He's Gone to Boot Camp

[KareninKnox]

My son left Tuesday and my heart is breaking. I've been walking around an empty house crying since he left!!! Just when I think I've cried all the tears I can - here they come again. I just feel so empty. I'm so excited for him and his new life, but I am so sad for me. I know that's selfish, but I don't know how to change my feelings. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Suzanne B (Andrew's mom)]

Karen: We have all been there and know exactly how you feel. People would ask about Andrew and I couldn't even answer them without bursting into tears the first few days. I am now on week 3 and it is getting better. I heard from Andrew for the first time yesterday (got a call and a letter on the same day). He sounded great. Just remember all the special times you two had together and know that he is going to mature into a wonderful man during BC. The Navy will put the final "polish" on the special young man you sent them. Do you know if you have a local Navy Mothers Club in your area? Your Recruiter might know. But no matter what, spend time on this site..........I don't know how mothers got through BC before N4M and it is only 9 months old !! Suzanne

[Lynette (Haley's Mom)]

When my son left for Boot Camp in 2000 I cried everytime someone mentioned his name. It was awful at first but it did get better. I almost missed his first call too. After learning he had been calling for 30 minutes ( I was outside talking to his recruiter ) and onel had 15 minutes left I cried some more. He sounded very good. Now my youngest daughter has joined, she is at boot camp now. She has been gone about 3 weeks. I finally talked to her this past Wednesday and she too sounded good. Thank goodness for N4M. There was no such place when my son was in the Navy. I promise you it will get better. When you hear his voice you will be thrilled and so proud. I look at it like this, I know where my daughter is day and night and she is being taken care of. Keep yourself busy with something that YOU like to do. Before you know it you will see him again. Are you planning to be at his graduation? When does he graduate?

[TheyGrewAgain]

Oh, it's ok to cry! Each week that passes gets a little easier, then as graduation approaches and you are looking forward to seeing him, and then finally seeing him in person will make you cry some happy tears.

Just keep busy, write lots of letters, enjoy those phone calls and know that graduation will be here sooner than you think!

[Paula]

Hi Karen, OMG you sound exactly like me. I missed my sons 19th birthday due to boot camp and it killed me. Thank G-d he was so busy he almost didn't realize. It is harder on us than them, even though they are he ones doing the physical activities. Brett is an all around superb athlete & trained with the SEALS for 6mths so he was ready for anything. The poor people in my office walked on eggshells. I was in a meeting with 2 attorneys and all of our clients and my assistant would not answer the phone. I excused myself & said are you kidding me......letting the phone ring during a deposition. She smiled and sd it is for you. I picked it up and started crying it was my son after finding out he was hospitalized for dehydration, strep & 104.5 fever. I picked up & sd May I help you, and all I heard was I hope so Maam. Mom I have 5 min just wanted to say I am fine, just needed to be rehydrated and I am ready for BS & the gas chamber. I knew you would be worrying but I am fine and I love you very much. OK needless to say these people in my office looked at me like I was insance crying like a two year when he hung up. My screen saver is my son while he was in the Young Marine program so he was in Cammies and just so handsome. The two women started to cry and the men were very quiet. We finished our meeting with everyone saying Thank you for allowing your son to Protect us. The next call i got was, Hey Mom you got yourself a UnitedStates Sailor. Between that and his PIR I do not know when I was Prouder, the day he was born or the day the Hanger Doors open and they announce our Brand new 979 United States Sailors. OMG you will LOVE IT. Now back to reality, you think it is bad now, wait until you get to the "stalk the mail man stage" lol. Stay strong and no Karen you are NOT ALONE. This site is amazing and know this is life changing not only for our kids but also us. I have met so many fabulous women that are more like family now than friends. We talk everyday, if one of us has a problem, we all have to work together to find the solution. If you need anything, to talk, scream, cry, or BRAG, please feel free to contact me. My cell is 267-767-7083, work is 800-601-3401 and email is [e-mail]. You will find the moms on this site are like no others! WELCOME. I promise you will be more than fine.
Paula

[Cheryle]

Karen, I understand your feelings. My son is leaving tomorrow and I can't seem to think of anything else. We live in Western Tennessee. Are you from Knoxville??? (Your name KareninKnox makes me think you might be.) If so, why don't you join the Tennessee Moms group and talk with those of us who live near (or at least in the same state) as you. You might find someone who's son/daughter is in BC at the same time as your son. I guess our kids will be there one week apart. Keep in touch. I'm sure we'll have lots to share.

[Mary (Dutch's Mom)]

My only advice to you is if you feel like crying do it. You have nurtured that child for at lest 18yrs. It's not easy to let go. My only son left for boot camp Oct 26. I cried so much I could hardly see the next day. Im still crying. He will PIR Dec 19. Im still crying. We all know how you feel. This site is wonderful for moms. I have met so many kind and caring people here it's amazing. I went in my son's room fpr the first time last week. I had another crying fit but you will get stronger. I've had only two calls and 3 letters. One of those was PIR information. His birthday is next Monday. So Im sure I will be crying again. LOL But it will get easier with each passing day.