt taking one to college is much easier. Either way, they are leaving the nest. At least he gets to leave full of memories of home and his sweet mother making his favorite foods. 🙂
On June 16, 2010 at 3:41 am
Rose H says:
Even a strong lady like you needs a hug! :hug:
A day of mixed emotions ahead, but he’ll NEVER forget his Mom – or the delicious meals cooked by you. :butterfly:
On June 16, 2010 at 3:54 am
Tracey In Paradise,Pa. says:
:snoopy: :snoopy: (((( BIG HUGS TO MOM & ROSS)))) You are such a good mom..Much love wished to you both!!
Hugs Granny Trace
On June 16, 2010 at 5:39 am
Jill says:
Ross, good luck, hope you are ready!
Suzanne, good luck also, give him a big hug from us all!!
Jill from NY
On June 16, 2010 at 6:09 am
Laura B in Greenwood, IN says:
Holy cow! After eating all that food I’m surprised you didn’t have to roll him to the bus!! LOL!
Thanks Ross for making the decision to defend our wonderful country. You go and make us proud!
On June 16, 2010 at 6:24 am
Johanna says:
I can’t begin to imagine — I am tearing up myself, and I don’t even know him! Hugs, and stay safe.
On June 16, 2010 at 6:34 am
CindyP says:
At least he’s being delivered with a full tummy :hungry:
Thank you, Ross, for volunteering to help protect our country :hug: Keep your head up and be strong!
:hug: And you’ll need this today, Suzanne :hug:
On June 16, 2010 at 6:49 am
Amelia says:
Just a way of showing him how much you love him…and will miss him. You are such a good Mother.
On June 16, 2010 at 6:51 am
northcountrygirl says:
I really feel for you. It made the tears well up when I read that. Will be praying for Ross and for you, too. We knew it was coming but that doesn’t make it any easier. Love you both!
On June 16, 2010 at 7:01 am
Gayle says:
{{{{Hugs, hugs}}}}
On June 16, 2010 at 7:05 am
Diane says:
I feel like crying. I agree with others it must be a tought and happy day for you. Oh my the food you made for that boy. lol. He is going to remember that for a long time.
On June 16, 2010 at 7:12 am
Yankee Gal says:
That’s fantastic. So very happy for Ross who’s off on a wonderful adventure and the start of his career. I was holding my breath until I re-read the part about “no Afganistan”…whew! Okey dokey Ross…you may go – and remember to CALL YOUR MOTHER! :wave:
On June 16, 2010 at 7:23 am
Kelly Walker says:
I know this will be a hard day for you but he’ll do great! And your support will mean the most to him. We are thinking of you both and will keep you and him in our thoughts.
On June 16, 2010 at 7:27 am
Carol Langille says:
You have done your duty, Suzanne….you raised a fine young man. And now he is capable and willing to do his duty. God bless you both and keep you safe.
On June 16, 2010 at 7:45 am
BuckeyeGirl says:
Love and pride, and so many other things that can hardly be expressed. :hug:
On June 16, 2010 at 7:47 am
Snapper says:
Awwww….good luck and thank you for your service Ross!
And hugs to you Mom! :hug:
On June 16, 2010 at 7:59 am
Fannie M Wiggins says:
You are a tough lady. I know you can do this. I have done it twice.My husband was still living when my son went into the Marine Corp. It was easier then. When my daughter went into the Marine Corp., it was just me and her. That was a hard one but it is also the reason I know you can do this. You are way stronger than I am. Thanks Ross. BTW Ross, you would have made a great Marine LOL. Hugs Suzanne.
On June 16, 2010 at 8:07 am
Susan says:
Suzanne,
My thoughts and prayers are with both you and Ross on this day. Trust me–I’m both the mother of a Navy doctor, and the mother-in-law of a Navy doctor (my son and daughter-in-law). He’ll be fine, you’ve laid a good foundation for this young man; he’ll do you proud. The dynamics of your relationship change, but he will ALWAYS be your little boy. I still cook my son’s favorite foods when he comes home, that’s what we do.
