ModestoAngel,

That's so true - and not just through the difficult boot camp days but throughout their careers there will be those moments when you just need to talk to someone who understands!!!!!  That's what we're here for!!!!

byw - I lived in San Diego for 9 years and had a half sister lived in Modesto!!  Got to go there once to visit!!!

ModestoAngel,

I saw your post on Stacy's page and I want to invite you to check out our group Moms of Daughters 2.  We are a friendly, caring group of moms always willing to listen and support.  Please feel free to jump in and join our chats!!  We like to discuss everything from our sailors to our jobs, weather, whatever.  It's also a great place if you want to yell, scream, vent, cry - - there is no judgment involved!!!  Brag about your sailor but also tell us when you are hurting because you miss her so!!!  I read your discussion about how hard it was for you when she left.  I hope it is a little better for you now, but I sure understand how you felt!!  I have a daughter who left for bootcamp in July 08, just 9 weeks after my mother passed away.  I really felt like my daughter had died as well.  She's out now but her twin sister is in her 10th week of Officer Candidate training.  Even going through this again I cried like I lost my right arm!!!  And I have a son who is serving his 8th year and just reenlisted for another 6.  I still cry EVERY time I have to say goodby to one of my kids again!!!  I guess that's what makes us good moms!!!  And I know that only another military mom can fully understand how we feel.  It is not at all like sending them to college or camp, or anything else like that!!!  I look forward to getting to know you and your sailor!!  Here is the link for the daughters 2 group - - I hope you come check us out!!!    http://www.navyformoms.com/group/momsofdaughters2

297/298 will go at the beginning of PIR week, either Mon or Tues night, we think.  Calls would come in the following afternoon.  If you hear a confirmation on a date from your SR, please message me.  Thanks!

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Hi..I am sorry it is so hard for you, but I can tell you from experience you are not alone.  My son and I are very close and I think BC made our relationship even stronger.  The letters were a big part of that.  Send as many as you can and include everything: news, everyday things  you do, scan pictures, etc.  They are her lifeline.  My son graduated 7/13 and is in A School now and calls me almost everyday.  Start planning for her graduation, order ribbons from Unique Memory Makers, get your tshirts made, and book hotel as soon as possible.  They can usually start writing on the Sunday of the second week so expect a letter in that third week.  First long call usually comes in week four if their division is doing well.  First letter might be tough, but each letter that  follows gets more positive.  I still cry, but I now know it is for me, not him..He is really happy and so glad to be starting his life. She is beginning her journey and now it is time for you to start the next chapter in yours..She will always love you and that bond will never change.  I hope that helps...please feel free to message anytime...and remember we are all there with you! God Bless