He's in bootcamp now!!

[Kate (Leon's mom)]

Well, Leon is at bootcamp now! I got my phone call last night!! Mama says it'll get easier, that I'll get used to him being gone!! Not sure I believe her!!! The other three kids are all very snappy--emotions of course! I'm having to really watch myself because I'm snapping pretty easy too! It's a struggle to not let my emotions get the best of me! No support from hubby! The man just doesn't do ANYTHING emotional--he usually avoids me at all cost when I'm upset over anything. So I'm pretty much on my own except when I get to be with my friends! But they have lives of their own so I can't expect them to get me through this!!

I just keep praying..and crying.. and crying and praying!! I know I'll get through it and I KNOW Leon is in God's faithful, loving hands, but I miss him so much!!! When will life feel "normal" again???? Will it ever???

[carols_kitchen]

Welcome to the "new" normal as a Navy Mom. Also, you may think hubby doesn't understand, but they show their emotions in different ways. Mine works on home improvement projects---and, was the first to cry at PIR.
Please know many have been on the journey you are experiencing. Many more will be. We're all here to help.
Take care, take a nice long shower (you can cry in showers and no one knows.) And let us help you through these days of bootcamp. If you have not yet joined the bootcamp page, be sure to.

[Pat L. in IL]

Hi Kate, You are NOT alone, you have 5,000 other moms who know exactly how you feel. The first 2 weeks are the hardest. After that the letters will start and you will be amazed at the maturity that begins to come through. Here's a little caution, if your friends don't have a child in the military, they won't quite "get it". Please believe me, Kate, it does get better but your normal will just be a little different. Trust me, it will be okay. Don't forget, we are here for you!! (((HUGS))) Pat

[Kate (Leon's mom)]

The good thing is that several moms from our church HAVE been through this! We have about a dozen kids that have gone into the military in the past couple of years!! My closest two friends still have their kids at home, but they've both acknowledged that they DON'T fully understand, but they've been great anyway, just trying to be supportive!!! They're keeping me really busy so I don't have too much time to dwell on it, which helps a LOT!!!!

Thanks for the encouragement y'all!! It really helps to know I'm not in this alone!!

[Jacque-Chris' mom]

I know how you feel Kate, my sailor left to BC a few weeks ago, and its been really hard. I didn't think it was going to be like this. But I am told it gets easier. Know that this group of ladies are awesome and they will help you through it all. Welcome.