What a crazy 24 hours!

[Zacsmom]

My son was supposed to ship out mid-January, 2018, but he got a call from his Section Chief on Monday telling him he was on stand-by to ship out on Wednesday . . . this Wednesday!  Then he got the call about 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday that he needed to be at the recruiter's office (about 30 miles away) and then to the hotel (about another 30 miles away) by 6:00 p.m. Tuesday night.  My son called me at work, I said "Bye!" to my very understanding bosses and co-workers, texted my husband (a teacher who couldn't abandon his job like I did at the drop of a hat) and Zach's girlfriend and I made the trip with Zach in tow in record time.  Luckily, I had checked this website just the day before as I didn't have a clue what I was supposed to do in the months leading up to shipping out.  On a fluke (because I didn't think there was any way that he would really ship out in a matter of hours), I stopped at Walgreen's on my way to work yesterday morning for a phone card, stamps and band aids. Anyway, we got Zach to the recruiters and then on to the hotel by 5:30.  Phew!  Then back home to get the girlfriend's vehicle, pick up my husband, and back to the city to stay the night with family so we could all get to MEPS this morning at 9:00 to spend some time with him before he was sworn in at 10:00.  Then after he had lunch, we went to the airport and spent some more time with him until he flew out.  It was a crazy way to start his Navy career, and I am emotionally and physically exhausted, as I am sure, is he!  It was a day filled with laughter, tears, more laughter and more tears -- from all of us.  Zach is an older recruit -- excuse me -- sailor.  OMG!  The phone just rang.  I got my 10 second call.  He's there, his stuff is in the box, he'll write when he can.  He loves us.  As I sit here, typing through my tears, I realize I am a basket case!  For pity's sake!  As I was saying before the phone rang . . . Zach is older -- 26.  He has been to Europe twice in high school with various groups; he graduated from college.  Granted, he went in-state, but we went months without him coming home!  Okay, yes, we'd go there once a month or so when I needed my Zach-fix.  And, although he was never good about calling home, I could text and he'd eventually call or answer my text.  I guess it doesn't matter how old he is -- he'll always be my baby!  I know that he will be fine and do great things.  He is, after all, finally fulfilling his dream, and we couldn't be any prouder of him.  

[Phoenixmom]

Zacsmom what a day! and yes no matter how old they will always be our babies! wishing your son the best in his journey! Hang tight, head held high and breathe everything will be fine!

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

Hang in there - it sounds like you got this!

[mern]

Just wondering how your Sailor is doing now? I suppose he's in the middle of A school? What a whirlwind start. 

[Zacsmom]

Hi mern!  My son's PIR was Jan. 26.  We went and had a wonderful weekend.  Very proud of him and all the new sailors.  It was a very emotional weekend, let me tell you!  It was hard to see him off again on Saturday morning, but it is much better knowing that he has his phone and can call or text when he can (altho we've only texted a couple of times last weekend).  He is in TX and spent the week in indoctrination.  Classes start on Monday, so hopefully that goes well for him!  Where are you guys in the process?

[mern]

My son leaves for BC in April, so we haven't started yet. My son will be 24 in July so I get it about being "older" What is your sons rate? Mine is HM

[Zacsmom]

Mine is HM, too!  What did your son do after high school?  Is he married or have a girlfriend?  You are so far ahead of me that you will be just fine!  This site will be a HUGE source of information and comfort to you!  If there's anything I can do or answer for you, just ask.  Definitely plan on attending PIR.  You will love it!  Sarge's Meet & Greet is wonderful.  We used Sarge's shuttle service for all our driving needs.  SOOOOO glad we did.  Jack Nease was our driver and he got us wherever we needed to be whenever we needed to be.  If said 5:00 a.m., he was there at 10 til.  Of course, there was some good-natured joking around with him telling me I REALLY didn't want to go to the airport at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday or leave for PIR at 6:30 a.m. to sit on benches, but I did and we did (and I'm so glad we did)!!!  Start writing letters as soon as he leaves and hold on to them until you get the form letter from him with his PIR date and address.  Then, mail them all at once.  I don't know that it mattered, but I numbered the envelopes so he could open them in order.  And then keep writing.  Be upbeat.  Tell him about your day, the dog, the cat, ANYTHING!  Let him know how proud you are of him.  I hope your son is a better communicator than mine . . . I only received three one paragraph letters from him all the time he was in Boot Camp!  His girlfriend got one or two more but she was very good about letting me know what he had to say (or probably most of it).  Just remember -- "No news is good news."  This really is an exciting time for your son.  You've got this, Mern!

[mern]

Thanks Zacsmom. I spent a little time with my son yesterday and a couple days ago. He lives with a roommate in an apartment- so he's been out of the house for a little more than a year. In Aug he broke of with his gf/fiancee of 7 years. He said she was smothering him. He has wanted military life since he was about 15- was a member of Civil Air Patrol for several years. Army was his choice for a long time- gf not supportive, nor his father. After high school he has worked as EMT  for ambulance company, done volunteer firefighting worked with US forest service wildland firefighter- he currently works in the hospital as an ER tech. When he told us he enlisted and his reasons for Navy- we were very proud of him. He took his father to lunch to tell him because he knows how he felt before, but his father is so proud of him and is 100% behind him. Our son needed that time to be on his own and mature. We will be at PIR- our issue is the timing. Our youngest son graduates HS and it may be the same day. If we are lucky it will be the week after. We have an rv so we will be taking that. Long drive from Cal to Il. but we travel a lot anyway.  I'm not sure how much my son will write, but I sure will. He's ready, scared, nervous and excited. I'm sure he will do fine. Thanks again Zacsmom

[Zacsmom]

Mern, look in your inbox.