Hi New Here

[ScooterGirl]

I've had this typed up for well over a hour now , but hitting post is so hard
My son leave for BC in 2 weeks, was in DEP since last summer. I wish I could find the words to express how I feel right now, but I can't. As a mom I prepared myself for my kids to go away to school and to some day leave the "nest" to start their own lives, but THIS is so difficult.

I know I will survive it all .... getting to that point just doesn't seem possible right now.

[FirsttimeNavymom]

Hi Terri!  Boy do I remember that feeling.  Mine was the same...DEP for over a year, this time last year I was starting to freak, cry, get mad, sad, glad all at once because the time was finally here for him to leave...July 7th.  I cried solid for the first two weeks he was gone.  That was one of the hardest most depressing times of my life.  My first born, the first one to leave the nest, my baby.  But I will say this because it's easy for me to say now...It does gets easier - I promise!  Mine just finished A School with graduation this Friday and I cannot wait!  Sure I still cry occasionally because I miss him so but I am so proud of him for taking such a big step.  And I am so excited to see what this journey has in store for him.  You will too.  It just takes a little bit to get there.  Don't be afraid to cry, let it out.  But be proud that you raised him to be strong enough to leave.  That was a hard thing for me to comprehend but when you think about it, it's very true.  Although it never get fully easy, you do get stronger and you will cry every time you say your "see ya laters".Hang in there mama, this is a crazy, emotional ride but oh so worth it!  Big NMHs to you! 

[NavyDaughter/Mom]

Hugs to you!!!  I remember that time like it was yesterday.  Just reading what you wrote makes my eyes well up.  For me, I don't think it gets easier, I think I just keep getting stronger.  You might not believe it - I know it I didn't...but you will survive.  And then, at the end of BC you will see the amazing changes in your son, he will become a man.  And your heart will swell with more pride then you ever thought was possible.  And then, we he leaves you'll cry again...but you will be stronger.  Get lots of tissues, be ready for lots of tears...and welcome to our family.  God Bless your son on his journey, and God Bless you and your family as you support him.

[Proudsailormom]

My only child is currently in boot camp. Everything you are feeling is absolutely normal. This site has helped me a lot to make it through. Your son is about to make you so proud. You have done well raising him, now it's time for him to spread those wings and do great things. Welcome to the Navy world. I'm still struggling on the daily but we all are in this together! You got this.

[kimberlya]

Our oldest has been at boot camp for 6 days.  You're doing the right thing by reaching out.  There are so many moms and dads who have been where you are.  These groups provide awesome support.  I suggest you also search Facebook for connecting with others. There are several groups you can join. I've been texting with several moms whose kids left the same day mine did.  We help each other cope.  I won't lie.  This is really hard.  Educating yourself now is so important.  I feel more in control knowing what I know- even though I can't control a damn thing that is happening in Great Lakes!!!!!

Keep reaching out.

[outi]

Let them go with encouragement and write them every day, my son said those letters pulled him through, time moves fast....my son has been in for almost four and enlisted for four more, seems like BC was just yesterday. :)

[ScooterGirl]

Thank you everyone for your kind words.

I'm not stressing out over BC , that is going to stink , but I've excepted it. It's not even about him leaving " the nest". Two of my kids have already left , so I know how to deal with that part. It's everything else. It's not knowing when we will see him again. It's all the "don't do this" stuff .... tell him you miss him , but don't dwell on it. Don't talk about him by name , don't do this , don't do that. I get and understand why , but at the same time I'm left thinking.... what do I have left then except waiting for a phone to ring and sending care packages when I'm able to ? Anyway thank you agin for the kind words. Deep breaths ..... deep breaths.

[FirsttimeNavymom]

I was told the same things and it was overwhelming to say the least but at the end of the day, my son and I figured it out.  I'm still learning, there's a lot!  But in my opinion, it sounds worse than it actually is. once he was able to make that 1st phone call in BC we were able to talk to just about every weekend up to PIR, which was awesome!  Then once he moved on to A School, we talk all the time!  You'll figure it out, I promise.  And up until just a couple of weeks ago I probably sent him a care package at least twice a month.  I'm not sure how it is at other bases, mine is still in Great Lakes so it was easy to send but once you know where he's going, you'll get the ins/outs of things.  Good luck to you and your son! 

[lemonelephant]

Join the group, DEP-Leavin for bootcamp in May. You will meet others with loved ones leaving that day/week who may be in the same TG and have PIR together.

I left additional info for you on your My Page.