New Navy Mom

[Beverly Staton]

I just wanted to say a brief hello to any possible new Navy Moms that might be checking into this site. It doesn't matter when you see this post as I (along with other Navy Moms choosing to follow this post) will be automatically notified of anyone leaving a message or comment here. Please let us know you are here, even if you don't feel like leaving a post or comment, even if you don't know what to say or what to ask. We have all been there. We love our sons and daughters, all of them, so very much, just like you. For some of our children the Navy was the best answer to an uncertain future. For others, the Navy was either a lifelong dream of our son or daughter or maybe just a good choice at this point in his/her life. What brought your son or daughter to the Navy doesn't matter. What does matter is the fact that you are the Mother of a United States Sailor (or recruit), that's what matters and this is where the all differences fall away. Because whatever you're going thru, whatever you're feeling, someone here has been there and can offer you so much in the way of support. There is much information this site has to offer in the way of advice (from how to deal with what your son/daughter will go thru in Boot Camp and how to help them through that experience, to our own feelings of our children joining a branch of the US Military. You may also find answers to the many questions (most you don't even know you have yet! {grin}) you may have regarding PIR (or graduation from Boot Camp). Here you'll find suggestions on everything from where to stay in the Great Lakes area to who can attend. From that starting point you will soon find that you will travel this journey along with your child thru-out their Navy career. Most importantly, I want to say to you; here at NavyForMoms, you will find some of the most wonderful friendships you may ever discover in life. You will find women who are funny, sometimes irreverent, sometimes prayerful. You'll find women who are willing to talk you thru the tears of missing your son or daughter who may never have been away from home before or you may find women who relate to the fact that you have not shed a single tear regarding your child's choice in careers. You may learn of fellow Navy Moms in your area that would love to get together with you whether for special occasions or just for a burger and a coke. Whatever has brought you here, to NavyForMoms, I want you to know; you are not alone, you have come to a great web site and most of all; I want you to know you are among friends.
God Bless & Keep Our Children,
God Help Us To Guide Them Through Out This Journey,
God Bless America,
Love and Prayers,
Beverly Staton

[NormaJean]

I too am a new Navy Mom. I am so grateful to have some sort of communication with moms like me. My son flew out of Boston so if there are any other Navy moms who would like to communicate, please contact me. My son has only been gone since Nov 6. In one sense it went by very quickly and in another, it feels like the longest week of my life. I just this morning received a mailing address and the first letter has gone into the mail. How long before you get a graduation date? Is the program 8 or 9 weeks? I've read conflicting blogs. Keep up the good work on this site. And thank you for fulfilling such an important need. Also Pround to be a Navy Mom. NF

[Cindy Proud Navy Mom of Rob]

It's a total of 9 weeks - the first being P or processing week/paperwork/medica/dental,etc. It is also possible that with the holidays they might push through sooner. They will let you know. Just keep in mind pretty much ANYTHING is subject to change. If you go in to it realizing this -you will be less miserable when it happens. He belongs to the Military now - we are all on their timetable -whatever and whenever that might be. It might be a bumpy ride but, it is also a good one.

[Military Mom]

Hi, Thank you for setting up this site. My youngest son, Ryan recently joined the DEP and ships out in December. My oldest son was a Marine so I'm not exactly a stranger to being a military mom. While my oldest son, Paul was in the Marines and on deployment to Iraq, I was a member (and still am) of a couple of Marine support groups. I can tell you they are invaluable. I'm looking forward to learning about all of you and your sons or daughters. I have a lot to relearn about Navy. My husband and I were both in the Navy when we met many years ago.

[jodi]

Please help me not to be afraid. My son has just told me that he is enlisting in the Navy today. He is my oldest of two sons. I am afraid that they are only telling him what he wants to hear. What can I believe from the recruiter? Will he end up where they promised him or where they want to place him.

[Angie F.- WA: HM mom]

awww Jodi, perfectly normal to be worried and afraid. Being here, learning all you can and connecting with other Moms to get the support and encouragement you need will be very helpful, to both of you. Regardless of how a Mom feels about their choice, they have made it and the best thing you can do for your child is what Lisa is doing, support them as best you can. There is nothing more encouraging than a Mom's unconditional love. =) Also, knowledge is power! For you and any DEP mom, I highly recommend you go read through one discussion immediately:

http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/how-to-get-the-absolute-ver...

