one week down

[ladyad46]

My son left last week for illinois for boot camp,, been a really tough couple of months saying good bye,, just started to feel a little better today,, no letter yet, got a package with his cell phone and thats all,, anything anyone can tell me what to expect,

[Steph Proud AG Mom]

Hi Ladyad,  the next thing is the form letter.  That will have his address, ship and division numbers, and his PIR dates.  Start writing now, and number them.  Once you have his PIR date you can join one of the PIR groups here, and on FB.  Good idea to join the bootcamp moms group.  You will received his letters soon, and keep your phone handy at all times!  phone numbers are 847, payphone or government will show up!  Good luck.  

[ladyad46]

thanks

[lemonelephant]

Arrival and What Happens at the RTC will tell you what is happening and what to expect.

Check your My Page.

[yolanda]

hello  when I got the box with my sons clothes, I put his jacket on the dining room chair and and left it there til he came home on a leave.  The first couple of weeks were the hardest for me and alot of moms.  I did not get that first phone call and then he called about 2 weeks later out of the blue and I missed that also.  He left a voice mail and I played it over and over and cried like a baby that nite.  Then he called one morning early and I got the call and we talked about 20 min after me screaming for joy in his ear for about 5 mins.  My son was in bc for Christmas and New Years.  That was even harder for me since it was the first time he was away for the holidays but his jacket on the chair was there at all our family gatherings.  It will get better for you and you will be surprised how fast time goes and soon you will be reunited with your son for an awesome pir.  My son graduated jan.30th .  it was the weekend of that blizzard and we got stranded in Chicago.  Thats another memory!  we stayed at the Holiday Inn express which was 4 miles from the base.  on that graduation friday, they had free hot dogs and snacks and drink for the sailors and families.  Try to write alot of letters and look forward for the mail.  My son wrote us alot which was surprising.  It is hard not being able to call or text them but when they get stationed , everything is different.  I talk to my son almost everyday now and text him more.  He is stationed in Washington state and doing well!  Hang in there and it is helpful to pray more for your son and all the other recruits and commit them and their safety to the Lord.  He will give you strength that you never thought you had!  God bless and keep looking up!

[lemonelephant]

yolanda, thanks for sharing.

Check your My Page.

[yolanda]

sorry it was sort of long but i think we all could write a book about our experiences!  I hope it helped someone else because i really appreciated this web site when my son was in boot camp! 

[BunkerQB]

yolanda, you should write everything down RIGHT NOW. You'll forget in 10 to 15 years. Your journal will be part of what you give your children. The memories captured will be priceless.

[ladyad46]

thanks yolanda,, I am still waiting for the first phone call and the mail with his address on it,, all still very new..

[lemonelephant]

ladyad46, check your My Page. There is more info for you there.

[Christine]

My son is leaving May 21st for boot camp and I could cry reading all these comments.  I have an idea what to expect.  He is my oldest at 18 years old and I know he will be fine its me I am worried about!!