Baby left for bootcamp from Los Angeles on 3/7/11

[Maddie]

If my son can handle it, I should be able to do the same, right?

 

It's his first time out from home but he seems to be taking it much better than me.  I can't wait to start receiving letters.  He was never the gushy type and it would actually be fun to see even just a line or two.  I know it's a long ways from bc graduation but it's all I am looking forward to right now.

 

 

[maryquitecontrary (1131 M)]

Keep the faith. Every day is one day closer to seeing your son at PIR. This website is a great source of support. My SR left 3 weeks ago and I got my first letters from him today! Start writing your letters right away so that you can send them to him as soon as you get his address. Letters are a great source support to our recruits! Keep yourself busy and before you know it you'll be getting your first letter and call!

[Am'smom Ship#3 Div#152 April 29]

My daughter also went on March 7th to bc. I'm missing her like crazy and I can not wait to see her. I'm must say I'm one proud mother of a navy sailor.

[theline (Ship 3/Div 155)]

My son left from Texas on 3/7. Got his address from the recruiter today, so we will start sending our letters even though I know he will not get them for at least a week or two.  Can't wait until PIR!!! 

[theline (Ship 3/Div 155)]

We got our phone call at 1am. We are on the same time zone.

[Maddie]

It does help to know there's someone out there to talk to.  I found this site the other day, feeling I was grasping at straws, completely at a loss about the whole thing.  This really is heaven sent.  I can see myself spending lots of time here, I might as well make myself comfortable, right?

 

The last couple of days were really tough, I cried my eyeballs out.  But I have a new mantra: if he can handle boot camp, then I should be able to handle missing him so much...if only 'tis easier said than done.  

 

Glad to "meet" you all!

[shelly (HM in SA)]

Maddie, that's what I keep telling myself. That if he can get through bootcamp, I can be strong for him. I see it as the only thing I can do for him right now, and that's what keeps me together. Well, except for the times when I break down. :)

[debbie_aunt(ship12/div158)]

My nephew also left on 3/7/11 from Shreveport, LA.  My sister received her call and now we just wait for the letters to start.  We are also on the same time zone and the call came around 12:30 a.m.  This site has really helped us.  I'm still trying to figure out how to do some things, but I'm sure in time I'll get everything down.  The videos have helped SO much.  We were wondering what it has been like for him,etc and after watching the boot camp videos it made me feel alot better, just to know what he went through after he arrived.  I keep all the sailors in my prayers and I will keep all the family & friends in my prayers as well.  Our loved ones have become a family/team and thats what we are here!!!

 

[Am'smom Ship#3 Div#152 April 29]

Support is what we need from each other. We will get through this and as you say, if our childern can go through it, we can too.Its hard as time goes by it brings us closer to the letters, calls, and grad time.

[BunkerQB]

Ladies - if you haven't done any research, this will help you.

Follow these instructions.

1. Click on this link - it will take you to a discussion in one of my groups.
      http://www.navyformoms.com/group/sfbayareanavyfamilies/forum/topics...
   
   Watch the four videos, look at the Powerpoint presentation - it will give you a really good idea what your recruit will be going trhough. Click on the links on "HOW TO DO STUFF ON N4M" to learn how to use this site.
   
   
2. Next check messages left on your personal page - from above menubar, click MY PAGE, scroll down - see the links to bootcamp groups - join those. You'll find that JessicaB has posted a welcoming message for you with links to the Bootcamp and Depper groups. Join the one appropriate. If you have an address (either from your recruit or the recruiter), start writing (plain regular letter size envelopes - the two addresses may be different - don't panic - it'll get there - use the one your recruit gives you as soon as you get it). Remember to check you status box (upper right) for messages on your Inbox, friend requests, etc.
   
   
3. When you get the letter with the PIR date, join the group for that - click here to see list of PIR groups
      http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/groups-listed-by-pir-date 
   
   If you are using Internet Explorer, download Mozilla Firefox (free) and use it to print your parking pass for PIR. Parking passes are normally available about one to two weeks prior to the actual PIR date. Go here to get your pass.  You'll get a letter with the PASSWORD. KEEP THIS LETTER
      http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp     
   
4. Next join this group to prepare for PIR
    http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pirreferenceinformation   

When you are done with looking at all the sites - you'll will know more than you want. Welcome to N4M. Good luck to your sailor. Have fun. Be proud. Buy tissues in bulk. 

[ebigirl]

Bunker QB; THANK YOU for all you do for those of us in WA/OR!!!! You provide important information in such a grand style. Thank you again!

Ebigirl

[Louise]

My son left on 3/9/11 yesterday for Boot Camp. I have to say this is one of the most difficult things I ever had to do. I can't stop crying I feel lost without him home. Just knowing he's not going to be walking through the door anytime soon. I just can't wait to see  him at PIR. He is very strong and will do well I know and I know this emotional thing will stop. Just trying to get there. I received my call last night at 10:05 last night it sounded like he was reading from a script very in control of conversation. I guess that's what they have to do so they don't get emotional. I have to say I am also very PROUD OF MY SON THE SAILOR.

[ltolerNCcoastmom(ship03/Div155)]

Hi Louise, I hope each day is getting easier for you. My son left on the 7th. I just so happened to stumble on this website and so glad I did. I think this will be good for us.

I am sure you recieved your box by now and I am sure it was difficult for you to open as it was for me.

I have to keep reminding myself that this is the best opportunity for my son. Kids graduating college can't find jobs,the military guys aren't getting out because of jobs.

Although we miss them terribly they will be ok. It will be good for them. I know for me my son was driving me crazy! I was ready for him to go and grow up, find some confidence and learn some RESPECT. I intend to see a difference when I see him again and I am sure you will too.

It's hard but they need to grow to be men. And Navy men at that. Keep your spirits up and all will be fine.