First Call

[diannad]

We got our first call yesterday and my son is so homesick to the point of questioning his decision to join. He left for boot camp July 10th so he has only been gone for 18 days. I managed to hold it together until we hung up and then proceeded to cry like a baby.

Has anyone else gotten similar calls? He is only 18, lived a very sheltered life thanks to this very (too) protective mom, he is missing his girlfriend and was just so sad. All I can think about now so any words of advice would be most welcome.

My husband and I were supportive and upbeat in the call as I am in my letters and cards to him so I am hoping and praying those help now that he is receiving them.

[Holli]

My son left for bootcamp 6-20-13, I missed his call and he left me a voicemail and was crying and said he was homesick (yes I cried like a baby when I listened to it) but then a week went by and his letters were more positive and he apologized for being so sad but he stated he was so homesick and he saw 80 recruits crying that day when they had to call home.  It gets better, trust me.  Our son graduates 8-16-13 (18 days) and I'm so excited, just hold on tight and write him tons of letters, hope this helped

[Zig's Mom - carmen47 14/307]

I also got a call like that .. The  first couple of weeks its very hard for them and they want to run out. i also cryed and praying that he can stay postive and strong, to pass the emotion he was going though, which he did. u just keep writing positive letter and keep telling him how proud u are. it gets easier after the 3 week than u get a better call or letter.  

my son pir day is 8/16/13    so excited. miss him like crazy.

 

[navywifeandmom]

Saturday was when my son called.  I missed the call also.  I have had my phone beside me since he left 18 days ago, charged and  ready.....I knew he would call Saturday and had informed everyone in my house that if my phone rang and I wasn't next to it...ANSWER IT!!! We went to a concert Friday and when we got home I crashed...my husband got me up to go to bed, but left my phone where it was.....Yes, he is still alive, but barely!  My niece who was visiting was near the phone the next morning when it rang and didn't answer it, she felt horrible afterwards when I ran downstairs to grab it....I just cried.  My son called me twice, my husband twice and his ex girlfriend...then his father,  who thank goodness, answered.  At least someone was there for him.  I listened to the voicemail over and over, he was so disappointed and hurt, you can hear it in his voice.. It has been 2 days now and eventually I will quit beating myself up....and there is a chance he will call this weekend.... I will be sure to glue the phone to my hand so this "comedy of errors" (wasn't funny at all) won't happen again. 

I have written to my SR everyday since we left him at MEPS after his swearing in.  I know these calls are important, my husband is retired Navy and I know how they live for contact.

Needless to say, my son and I will get thru this and you both will too.  I miss mine like crazy too!  I still have almost 8 weeks to go before his PIR on 9-13, but we all will make it!!

Hugs to you!

[KelleyB]

My son left 7/9/2013.  He was rewarded with a call after about 2 weeks and it was one of the most painful calls.  He was crying so hard, he couldn't speak...  I have cried almost daily since he left and this call broke my heart. I received a letter a few days later and he sounded better--in writing, but I couldn't help continuing to worry... I received another call a few days ago...He was excited and proud of himself.  He told me that the homesick feelings had improved.  I know how your heart feels... I'll say a prayer for you.  My husband was in the Army and he has pretty much made every call of when and what will happen... He told me within the first few weeks, being homesick is pretty tough for them-- but it gets better rapidly after they adapt and get further into their training... I'm hoping this to be the case for all of the recruits... Hugs and prayers!!!  

[Carollynn]

After reading everyone's messages, I am so nervous. My daughter is taking her ASVAB next Tuesday. I am hoping she does well.

I probably will be writing just like you all, she is my best friend we share so much.

[LYF]

My son went in July 1 and he sounds so much better.  They are all so tired at the beginning I think itis overwhelming at first.  Now my son says the shock is over and they have settled into routines and most of them are sleeping and not talking at night.  He says they get used to all of the yelling.  I recommend the video on the official website for Recruit Training Command.  It really helped me to see what they are doing and what the facilities look like and such.  Watch and i think it will help.  Basically they are being trained to work together as a team.  Just like our families at home, we all have to pull together.  These boys and girls of ours are tough but tender.  They will become something we may not even recognize when we get to see them at PIR.  I think we will all be so proud we may not be able to stand ourselves!!  Imagine how they will all feel at accomplishing so much in such a short time!!    Hang in there and cry when you need to It is OK.

[jrbutler]

My son called me this weekend after being there for 2 weeks. He is only 17 and he was also very upset, homesick, and tired. I tried to tell him he is not the only one feeling this way. We miss him so much he is the family comedian, everything is so different with him away. I pray all of our children will keep strong and encouraged. One good thing about it is that he loves the food.

[diannad]

Thank you to everyone who has responded, it has helped so much and I truly appreciate it.

[thisistuff]

I will echo your situation and emotions. My SR graduated the end of May and shipped on the 20th of June, he will turn 19 this Sunday (Aug 4th). My birthday was today and I am very emotional this is the first time we have ever been apart for our birthdays. He would come and hug his dad and I every night before bed and tell us he love us. We spend a lot of time together as a family, we even go to the grocery store together. Almost every Sunday after church it was a family event going to Publix for "buy on get one free". Up until bootcamp he has not been away from us for just a little over a week, so believe me when I tell you "this is tuff"!!!!! My husband and I for the first week could only cry, together, apart, when the wind blew you name it. We have a 14 year old daughter and she texted my sister-in-law "I think I need to come to your house all mom and dad can do is cry"(which was true). I am thankful to God that we both teach and we had the summer to go through this experience I could not have made it to work. The first phone call from him was unsettling, he had to get his wisdom teeth cut out and was very homesick and was also unsure of what to do. The second phone call was so much better, he was excited about getting their uniforms and was talking about A school. His letters were also much more up beat even though he continues to write " homesick still but that will always be":) We have been very blessed and can say "this to shall pass". It does get better and the emotions are all common, doesn't make your heart hurt any less at this point but hope it gives you a glimps of hope.