Am I the only one here who's totally relaxed about sending my child to boot camp?

[Arwen]

There are a LOT of posts from mothers worried/stressed about their sons or daughters going to boot camp, I'm just looking for a little reassurance that I am not the only one who has no problem with my child leaving?

I've helped him study and "encouraged" him to keep up his PT so that when he goes he will be ready to take that test and make E-2 right away. I'm very comfortable with letting him go.I feel he's ready. I'd send him tomorrow if I thought he was ready for the test and was sure he could still get the same job.

Is it because we did this once already, sending him off to college last summer (2008)? I was just as relaxed then, too. A hug and a goodbye, a minute of tears as I watch him leave, and he's gone. Out of sight, out of mind, except for letters or phone calls.

Is it because I went to boot camp myself, I know what it's like, so it holds no fears for me?

Mostly I'm eager to hear about what he learns, how boot camp has changed from my experience, fun and outrageous stories, and to hear of his future adventures.

So, is there anyone else out there who feels the same way I do: pride that my son is ready to make a major step towards independent adulthood with a touch of relief that he isn't going to stay home forever?

[Lesli]

Hi My son has already been to bootcamp and is now in his fourth or going into his fifith year in the Navy., This is something my son wanted to do and I do support him. Of course, I do miss him a lot. At times I do feel nervous about his safety. I have put my son in God's Hands. Keep in touch Lesli

[Marybeth]

I just remembered the line I came up with a few weeks after he left... "I didn't lose a son, I gained a guest room!!" So far he's been the only guest to sleep in it (since his brother commandeered his old room.. actually he had taken over both rooms and made a total mess of them both, so we finally "kicked him into" 1 room... ahhh, but I digress).

[Shawana B]

Hello,I feel the same way.I'm very relaxed, because it's a new beginning for her and she's doing something that I never done.One of my relatives ask me do I miss her and I told her know she asked what knid of Mom are you and I told her a happy mom my daughter is not in this negative enviroment anymore see going on to make her life better.And also as long as I show her some support and love through my letter she will really know that i'm proud of her.

[Barb (Alex & Zach's Mom)]

I'm with you all, too! Thank God, I'm normal. Was starting to think I'm a bad mom. I love my boys dearly, but knew they would leave home someday to make their own life. I support that. It makes me proud to see them turn into independent young men. Thank you for starting this discussion. I feel better now. (P.S. Became an empty nester in July and enjoying my new found freedom. After 27 years of boys (3 sons... 2 in the Navy, 1 a firefighter), I can finally have time for myself. And it's kinda nice.)

[Lesli]

Hi Barbara, No you would not be a bad mom. Our children do move out and we as parents have to figure out what we want to do when the children move out so we have peace. My younger son wanted to know what I am going to do when he moves out. I love you all dearly but I will look forward to attending Bible Studies when I want and for as long as I want to and I am going to move to a one bedroom so I will be near the train station so I can go shopping when I want to.My younger son is only 13 so I have a ways to go with being a empty nester. Also, my daughter has not left either. SHe is leaving in Aug. There is always the possilbity for the children to move back as well at some point. My two older children seem settled one in the Navy and the other moved in with my sister. Keep in touch

[Melanie-N's Mom]

I whole heartedly agree with all the postings here. Glad to know I'm not alone. My son is doing something with a future unlike some of his classmates and I couldn't be prouder. We definately miss him and his Nathanism's but am sure he will have some great adventures and stories to tell us.

[Linda Proud Mom of Kenny]

Hi Arwen,

I'm not worried about Kenny going to Boot Camp because I am a retired military wife. Spent 20 years in the Air Force with my husband. We had 2 daughters during that time, but Kenny didn't come along until 3 months before my husband retired.
My husband keeps telling him about boot camp and has encouraged him to start training early, so he works out and runs track out at Fort Gordon. He's gotten pretty good. I know he will be fine but I know how much I missed him when he was in college and I'm sure the tears will fall when he leaves

[khensey]

Hmmmm, I'm actually glad that there is someone out there, like me, who's looking forward to it. My son is VERY ready and has waited a long time for his slot to open up. I know he's excited and I'm so very happy for him. This is such a terrific opportunity for him and know he'll have a whole new perspective.

I am very proud of my son for taking this step!

[bonnie]

I am glad to hear about the many feelings that come up when our children leave home. I always wondered how mine would leave home when they wanted their independence. Would they flee--like trying to get away? Would they pack up and move to another state? Would they go off to college and settle into the college town? After some college courses and campus experience, working almost full time she decided it wasn't enough for her. She wanted to be part of a bigger thing. she loves to travel. When she came home and said she joined the Navy, I went to the recruit office with her to clafify things and sent her on her way!!! She loves the structure of the Navy. She receives tons of support and motivation 'do better than she did yesterday'. She just received the junior seaman award for the 3rd quarter of the year in her field because she took up more challenges than was required of her. I am so proud of her. I occasionally ask her if she has any regrets and it is always an emphatic No! I am reminded by her that if I hadn't been a good mom, she wouldn't have been able to get up, make a decision and go. PS, she can't wait to get on board a ship!

[Lesli]

Hi Bonnie, Congratulations. Yes. your words of support are wonderful as well.

[Cardbird2]

You know.. I agree with you, Yes I miss my son very much and yes I did cry all the way home. But after that I was fine and I knew in my heart that this was the best thing for him.

You are so right about bringing back military memories... I did Basic at Ft. Dix, NJ January - March, it snowed while we were out doing our Bivwac... It was so cold. But you know it made me who I am today and I would not change it one bit. I made a lot of friends who I still keep in touch with. I know that if I can make it through basic training, then he can too. His father was in the Air Force... So even though I hated to see him go I am happy for him and glad that he made this choice.

Linda B.

[Michigan Cindy]

Oh, after reading all of these comments, I feel a lot better. I was thinking that I was kind of cold when I was excited about him leaving for the Navy. Of course, I miss him. He is my only son, and I truly want the best for him. Praise God - he chose the best for him. He is doing well, is pleased with his decision, and now he is taking life seriously. Wow! That sounds like an adult. Did not expect that from him at age 21. I'm so proud of him. And I'm also proud of me for letting him go, (guilt-free), and moving on with my life. I raised Jake to be independent, and he has shown me that he is independent. It's all good! And depending on where his duty station is, it might provide me with some interesting vacation destinations. Who knows?