Bootcamp

[marlena]

My son left for bootcamp on Wednesday and I've been crying off and on ever since.  I feel so lost not beling able to call him, FB him or contact hm in any way.  I never thought it would be this difficult.  I'm really struggling. I'm not worried about his safety, just feel so disconnected, like he's gone forever.  He is my firstborn too, maybe that's it?   I don't know, but he reached this milestone that I feel like I wasn't prepared for.  Anyone else feel like that?

[Jill]

Thank you JT's Mama, I appreciated your comment so much, and you're right.  

[JT's Mama]

Stephanie,

I am 6 days in to this (son left on the 18th). I know tonight your heart is breaking and full of pride at the same time tonight. My husband and  I have cried together everyday for the last 6 days. However, I came to the realization today that when I see the pride on my sons face, the pride he feels at his own accomplishment,  at his graduation, it will make everyday of this 9 weeks worth it!  Try to think of that I am sure it will help ease your heartache.  At the very least, rest assured you are not alone in your feelings and there are a lot of moms out there who understand how you feel.

[mjlitte]

You cant help but tear up when you know its the last hug and goodbye. My son had a very red face, but quickly hugged us all and said goodbye. The day before he was very quiet. For months hes been waiting to leave
He trained 6 days a week and with a great team of guys at a local base. He was so determined. I think knowing he was gonna have to say goodbye was hurting him. Im so proud of him and anxiously await the first letter

[marlena]

UPDATE:  I can hardly believe this myself, but my son Jon called me this morning!!!  It's only his 3rd day there!!  I don't know why or how I got so lucky, but he's doing great, loves it, and was selected to be RPOC.  Back to the tears, it still hurts, but what a relief to hear from him already!  I never EVER expected such a blessing.  Folks, I will keep you and your children in my prayers, and I hope you will do the same for us.  I KNOW that today's call was not the 'norm' and that I received a huge blessing, but I'm holding on to it tight because it was the best 2 minute conversation of my life.  We love our kids more than anything, don't we?   Lastly, thank you for all of your replies and please keep them coming.  It has helped tremendously to know that I'm not alone with this feeling.  My 'non-military' friends and family have not understood why this has been so hard for me to deal with.  I'm not sure I even understand it, but I thank God for each of you who have reached out and said, hey, I know how you feel.  May God bless you all and thank you SO much!!!

[chris26mom]

I am extremly happy for you. My son left on January 5th as well, waited all night for the brief 30 second i am here phone call and was relieved after that but still tearful. I can't imagine getting another call so soon. I understand the crying and missing of your son. With mine  he is 19 and as a typical 19 yearold he wasn't around much but we are very good friends... its the realization that he is not going to be popping through the door at any minute and also not being able to give advice, discuss daily things, i guess still protect him. I do feel like he is very happy about his choice and this makes it easier for me.  I wonder if our sons are together? .

[marlena]

Wouldn't that be cool if they were?  I'm anxious to hear what division and stuff he's in, but I guess I'll find out soon.  He didn't say on the phone, nor could he give me an address, but was very happy to have been chosen as RPOC.  That was his Basic Training goal and he was thrilled but he did sound tired.  However, from what I hear, he'll have to work hard to hold on to that position.  He said processing ends Monday. So I guess the training starts right after that.  Or maybe they have some training during processing, I don't know.  You are right, the realization that they won't pop in, or call, or we can't call or text them, etc.  That's what I'm struggling with.

[janetthomp]

My son left that day too...I hope they are together! He left from Tennessee!

[marlena]

Janet, where in TN?  did he fly out of Nashville?

[janetthomp]

No he flew out of Knoxville but we are from Chattanooga....Did you get your son's box?

[Dawson'sChefMom]

My son also arrived at GL on 1-5-12. We both cried at the gate at the airport. That evening and next morning, I was teary eyed, worthless. Yesterday, I started writing him. Have no address yet, but as soon as I get it, then he will read them. I have found this site very helpful. I didn't look for it prior to him leaving. Denial? Anyway, the videos have helped me and the rest of the family understand BC. Maybe our sons are together too!

[Shelly]

It's been hard. My son is NOT the great communicator. So when I only got the first letter they have to write telling you when graduation was then nothing for two weeks it was lonely. Then, his dad( we don't normally speak to each other) text me to let me know he had received two letters from him well, my feeling were just a little hurt. But the next day I got a very long letter in the mail. Long by his standards anyhow. And he told me he would be able to call on Jan 11. I know he is a grown man now but it's not easy coming to the realization that has a life of his own.

[JT's Mama]

Marlena,

I have found the best way to describe why it is so hard is to say that we are truly giving our sons/daughters up to someone else to take control of the reigns.  We no longer have access to the child we raised, no longer have any control over their well being.  Thats what makes it so hard. It's not like when we send them to college and you know they will have fun and you still have access to them and in some ways a little control. However, we also get to reap the reward of a Navy Mom's Pride!