Best,
Susan
On June 16, 2010 at 8:09 am
Jackie says:
If Ross never appreciated your good Momma cookin’ he sure will in a couple of weeks!
THANK YOU ROSS, and thanks Suzanne for having the courage to let your boy go. After you let him go, set aside the rest of the day just for you, you will be glad you did. I know when my youngest left for college, I was a mess for two days. It’s a very meloncholy mix of emotions…
Hugs and prayers for all of you..
On June 16, 2010 at 8:18 am
Sandy says:
You and your family are in my prayers today.
On June 16, 2010 at 8:20 am
Linda Goble says:
I know what you are going through. My Son went in the Air Force and that was hard on me. I cried all the time. But I am a big crier. We all are here praying for you and Ross. Very proud of Ross as we all know you are too. God, please keep him safe. My heart goes out for you Suzanne.Big Hugs
On June 16, 2010 at 8:23 am
CATRAY44 says:
Bittersweet days. I think a lot of people will be praying for him (and you!)
On June 16, 2010 at 8:27 am
Smiledarlin says:
Now you can be a proud Momma of one of our USA military servicemen. He has a good life ahead- lots of training and working- with that comes travel also.
What you will get back in return is a MAN. He will have Pride, Respect, Responsibility, Honor and Discipline. That will stay with him the rest of his life.
I come from a Military family- USAF. My Dad did over 20 yrs. My brother did 26 yrs US Navy, and I have 2 nephews currently in the US Navy, and 1 nephew doing his 21st yr in the USAF.
It is troubling times out there right now- BUT… you must stay strong, pray and keep hope alive.
HE WILL BE OK. And you WILL BE PROUD OF HIM!
On June 16, 2010 at 8:37 am
Pete says:
Tough day today, for sure but you have all of us with you on the journey… :hug:
On June 16, 2010 at 8:43 am
Melinda says:
Ross is such a handsome young man and you can see it written all over his face that he is mature and ready for whatever lies ahead. I know you are so proud of him. I wish him the best of experiences at boot camp and hope he enjoys his chosen endeavor. We will be here to hold your hand until he gets home again.
On June 16, 2010 at 8:46 am
Cheryl says:
Good luck, Ross! I know you’ll make your mama proud.
On June 16, 2010 at 8:49 am
Nancy says:
Oh Suzanne, this post brought me right back to a day in late August 1999 when a Navy recruter picked up my son. I thought my heart would explode between the sadness I felt letting him go and the pride I felt in him. I survived, and so did he! Six years later he came out a well rounded, well educated man. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Congratulations Ross!
On June 16, 2010 at 8:50 am
Angelia M says:
Hugs my friend 🙂
On June 16, 2010 at 8:53 am
Nancy says:
Just a little p.s. I know it’s not like Mamas cooking but FYI, Submariners are the spoiled bunch in the Navy! They get the best of everything! Pay, housing, food! As well it should be for the sacrifices they make! :heart:
On June 16, 2010 at 8:55 am
marymac says:
Awww…now I’m cryin, I can only imagine.
On June 16, 2010 at 9:09 am
Anna Adams says:
Wishing you and Ross all the best. I’ll tell you, from way back in my own boot camp days, no matter how grown up you are, no matter how eagerly you’re looking forward to the future and working to stand on your own two feet, the best part of a boot camp day is mail call. (And the care package? Bliss!)
Hugs to you as you try to let go. It’s so not easy. Isn’t it funny–we try to raise responsible adults–and then shock of shocks–they leave us! (Just not right!)
On June 16, 2010 at 9:10 am
Deanna Jones says:
Thank you Ross for serving our Country! Thoughts and prayers for you both! :hug:
On June 16, 2010 at 9:17 am
KentuckyFarmGirl says:
All these emotional post today woman! You’ve got me feeling all emotional now! You must have so many mixed emotions of pride, love, sadness, worry…I can’t even imagine all of them. You have raised a great guy there!!
