Son left for BC 10/6, missing him but hanging in there!

[Auralei - Mom of Chris]

Hi all, found this site this morning and am I ever glad that I did. My son, Christopher, shipped out on Monday, we dropped him at the hotel on Sunday. Hardest thing I've ever done in my life. His dad and his twin brother said the same thing, even though we're so excited and proud, it still leaves you with this empty feeling. Have felt like time is dragging, but when I start missing him too much, I sit down and write to him, and that seems to help alot. I tried to get his address today from his recruiter but no info there yet. I know it will come in a few days, so when we get it we'll mailing out a stack of cards and letters. If we can make it through this first few weeks without going crazy with worry, it'll be smooth sailing, because then we can look forward to seeing him at Graduation. I can't wait!

I do have a question regarding Thanksgiving at RTC, do they at least get to eat a holiday type of dinner? I had heard that sometimes they will take them offbase to churches who provide dinner to the recruits, but not sure how true it is. If true, how awesome for them, and it would make me feel a little better knowing that someone is giving them a little bit of comfort during the holiday.

Wishing the best for all of you and our recruits!

Lei, Proud Mom of Christopher :)

[Cherie]

Lei: Good Morning and Welcome. This site has been my saving grace and the information on it has been so wonderful. My son arrived 10/1 and on Monday I received the "Box" basically it was everything he took with him except his wallet. I also received a form letter letting me know his address and division number. At the bottom of the form letter was a small note from him personnaly :-(::: I cried allot but it was wonderful. I have read on this site that they are given Thanksgiving Dinner and are adopted by families, whether that means they leave I don't know. You will find upon knowing his division number a PIR date, remember that does not always mean it will happen depends on the divisions passing everything. My sons is 11/19, which misses the Thanksgiving break and airfare should be a little bit cheaper. Browse thru the site, It will be most helpful to you. Good luck to you and your son...
Cherie

[Auralei - Mom of Chris]

Hi Cherie, and thank you for the welcome. This is the second site I've found, and I see what you mean about it being informative and a saving grace. I've been reading through everyone's posts, and it helps to know that we're all in this together. I knew about "the box", and it's strange, I'm looking forward to getting it but not looking forward to getting it, if that makes sense. If I get a short note with it, it will help tremendously, as right now it's all waiting, wondering, worrying, and I just want something from him, some sort of contact.

I know this will get better (it has to, I'm dehydrating from random tear-jags). No matter how sad I am or how much I miss him, the main feeling is a huge amount of pride. He made this decision on his own, he was excited the entire summer, excited when we left him on Sunday, so he will be great :)

Take care and hang in there!

Lei

[CM]

Hi Auralei. Hang in there. It's going to be fine. My only son left on 9/24. I found a lot of help and strength for myself here on this site. I haven't heard yet from my son, but thanks to this site, I have learned it may be up to 3 weeks before you hear from him. So just chill as much as possible. I'm a nervous nelly. So I was so very anxious at first...especially weeding off the new technology of being able to contact our kids in an instant. The first few weeks are the hardest. You'll get a call or letter in about week 3. Well, first you'll get a form letter with his address and a little note at the bottom that he probably wrote when he was freaking out...then I got a package with all his civilian stuff...I get my mail at the post office in town and I cried like a baby when I got the box. There in the parking lot. With my dogs in the car looking at me like I was crazy. Sniffing the box. ha ha!

I can just tell you from what I know as we speak that you need not worry yourself silly. They are busy as bees. You may not hear from your son for several weeks. So hang in there!!! It will all fall into place soon. For you and him too. I'll put you on my friends list...and I am posting everything I know as I go along my journey too.

[Auralei - Mom of Chris]

CM, thank you so much for the reassurance. Today was really rough, my husband went back to work, I had the day off (return on Friday), and it was just so quiet. Lots of tears, no energy, and my mind won't stop thinking about him. I have to snap out of this soon, or I swear I will go nuts. I wish I at least had his address, and I know it will be a few more days before I get it, but that didn't stop me from digging frantically through the mail today for *any* information. Hoping returning to work on Friday will take my mind off things a bit. Back to a normal schedule, you know? Tomorrow I'm going to get out of the house, take a walk, anything I can... was raining today so I stayed inside, no wonder I was miserable.

This site has helped tremendously so far, I love having my own page and have been adding to it off an on today, plus the wonderful comments and groups. So lucky to have found it, and I sent my mom a link to it so that she can take a peek :)

Thanks again, we'll make it through this :) Sending my best wishes to you and your son!

Lisa

[Auralei - Mom of Chris]

I got "the box" this morning, it was outside when my husband and I were leaving for work. Opened it in the car, and well... I didn't cry, not then. His necklace was in there so I put that on and have worn it all day. So strange seeing his handwriting and the plane ticket. It looks like he tried his best to fold his clothes up and be halfway organized, that surprised me ;)

It hit me when I got home, as it's so darned quiet. Still no address for him, but if I don't get it this weekend I'll call his recruiter on Monday. Looking forward to hearing from him, it will be a while, I know, but I'm praying they get to write this Sunday. A letter next week would be awesome.

Take care, all, and have a great weekend.

Lisa