Anyone's kids shipping out Jan 7th,2009??

[Trish]

My son ships out Jan 7th....Any other kids shipping out?

[LibbyW.]

My son Drew, from Maryland is with your guys and girls! He too shipped out last week and I received his "box" last Friday, I did have to laugh, they must have had to strip in two seconds or less! One pant leg inside out, boxers jammed inside, socks balled up! And his precious Burts Bees chapstik! Now of course, something else to worry about, his chapped lips! LOL, just joking. My son is 20, actually enlisted last May on the DEP (delayed entry program) so we knew this was coming. I didn't break down at the airport because I truly know in my heart how much he wanted this and what an experience this will be for him. Family and friends have been telling me for years to "cut the cord!" What is it about mothers and sons? I know I've always been the type to do too much for my kids when they really do need to stand on their own. So, in that respect I know this will be the best for him. He had no desire to go to college right now, tried the local Community College and his heart just wasn't in it. I like to think positive, the people he will meet from all over this great country, including hopefully a lot of the kids whose moms are on this site! They will form great friendships with people they otherwise would have never had the opportunity to meet. We received the Navy form letter on Monday and I had to laugh at Drew's 3 lines of chicken scratch at the bottom! I MISSED his 30 second call on arrival, had the home phone ringer turned off because he was going to call my cell. For me, it was probably the best thing because if I would have detected any desperation, I would have been on the next flight to GL!! So, in his note he told me thanks for missing his call, then he wrote haha, and for me to hug and kiss the dog! (Glad he misses her more!) At least I know he still has his sense of humor!! He said most of the time they are inside (thank God, brrrr) and his instructors aren't too bad, not crazy like some! As my husband says, (he was in the Air Force) this is the most intense time of their lives, but just think how proud they will be at PIR knowing they persevered, hung in there and will officially be part of our great Navy!
What does drive me crazy...* on the official letter a PIR date is not mentioned, states it depends on the recruit passing all tests etc...and finishing all required work. Also, that boot camp lasts 9 weeks. I thought it was 8. I guess we all have to stay tuned! More info will dribble in! Drew is in:
DIV 107 USS TRITON
BLDG 7113
In a few weeks I'll send him a large prepaid envelope in case he wants to clean out his bunk of letters and he can send them home (he is a sentimental fool like me and will want to save them!) One of the other N4M's suggested this. That is a great idea to put a photo on the letter. I am going to do that too! I thank God for this site, I have learned more here from all you great ladies! Well today is Wednesday Jan 14 so we've all passed the one week mark! Hang in there!
Libby from Maryland

[Trish]

I just got home today from the mountains in GA. It was nice...finally some cold weather!! And it was nice to be somewhere that I didn't see my son's stuff everywhere. So it was a good clearing of my head(and trust me I need that a lot now a days!!lol)
But Jimbo's box came home today...so when I got in tonight my bf said here is Jimbo's box and I wanted to cry...but didn't...Yahoo!!!!!!!! I cried on the way home hearing this song from Alabama that I always told my son was my song to him. I miss him a lot. I guess I just want to know he is doing well and is getting through all of this. I am glad we can send pictures!!! I really thought we couldn't so that is a huge relief!!
Well 7 more weeks huh? Damn.....I hope it goes by quick.

[Debra - Jason's mom!!!]

I got Jason's box yesterday, more tears! I still don't have his address & I'm going crazy. I just want to send him letters! I guess I will call his recruiter tomorrow like everyone says. My heart is still aching. Just want to hear from him. I look forward to making the plans for PIR.
Thanks everyone!

[knitting mama]

My son went through BC early last year- and I just want to encourage you. You will get through this, and so will your son. BC is very tough- and it needs to be to create a good solid young man that your son will be. Start writing letter to him every day- now, even before you get his address. and writie to him every day afterwards. He will want to get a letter every day- even though they sometimes do not get to receive them each day. Encouragement, encouragement, and more encouragement from you at home is esential for them to tough it out. I let my son know that I was praying for him each and every day. He was in a division that was very hard because it had all the screwups from the other divisions. He did not have an easy time- but, he learned how to get through it. This is a very good thing to learn early.

My son was able to phone out for a brief talk only because on his test [ and I do not remember which one ] he got a high score and so was rewarded with the opportunity to make a phone call. They are very busy each and every hour it seems. And dog tired from all they have to deal with- so
please don't get too crazy about not hearing from him - it is never anything personal at all- he just probably can't during BC.

I understand the ache. When it hits you- it is hard. But just as I got through it- you will too.

I can let you know that the daily letter of just what happened each day from us to our son- was just what he needed to get through bootcamp. All letters were highly appreciated.

When I think of your son- I will lift him and you up in prayer.

May you find the peace that you need right now.

Kelly

[Kim W (The Southern Pineapple)]

I got my box last week but still no address. I called his recruiter several times but he didn't know anything. Letters are piling up on the counter waiting to be mailed. I just hate that he may be one of those that want recieve mail while everyone else gets theirs. Makes me so sad to think about the look on his face while everyone else is reading their letters.

[LibbyW.]

Kim
Tell his recruiter if he doesn't come up with an address for you soon, alot of N4M's are going to hound him until he does! Hang in there, I'll keep my fingers crossed you get something tomorrow. The waiting is the worst.
Libby

[CINDIE LARSON]

they should have had his address on hiss box no??it took awhile to get my sons also he left dec2nd and i got it about 10 days later....his mail was 2 weeks behind!!!so hang in there and i hope ie comes soon....i just sent my son all the letters with the dates so he would know i was writing all along!!!cindie

[Kim W (The Southern Pineapple)]

I got it about 5 minutes after I posted this. Just the form letter with 2 little lines from him. I danced all the way in from the mailbox. I have 10 letters ready for the mail tomorrow.

[LibbyW.]

I am so glad for you, I've read Drew's chicken scratch lines 20 times!! Hooray, I felt so relieved to get it too, now, I am waiting for more!! I have 32 note cards that friends and family wrote for him while they were at Drew's Anchors Away party! I am going to send one a day along with mine of course! I love this site, who else could possibly know what we are going thru? I am just worried it's so damn cold up there, hope they have enough blankets! Libby

[LibbyW.]

Drew is in:
DIV 107 USS TRITON
BLDG 7113

Lets get our addresses in and see if any of our guys are together!
Libby

[Trish]

I got the "Navy Form" letter and Jimbo had put about 5 lines of his chicken scratch. But it did make me cry :(

Now on this letter it says DIV 110 USS Triton BLDG 7113 but his recruiter told me ship 12 div110 3515 sailor dr.....so I wonder which one is right?
All I know is I am going through his room doing about 5 loads of laundry and trying to turn it into a bedroom again! Then no kids aloud!!!! LOL.
Hope everyone is doing well and I can't wait to meet all of you!

[Nilsa]

same here , im going to have to call his recruiter.. to see... i dont know.. Lets see.. okay.. l'll keep you posted.. okay.