On June 16, 2010 at 9:18 am
QuietStorm says:
{{{huggs}}} :hug:
On June 16, 2010 at 9:19 am
Heidi says:
I looks like he feasted for days. You must be so proud and so scared all at the same time. Good luck delivering him.
On June 16, 2010 at 9:21 am
Stephanie in Seattle says:
My thought and prayers are with both of you. Thank you to Ross for taking on such a noble cause and thank you to Suzanne for raising and supporting an honorable man.
On June 16, 2010 at 9:41 am
Gini says:
Awwwww. He’ll be alright!
On June 16, 2010 at 10:13 am
DragonLady says:
:wave: Good luck Ross! I know you’ll make your Mama very proud!
On June 16, 2010 at 10:27 am
Mary says:
He’ll love it. And in 20 years he can retire!!!!
Mary
On June 16, 2010 at 10:45 am
Susan W. says:
I’m proud of your son….and the others who willingly, happily do what I can’t…for my benefit.
Thank you to him…and to you.
On June 16, 2010 at 11:44 am
Alexandra says:
Congratulations and heartfelt hugs for both of you. :snuggle:
On June 16, 2010 at 11:57 am
Mel says:
All that yummy food has got my tummy rumbling… Best of luck to you Ross, thank you so much for your bravery, and most of all your willingness to serve our country to defend our freedom.
God Bless You and your family, if it helps, my husband is retired military after 22 years of service, he still believes the military is the best kept secret.
On June 16, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Susan at Charm of the Carolines says:
I am very proud of Ross and can only imagine the pride you must feel. My prayers are with him and with all our military and their families.
Susan
On June 16, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Ulrike says:
Suzanne! I saw something at the grocery store yesterday that made me think of you: a pizza stone FOR THE GRILL! This one was Webber brand and was $45, but I bet you could use a regular pizza stone the same way. So, next time the power goes out (or the oven dies), you could make pizza on the grill. Also, cottage loaves cooked on a hot pizza stone come out great.
On June 16, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Edie says:
God Bless You Ross….THANK YOU for serving our wonderful country!
On June 16, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Carmen C. says:
Best wishes to your son, mine ships out in 2 weeks for Army basic training! Those recipes look delicious, will have to try those drunken rum cookies;)
On June 16, 2010 at 12:36 pm
catslady says:
Sad and proud I bet. Going from your food to military food is going to be an extreme shock lol.
On June 16, 2010 at 12:43 pm
rileysmom says:
Gosh, I don’t know how you couldn’t be overcome with emotions…better keep those tissues handy! You made all those dishes with lots of love for Ross to take with him….you’re awonderful mom, Suzanne! :hug:
On June 16, 2010 at 12:58 pm
carrie says:
What a tough day it must be for you all. Thoughts and prayers your way. You should be very proud of him.
On June 16, 2010 at 12:59 pm
kellyb says:
My thoughts are with you and Ross. I know he’ll be the most popular guy at boot camp, especially when the care packages arrive. Enjoy all of it, the happy and sad, this is an amazing adventure he’s about to begin. Know you’ve done well.
On June 16, 2010 at 1:05 pm
SD Sue says:
Suzanne,
Congratulations for sharing your son with us through the US Military. We are all in this together. Even when they go off to college it tears at a mother’s heart. Ross will do well. He is tough, like his Mom! My son is home on “mid term leave” from the Airborne Infantry in Afghanistan and is doing great. He is better than I thought and is so prepared for the dangers there that I have no concerns for him. Be sure and go to Ross’s boot camp graduation, it is a very pride filled time for the moms. We all love you lots.
