NEW MOMS READ FIRST

[Barb Pruitt]

It just dawned on me that most moms, have alot of the same questions, so I thought I would put this out there it might help. First go to this site, it has GRADUATION DATES http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/family/upcominggrad.html it will update just about weekly sometimes they get busy and get behind. Spend some time on this site, you will find answers to alot of questions.

PHONE CALLS: you will get one right when they leave that says hi mom I am here Click. Very short but you know they are safe. You will get another around week 3 or so ( this varies on the command ), you may get a third right at the end.

ADDRESS: you will get their address about two weeks in. Remember to be writing letters while you wait for it, that way you can send a bunch right in the beginning.

GRADUATION PACKET / INFORMATION: around week four you will get a packet from your sailor/command, verifying grad date, and some information for hotels, a pass for your car window.

PICTURES: This is just a suggestion from me. When your sailor first leaves remind them what kind of pictures you want, also order video ( of graduation ) and a copy of the keel - yearbook, I have had two kids go thru bootcamp the keel is hard to get after the fact. Really a cool book worth the money.

Hopefully this will help a lot of moms upfront. Don't worry your not crazy. We all have had a hard time with our kids leaving, I can say it does get WAY better once they are in the navy. My kids call me ALL the time. You will find your sailor will appreciate family alot more when they are on their own. Good luck, if you ever need a shoulder this site absolutely ROCKS, the moms are very helpful and you won't feel so alone. Take care, Barb

Added note, I started this discussion it seems like years ago, when either my daughter or son went in I can't remember it has been so long. Its been we are on year two with our daughter. I know many of you new moms and dads are really worried. Happy thought for the day, I remember when I was crying EVERYDAY just like you probably are right now. It does get so much better, we have gone thru injuries, our daughter has met and married another sailor, and they are due in the spring with their first, our son has gotten the base of his dreams and is going to be married before the first of the year. Two years ago I would never have thought I would be at peace with this. And, I am a ex navy wife of many years. Have faith, so far 8 weeks of bootcamp may have been the worst 8 weeks of my life where my kids were concerned. It is almost as hard on us as them, in different ways. But looking back, its gets so much better and their adventures are just beginning. Good luck and god bless you all. For sharing your kids with us. They are well taken care of and the will make friends for life. As a footnote if anyone wants to get a reply or speak directly to me, please send me a comment as this discussion has grown so big I don't have time to read everything. God bless all of the parents out there that are sharing their kids with the rest of us. The adventure is just beginning.

[Mari]

Connie that is great!!!! I know not everyone can make it for different reasons of course but if you are at all able to that will be so special for him. My sons graduation is for April 17th. What part of Florida are you in? We live in South Florida.

[Connie]

Wow! Just one week away from my son's grad! I heard that they have graduation 51 weeks out of the year! Amazing.

Where south are you, Mari? We live in northeast Florida in Putnam County.

[Mari]

Connie we are north part of Dade, south to Broward County. We are in the border line of the two counties. You must be so excited, one week to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Connie]

Hey Mari,
Oh! I meant that he graduates one week before your son's graduation. He graduates in 3 weeks and 4 days from now, on April 10th.

How is your son doing?

[Kathy]

Hi Connie, Congratulations..you must be so very excited. Like Mari, our son graduates on 4/17...It won't come soon enough for me. :)

[Connie]

I know! I feel the same way! I've been making all the travel arrangements, etc. I think of him every day and we're really looking forward to his special day. It will be nice to be able to spend the weekend with him.
My husband and I were talking about how this is only the beginning. I guess we are going to travel quite a bit!

[Kathy]

Mari, I'm also from South Florida and my son's graduation is also on April 17th. Are you going?

[Mari]

Hi Kathy, yes my husband and I will be attending the graduation. We are so excited and can't to see our son....I'm sure you are as well, lol. What Division is your son in? My son is in Division 922.

[Kathy]

Hi Mari, We live in Central Broward..Is there a group down here? If not, we could start our own. Our son is is DIV 822 and we can't wait to see him!!!

[Mari]

There is a South Florida group and they are trying to have a meet and greet for the end of the month.

[Kathy]

Do you know how I can join the group or find out more about it?

[LuAnn P]

Hi Connie,
You didn't mention where you were from? Are you far from Great Lakes? When we went there were about 4,000 people attending the graduation, it was unbelievable!