Am I losing it or what????

[Jason's Proud Mom]

The "box" came last night and I really thought I was prepared for it, I expected to cry "a little" and that would be that. I totally lost it in front of my oldest son and my hubby-to-be and freaked out on both of them for not understanding my grief and accusing them both of not missing him as much as I do. . . I know this is the furthest thing for the truth (they both miss him in their own ways). I just don't know why I can't seem to get a handle on this, like my oldest son told me. . Ma, you're acting like he died!! Sad but true!!

[Debra]

Hi Kathy!

I have received a few letters and only two phone calls. From what I can gather and from reading here, I think they get mail most every day and they do most of their writing on Sunday (holiday). I don't know which week is the worst - the first or the last!!!! I am a bundle of nerves trying to figure out what is next.

[Doreen]

I remember when my sons box came and I cried and so many emotions came over me. My son is in the home stretch now he graduates bootcamp in 2 weeks. I will tell you that the couple times that I have been able to speak to him the change in his voice and attitude about teamwork was incredible. My husband and other son thing I am just an emotional basket case because I cry all the time. I am happy for my son but it is hard. After you get the box and you had that one quick call home that they made it there you don't here from them for a little while. Its like never mind cutting the umbilical cord they severed it. But once they start communicating with you again you realize they are doing a great thing for your child.

[Laura R.]

Hi Kathy, its hard when that box arrives. Its like his old life is gone and the Navy now owns him. That's how I felt. It was sad to to see all the stuff that came back besides his clothes. I got back the stamps and stationery I sent with him. But just wait until graduation. It will be worth every tear to see how much your child has grown and changed. Mine left a boy and is now a man! Laura Rooke

[Donna]

When I received the box ( I knew it would be coming) I was upset but then I thought about all the families that got "the box of belongings" who would never get to see their loved ones again and I told myself my son is alive and well and is doing something good.. so while I did cry a bit.. I also smiled knowing that his life is just beginning and he is on the right track.. I miss him alot and if I think about it I cry but whenever I do I think about how this is what he wants and he is happy and that is what counts...

[Zack's PROUD Mom]

AMEN! Wow! Thanks for putting it in perspective!

[Jennifer Cody's Mom in Florida]

It is a hard thing and being prepared doesnt take into account the actual event. LOL I know that sounds funny but. I knew about the son in the box..... Didnt help when I got it.... Took some time to open it.... I never could throw the box out... I found a kitten and he needed a home thats when the box got open and it became home to my new little recruit kitten. His name is boots for being found while my son was in Boot camp. My son has graduated Boot camp and the kitten doesnt sleep in the box anymore but it was still set up as the kittens home till this week. My husband told me it was time for the box to go.... Well after much reluctance the Boox is gone but the address label and shipping label are still here to be added to my scrapbook. My sons room..... Still not clean... Remind you my son PIRed 10/10 and is in Pensacola awaiting A school. The door closed and it stinks in the room I open the door to clean it and just close it after a 5 second stair. My husband and daughter think I am crazy and oh well is my attitude. I can only handle things how god has tought me to handle them and I can only handle them when god tells me its time to deal with it. It gets better each of us on our own time table and each in our own way. You love your son.... He is missing from your life in person not in heart. Let your heart hold on to what it needs to for as long as it needs to.

[Zack's PROUD Mom]

What does it mean that he is in Pensacola "awaiting A-School?" Also is PIR part of the grad ceremony or is it the day before? I am oh so new!

[fly 2]

Awaiting in A school means he is on hold because there is not enough room for him right now. My son waiting 3 months before he actually started any type of classes. It is really not fair for them to be down there waiting. But hey they sure know how to clean when they get out. My son division all cleaned for 3 months to keep busy. PIR is connected with graduation. Nothing is done the day before.

[Zack's PROUD Mom]

If he hasn't started A-School yet could he take leave? My son will get there in early December and the school goes on stand down (or whatever it is called) shortly after that. I am dying to know if he will be allowed to take leave for Christmas if he hasn't started school yet. Or will he be in the "Phase" process where he can't take leave? Do you know? Did your son do the Phase 1, 2, etc. yet or does that start when he actually starts school? I am freaking out about this! We are basing our decision on whether both my husband and me go with his gf to graduation or just me on whether or not it looks like we will be able to fly him home for Christmas. Any input or advice?

[Krista Envick]

I am with you, my sons box just arrived and I can not stop shaking. I felt like there was a death in the family. Weird I still not sure what to think I am so proud oif my son and cant wait to see him December 19th Sad In Seattle

[Cynthia (#410)]

OMG! THE BOX! When we got our box, all I could think about was that my son was in Chicago, in the winter (March 2008) and naked! LOL LOL Of course, the Navy issued him clothing and I knew that but I just couldn't get that picture of him standing in the snow freezing with nothing to wear.
Kathy, you are reacting exactly like all the other moms who got "the box" have reacted. I was ok until I realized that my son would not be moving back into our home to live. From here on out, we'll only get visits and limited ones at that. Boot camp was the worst two months of my life because I couldn't talk to my son to even find out how he was doing - cold, hungry, happy, sad, what? The ladies on this site were an absolute life saver for me while my boy was in boot. Things do get better, Mom. Remember, "it came to pass". It didn't "come to stay". After boot camp, they can have their computers, cell phones, etc and the lines of communication are so much more open. I get to IM my son on the computer just about every night.
Hang on to your faith and your friends here at NFMs. YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS - and so will your son. You will be surprised how much he will change in just a few weeks - Boyz 2 Men have nothing on our SAILORS! You will be so proud of how confident and independent he will become.
We've all been right where you are now and will all help you hang on to your sanity. So chin up and keep a good thought.
Hugs from Houston,
Cindy

[Zack's PROUD Mom]

Thank you so much! That was very helpful to me! Since you are ahead of me in this process, maybe you will have some answers to my December Boot Camp Graduation Discussion post??? If you have time, would you take a peek at it? Thank you!