On June 16, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Maura @ Lilac Lane Cottage says:
My heart goes out to you Suzanne. It will be a tough few days for you but you’re a strong woman and will keep yourself busy. After some time in boot came Ross will be counting the days until he get’s to go home for a visit and a HOME COOKED MEAL! Hang in there…you’ll do fine…and so will he. Chic :hug:
On June 16, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Amber says:
Can I come over? :eating:
Your son will be dreaming of all the great food you made him when he’s eating the cafeteria food there!
On June 16, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Kimberly says:
Ross will do great!! And were you in Charleston this afternoon at “the walmarts.” I was certain that you walked past me but I didn’t want to say anything b/c I was afraid I would sound like a loon! “Hi, i know you from the internet!”
On June 16, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Kimberly, yes, I was at the Wal-Mart at Corridor G! The Navy recruit office is just around the corner from there behind Home Depot. I had just finished dropping Ross off.
On June 16, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Blessings says:
~~~Hugs to You!~~Proud Momma!
On June 16, 2010 at 3:51 pm
monica says:
What is on the menu for when he comes back home for leave???
I am praying for his safe return. Thank you for your service to protect my family’s freedom. :heart:
ps Now I know why all the pics on the other post. I am still teary, but at least I can correct my typing.
On June 16, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Grandmatotwochicks says:
Lot’s of HUG’S and PRAYER!!!! Thank you Ross for your service to our country. Will be sending lots of love and prayer’s for you while you go through this process. Ross sure did have a wonderful feast, I know he will be remembering this!!! Good Mama!!!!! :hug:
On June 16, 2010 at 4:12 pm
rileysmom says:
Suzanne, I think you deserve to take a big glass of wine, maybe tumbler or stein, oh hell take the whole bottle and go put your feet in the creek!!!
On June 16, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Rose C. says:
First thank him for serving our country! Next I did the same thing for both of my boys before they left. You will do it all again when he finishes boot camp. My military kids are home, but leaving me tomorrow, it will be very quite around here. My home will be clean waiting for their return, and the start of another mess!
On June 16, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Valerie says:
I feel for you, Suzanne. It’s so hard to see them leave. But a few days down the road, when you hear from him and know that he is well, and very busy, you’ll be able to reflect on all of this. He is very courageous for what he is doing, and it IS his choice. You couldn’t stop him, or change his mind for him. So now you just stand behind him write or call him, send him goodie packages and feed him when he’s able to come home the same way you did before he left..
On June 16, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Sharon Gosney says:
I know exactly how you feel….it was the hardest day of my life when my daughter left home. Sending you a big hug. Now he’ll be counting the days for a good home cooked meal from Mom. All the best to you Ross.
On June 16, 2010 at 9:00 pm
claudia w says:
You got all that comfort food going on up there, somehow I think it’s not going to do the trick today.
Please keep us up to date on how Ross is doing. I will keep him upmost on my mind and in my prayers.
Hang in there Momma!
On June 16, 2010 at 9:06 pm
tabbimama says:
Awwww Suzanne. My best friend has 2 sons in the army in Afghanistan. It has given me a totally new appreciation for the young men who serve and their loved ones. My prayers and thoughts go with Ross and you. He’s a brave young man and I’m sure he’s going to have a great career under the sea. Keep us posted. Also in a side note, I would personally like to see more gratuitous puppy pictures. It keeps my mind off the serious stuff. Thanks
On June 17, 2010 at 12:10 am
bethann says:
big hugs from Michigan to your momma heart, Suzanne
On June 17, 2010 at 3:42 am
Shirley Smith says:
Suzanne, I recall you making homemade poptarts, but I can’t find the recipe in your archives. I told a friend about it that is going to be the cook on a youth mission trip. She said she would love to have it.
If you could,and I know this is a lot of trouble, could you send the recipe to [email protected] ?
I would appreciate it very much.
On June 17, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Runningtrails says:
He will miss you! He’ll miss the delicious food.
Sad day for Mom. He must be excited, though!
On June 17, 2010 at 6:45 pm