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?

[Mary]

It is day 6 for me and I am not excited for her box to come. I couldn't be more proud of my daughter if I tried but I want her back home with me not just her close and cell phone. I  feel like I am falling apart without her.

[Melissa(Sub Mom)]

I am sure you are not excited about it coming,  I was not real excited either until I saw it sitting at my front door.  I just wanted to see is clothes.   I actually slept with one of his shirts,  made me feel a bit better.   I know it is hard,   just keep yourself as busy as possible and the time will fly.   Today is day 6 for me as well.   I still can not go into his room.    

[mattsmom]

wish my box would come he left 1/5 just to know hes alright

 

[Mary]

I received her box today. I have such mixed emotions. It was so nice to have her things in my hands but I miss her. I didn't cry as much as I thought I might. I have to remind myself this is what she wanted and I need to shoe her my pride in her.

[chris26mom]

our sons left on the same day and i just got his box today. a quick note was written on the back of a tube sock tag lol  said I love you guys... It was strange to get it, and yes I did cry.  His sister she is 12 was with me while we opened it and she thought it was strange that he was even asked to send his underware home. 

 

I have heard that letters of thickness are pointed out and the SR are asked to open them in front of everyone. So my letters are thin but he has several just waiting for an address

 

[janetthomp]

My son left on 1/5 also and I have not received his box....I wish I would..I hope it comes today....Was his address in there....I cry over everything.....I open the fridge and see his favorite drink and cry....I just hope he is okay

[Mike - AD Dad]

Mom -

You probably have an answer already - but here goes.  You will receive his box directly, but there will be no mailing address for him.  Those things generally won't arrive from him for another week in the form of a form letter.  Be patient.  If you have a good line of communication with his recruiter, you might try getting it from that person as typically they have access to those things.  Nonetheless, he will likely not get anything from you for nearly three weeks.  It is vital for him to focus on what the Navy is teaching him and part of that is relying on his division for the things "we" once provided such as support.  Don't stress yourself ~ he is doing fine.  Tired and fatigued most likely, but he'll be fine.  The boy you watched leave your abode will be replaced by a man in two short months. 

In the meantime, start writing letters to him.  When his address is presented to you, package them up in a plain envelope and he'll be able to read them repeatedly.  And, he will.  I found getting those thoughts on paper was rather healing for me, too.  Hold your head up.  Your Son is a soon-to-be sailor in the United States Navy!

[mattsmom]

yeah i am crying over everything also; my son left 1/5 i got his box yesterday but no note or anything so i emailed his recruiter to get his address maybe you can contact his recruiter and get his address.

i am just ready to hear his voice or something.

[Mike - AD Dad]

You're not alone, Mom.  When Basic is complete and you watch those overhead doors rise and see your son's Division walk in, it will be the most breath-taking and proud moment you have ever witnessed / experienced.  This is his time and this moment is what you raised him for.  As for the connection ~ it is not lost.  As I told my son (graduated 12-02-11) in a letter during his Basic, "This isn't then end, it's merely a bend!"  Hang in there. 

M -

[GJS]

Hi there,

Our firstborn left 22 November for bootcamp.  We thought we were ready  and well prepared, but cried on and off for over 3 weeks.  People at work kept telling me not to worry, that he was safe.  We know he is being very well looked after, we just miss him so much.  Seven weeks later our home still feels empty without him.  It is almost 2 weeks to graduation and I am crying again. SIGH!

I am sure this does not really help you, but it may help to know you are not alone.  Hang in there, you get accustomed to a new normal and learn how to cope better each day.

This website has been a great support tool with lots of good information.

[akamom]

I had to chuckle when I saw your post. I had been searching the site for days looking for moms whose child left the same day as my daughter did - then I see your post regarding your feelings and I laughed for I am right there with you. I feel pathetic! I can hardly function. Boy does this momma need to cut the cord. :) I started journaling and that seems to help, but I got the most releif from sitting down and writting her a little every day until I got her address to send the letter. I felt better being able to give her details of the stuff happening at home, the funny things and the anoying things, my agenda, her dog and fiance's funny episodes of getting used to her absense and little by little I felt the sorrow fade to an almost bearable level. Now, that doesn't mean that I don't melt into a puddle of tears if some random person asks how she is doing, but I am doing better. In fact, when the infamous "box" arrived with all her belongings, I had anticipated that they would be all neatly folded in military fashion -but when I opened it up and saw her jacket and clothes all jumbled in a pile and wrinkled I had to laugh instead of cry - I don't know if that was by design or not, but it was very representative of my daughter. Mailing her first letter in the am....hope it gets there quick.

[Mary]

Lol...I felt the same when I opened her box and expected it to be folded neatly and of course it wasn't. Just another reminder that  actually put a smile on my face. I needed that!!