My son left for BC today

[Denise]

This is by far one of the hardest things I have had to do, kiss my son goodbye it may sound kinda dumb but my heart just aches, we dropped him off at the hotel last night and today is a very lonely day for me i have been reading discussions on this wonderful web site but there is no way to prepare you for the goodbye, we are all very proud of Jarred he is our baby and the last one to leave and here I am now sitting if front of my computer all alone, the empty nest. There is no words to describe the hurt in my heart. We had on party for Jarred so family and friends could come and see him this past weekend and that was wonderful, but every chance I got I would sneak away and just cry. I kept up a strong front until last night, I hugged him and told him how much I love him and how proud I am of him. He then walked us to our car kissed his dad goodbye opened my car door gave me another hug and a I love you mom closed the door and walked into the hotel he didn't want us to come in he wanted to do this on his own, I turned and watched him walk into the hotel and what was once my little boy turned into a man it was one of the proudest but saddest day of my life. I think once I get a phone knowing that he made it to I will be ok but in the mean time I just want to be a little sad and I know it will get a little easier each day. But with the holidays around the corner I just don't know. Any words of encouragement is appreciated.

Denise
Proud Navy Mom of Jarred

[Proud Navy Mom Sue]

Yes Denise this is one of the hardest things as a Mom that we do. My son got to GL on Nov. 5th. There are still days I cry at the drop of a hat but I know he is doing what he wants to do. This website is a blessing. The Mom's on here are wonderful and we know we are not alone in our son's journey. I thank God everyday that I have this one place to come where everyone knows how I am feeling. Wish you and your son the best of luck in the new adventure. Have a wonderful holiday and be thankful for your son.

[Denise]

Thats for the reassurance that I am not going crazy, and you too have a happy holiday season.

[Marybeth]

Just know that you are not in this alone.... our little boys (and girls) are leaving us each and every day to head to GL. Mine left last Monday and I just got the form letter yesterday.

Go ahead and get addicted to this site - it is a wealth of information, support and most importantly friendships. Check out the groups to see if there are other Moms in your area...... good luck and God bless....

[Denise]

Thanks for the words of encouragments and info

[Tere/Matt's Mom]

Denise, my son too. He is my second to leave home, but the first to go into the military. I hear this life as Navy Mom is a roller coaster. I'm really happy to have the women here to chat with. I have not received a phone call yet.

Where did you son leave from? We are from Minnesota.

I agree that the good bye was painful...and ya in the meantime well, I'm catatonic! I have put on his music, I have cried looking at the car he drove, I can't go near his room yet. I have a heavy heart. The tears come from the smallest reminder of him. I'm so glad I took today off from work.

We will get through this together, Denise! We'll lean on each other. We'll hold each other up.
God bless you and your son today.
Tere

[Denise]

He left from California. Yesterday was a very sad day but today is better the feeling of pride will soon take over the saddest. I hope. Thanks and yes we will get thru this together
Denise

[Nicole]

Hang in there Denise, I know that it is hard. My son's father lived in Hawaii and on the summer of 2007 my son informed me that he wanted to spend his final year of high school with his dad. I have to tell you the day he left for boot camp was much harder then when he went to live with his dad for 8 months. My son is now in A school in Pensacola, FL and I still find myself weepy when I think that he is now "on his own". The holidays are always the worst. I would suggest maybe making a video tape for your son of the house and neighborhood decorated and maybe you can have some family members and friends say something on the tape that way you can have your son watch it when he is done with boot camp. I can tell you that you have found a great site that will help you. The people on this site are amazing, caring and loving. There is so much knowledge on this site that you will find out you will know more about what is going on with your son then he does. Hang in there, we are all here to help. Start writing your son, they do appreciate the letters, in a couple of days you should be able to call your son's recruited and get his address. Also in about a week you should receive your "kid in a box", it will contain everything he took to boot camp with him that he will not be able to keep. If he took his cell phone with him, it will have the battery taken off and it will be in his shoe. A few days after that you should receive a form letter that will have his address on it. Here is a link that you can use once you have his division number so that you can find out when is PIR (graduation) is:

http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/upcominggrad.html

Talk soon, Nicole

[Linda]

Denise,
You are not alone and will have so much support here from ur navy moms. My son graduated boot camp back in June. I understand what you mean about dropping them off. It was so hard. He is my oldest and very dear to me. Just wait until you start stalking the mailman. They will love you..LOL You are not going to believe how changed your son will be when you see him at PIR. It was wonderful thing. My son just graduated from the Ceremonial Honor Guard in DC last week and I can tell you it doesn't get any easier leaving them. Especially since knowing I wouldn't see him for Thanksgiving or Christmas. If you need anything or have any questions feel free to ask we are here for you.

[Jason's Proud Mom]

Welcome Denise. . It's okay to be sad. This is a huge step in your son's life as well as your own. My son left for BC on 10/27 (so I am REALLY new to this also. It feels like forever since I've seen his face. I keep looking at the picture we took the night before he left. I can see the excitement in his eyes and the tears in mine. Our "boys" are in for an incredible journey, and we have no other choice but to sit back and take the ride with them!! You described it perfectly, I had said the same thing to several people, my heart literally aches!!! I can promise you that you will feel better when you get to hear his voice saying that he'd arrived safely, and then the "real" phone call, and then you'll start getting letters about all his accomplishments, and all the new people he is meeting. I read my sons letters, DAILY!! I guess it makes me feel "connected" to him in some small way. A lot of mom's describe this as a roller coaster ride. . .exactly!! One day up, one day down!! But you can come here just to vent, or for advice, support or just friendship with people who know exactly what you are experiencing. Just coming keep to this site for knowledge and support, it will definately make this journey easier on you. HUGS from a fellow Navy Mom, my prayers for a "peaceful" holiday to you and your family.

[Lynn]

I was going to write something to you Denise, but all of these moms have it exactly right. The first two weeks will be the hardest but keep busy and before you know it you will be receiving letters and phone calls from your son. It will ease your heart. You've come to the right place for support! Stay strong and before you know it you will be sitting in Great Lakes witnessing something incredible!

[Pam (Chris' mom)]

Denise,
It's ok to feel the way you do, we have all felt the same.
You sure aren't the first and you won't be the last to feel like your heart has been ripped out.
Wait another 8 weeks and he will really rip your heart out. Start making plans now for PIR.
Have a great Thanksgiving
Pam

[Lynne]

Denise,
Please know you are not alone in this. Yes, this is one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. (However, mine was the oldest!!!) We are all here to lean on each other for support. Your son may have left a child, in turn you will get a man. The first three weeks can be the hardest, with the holidays quickly approaching it doesn't make it easier. I can tell you this experience is by far worth the wait!!! Once you get the call saying Mom, I did it I am a SAILOR, you will know exactly what I mean. Be strong, be patient & it will pay off. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or just need to chat as we are all one anothers support here... One BIG family. Keep your chin up, I promise you it is worth the wait when you see what you get in exchange!!! Take care.