Surviving the 1st wk my baby is enlisted...

[James' mom]

Hello, everyone. I'm so new to this, I still have the "new Navy mom smell". ;-D I know you have all had to deal with this, or are in my shoes, so I just wanted to say I appreciate that you have all gotten together on this to support each other in the difficulty of our children moving up and on. My son realized VoTech college wasn't enough for him, so he and a bunch of his friends decided the military was the answer. I have to say, regardless of my own selfishness in missing him and not being able to call him every day just to say "what the hell are you up to now!", I am so proud of him and thrilled that he has taken the first step in the journey that will be his life. I believe in my heart that he has made the best choice and his dreams are within his reach. May Jehovah keep him and all our babies safe. God bless you all and please feel free to pass on to me any wisdom. I can use all the suggestions or recommendations I can get.

[Paula]

Hi James Mom, Please no worries WE HAVE ALL been there. I tell people I was a basket case during the first 3 weeks then it came & went in spouts. The moms are terrific on here and guess what your son is not the only one affected by this. I have met so many wonderful people and friends that are now like family. These moms will do anything for my sailor as I would for theirs. We are actually planning a cruise with a bunch of Navy Moms next year, if interested make sure you let me know. (short cruise or island) Take care, if you need to talk, scream, cry or BRAG am here.

Paula

Ps, did anyone tell you about the "Stalk the Mailman" stage, lol

[James' mom]

LMAO!!! Paula, I appreciate your reply more than you'll know! Stalk the mailman...like I stare at the cell phone, wishing, hoping, waiting, praying....C'MON RING DAMN U!!! It seems like a wonderful place to find support and comfort. There is nothing better than a group of moms with their babies' interest in mind. The cruise sounds like a blast! I'd be down. Where are you based? I have to click on your profile and get nosey! ;-D I'm in New York (Queens, more specifically) for now, but I'm hoping to move back to NJ soon. I just wrote a children's book and I'm hoping it'll get picked up soon.

I see all these acronyms - is there any place to go to to look up what they stand for? My son just went in a week ago this morning and he's supposed to be a grade 3? Nuclear engineering program? In line for the Seals maybe? Am I making any sense? What is he considered? He said Seaman but I can't help laughing every time I say it or even think it! (I am SO immature!) He is in Illinois for now then off to South Carolina. Then I have no idea. How do I find out about all that stuff?

Hey, thank you again for chatting!

Dawnrose (aka James' mom)

[Dawn ~Joseph's Mom]

Hello DawnRose, (great name btw) I am getting better at all this stuff. I am now half way through with my son's bootcamp. PIR DEC 24th, YEAH!!
You will make it. It is hard but this is a great way to pass the time while they are gone and get support from others who have been there or are there now. There are even some sailors here that answer questions from mom about bootcamp. Bless their little hearts they understand what we're going through. Bless their moms for bringing them up to understand.
Most important though just be sure to write lots of letters to your recruit and give him hope. Thats what my son says is getting him through!.

[mary ellen]

Reply by Mary Ellen on November 26,2008 at 4:44pm HI James Mom my son James left a week ago and i am a basket case everyday i wish that phone call would come in but finally i heard from him he wrote me a 3 line letter and sent a picture of him self. Feel a little better but not 100%. Still did not receive no box of his belongings, waited everyday. I see you live in corna, i come from maspeth but moved to levittown LI. Have a great thanksgiving.

[Stephanie]

Howdy Dawn,

I am not as alot would say a NEW Navy mom as Nick PIR'd last Spring. I was a complete and total wreck from the second I took him to MEPS.. I am doing a bit better and it is a day by day process. The holidays are upon us and this is my first time alone without my one and only son. When it has just been he and I against the world it makes things very difficult when it is now he and I on seperate ends of the US. I am in CA he is in VA on the USS Harry Truman. I have my good days and my bad. I did much better after I saw him at PIR and he went to ASchool. Things do calm down with you and the Pride you will feel when he graduates will make your heart swell.

Just remember you are not alone and we are all in this together. Ones that are parents but have never known what we go through when they leave for the military will never undrestand what we have and deal with on a daily basis.

Hang in their Mom! We will all make it! :)
Happy Holidays
Stephanie