You can find this on the main page too currently. Crusty is an old Navy guy with some very invaluable advise for potential newbies. Remember, they are not obligated to anything until they raise their hand and take the final oath at MEPS! You have time to help make sure your child gets the job and contract he wants. Unfortunately, Recruiters aren't always well informed about everything, or truthful, sometimes they do make promises that can't be kept or mistakes, so do your homework (here and elsewhere), ask lots of questions, don't let yourself or your child be rushed, and check the fine print!. :( There are some good, helpful, even great, Recruiters (my neighbor, who got my Son started, was one) out there, but remember that bottom line, their goal is to "make the sale", make their numbers for the month/year and move on.

If you haven't already, go join this Group for DEP Moms :

http://www.navyformoms.com/group/deppersinbutnotyet

Finally, as the time gets closer, go read the "New Moms Read First" discussion thread; then, join the Boot Camp Moms Group right before your Recruit leaves: http://www.navyformoms.com/group/bootcampmoms

Hope all this is helpful to you Jodi and many others after you. Best wishes to your son!

[Cathleen]

Wow...this is the toughest time I've had yet...since my son enlisted last April (he was in DEP for mos and is now in boot camp). I'm having a hard morning....my son left this past monday for BC. He and his sis and I are extremely close so this has been a trying week but today for some reason is really tough. It was a wonderful decision for him to go into the Navy. Beverly, your Nov 5th email about the "tookie mommy..." took me over the edge....a place I have trying to avoid! :-) Well I'm grabbing the Kleenex box now. Is it normal to have ALL kinds of feelings all over the place??? I haven't had such an emotional time as I am now. It will get better I know. When? :-)
Thanks for all the words of wisdom and "sharing" all you ladies do on this site.
cathleen

[Cindy Proud Navy Mom of Rob]

Tis called a roller coaster ride for a reason -probably more so for us families than our recruits. It will ease up when you are able to hear from him - give it another week or two - they want to get them in first -then they get to contact you -it will make the wait and the moment that much more precious. Trust in him and all you mean to him and have taught him. He really is in good hands. Prayers for you

[Seabee Mom ~ Michelle]

I am a new mom also. Jimmy left 6 weeks ago and PIR is 11/26 and I am so excited. Thank you so much for your words of advice Beverly. I have read all the strings and it is so nice to hear moms that are going through the exact same emotions that I have been experiencing. God bless you all and your sons/daughters.

[Dana]

Well my boy left for Great Mistakes on 4 Nov. Its been two weeks today and still have only had that one phone call, and one letter other than the generic letter everyone gets. I would think he graduates around Christmas and haven't found out whether or not they will let him come home or ship him off to Fl. directly after Graduation. We are all out here in CA. basking in the 90 degree weather and Chicago will be a definate adjustment for the son. He's on Ship berth 14 and I hope he makes lots of friends and their RDC does a good job in turning our children to mature Men and Women.

[Alicia Texas mother of Chris/A blue candle mom]

I wanted to share this thought with the new Navy Moms
. I have purchased a candle to be lit on Christmas Day to honor the sailors who will not be home so my sailor will know when he is not home candles will be lit in his honor. I hope on Christmas day at 12.00 noon every mom will light one candle... for their children home or not. I have gone a Blue one so it will be different from the others and stand out. I am putting a silver sequence NAVY name on it. I will be burning it from 12 until midnight Christmas night. I will be able to show my sailor... he might not be home every year.. but his light will still be burning as will it be burning for the other Sailors all over the world. I will also burn it from now on on every HOLIDAY ..... New Years for example... I will burn a red one... and so forth... I will burn next a white one. Until I have burned all red white and blue.... So maybe a new tradition for my holidays...During the 911 incident I made a center piece and for 6 months we lit it during the dinner hour to remember the ones lost during 911.. I don't know why I didn't remember that Thanksgiving but it is not too late to start now....my candle now says THOUGHTS OF YOU ARE WRAPPED IN LITTLE PRAYERS.. God bless you all. Alicia

[Jenny]

Thank you so much for your wonderful words. I'm crying again but thats okay. I am blessed.

[Cindy Proud Navy Mom of Rob]

A wonderful and warm idea Alicia!
For any who are not aware of it - Hallmark has a Thomas Kincade Son Christmas card where instead of music - if you press the tab the windows light up - very beautiful. I sent it to Rob and told him the light in our window at home would always be burning to show him the way home.
I may do just that kind of thing too Alicia - thank you for sharing your idea!
Hang in there Moms & Dads.
Me own PIR in on Dec 19th - can't wait!