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?

[GMarra0516]

My son left on Wednesday as well...waiting on the box today and going to contact recuriter for address..they get it first or so I read.  Maybe our sons are in the save division...I miss him so much, I do fine then for no reason I see something of his and cry...I am thinking of all the Moms going through this...I will let you know if I get the address...today.  Maybe your sons recruiter will have his...smiles fora good day

 

[JT's Mama]

It would be great if all our sons were in the same division!  Can anyone tell me when they are allowed to receive letters?  I know they can't send letters for three weeks, does that include receiving letters too?

[Jill]

I was told that we can send letters immediately, as soon as the recruiter gives you an address.  However, the address that the recruiter has may differ from the one that you get from your son.  I was also told not to worry, that all the letters would eventually find them.  Use the address from the recruiter until you get the one from your son.  It's supposed to take 2-3 weeks for them to begin receiving letters, and they'll probably receive them all at once.  Keep in mind, I do not know these things from experience, just repeating what I have been told.
Just wrote my first letter tonight.   

[BunkerQB]

Don't forget to number your letters.

[williamsmadeline]

I feel the same way and he is my firstborn too and so little when he was born so i don't see the man  what i see is that little one that i had 26 years ago

[BunkerQB]

Well, we mothers tend to hold on to those younger years when we could hold them in our arms. Of course, now they don't really need us in the same we. But there is a part of us that still would like to be able to comfort them the same way. I am waiting for grandchildren, so I can transfer the need to them!

[Maga]

Hi , I feel the same my son left for boot camp on Wednesday too, and I totally understand your feelings, the only thing keep me going is to know how happy he was in his decision.

[gator div 065]

Keep your head up.  Tonight my daughter was able to call for 20 mins she misses home sooo much but she sounds great, Its very hard she said but it will be worth it the only thing she asked for me to send her is deordorant and toothpaste. So you will hear from them keep your head up and be as cheerful as you can when you talk to them. 

[smclane]

Hi, I can say that I understand, my son has enlisted and has not even left yet.  His leave date is June 25th, and although that is several months away, I miss him already and I cry all the time.  I encourage him and I am very proud of him for making such a wise career choice, but I am sad, he too is my first born, he will graduate high school June 1st, leave June 25th, and not even be home on his 18th birthday on July 22.  I am deeply sad, but proud.  So many emotions, and to top it off a little scared.  He on the other hand is just so excited and can't stop saying he is ready to go. 

 

[judy r]

You have been given some great places to start your learning experience and time is a great helper. Having been at this for a very long time my first son went into the Navy in 1984 and his brother followed in 1988 I have found it helps a lot to stay busy if you have always wanted to start a new hobby now is the time. Scrapbooking is great because you can start now and follow you recruit forawrd in his/her career.  Start writing your letters and have them ready to go when you get the form letter with his correct address. Join the groups that Barb mentioned they will help you a great deal.  And yes only someone already been there or is there can really understand. Boot camp is also your learning time too you will have to adjust to the deployments when they get their first ship and times will be that you wont hear for extended time but that is the future.  Welcome to the Navy family sit back and get ready to ride the waves Believe me it is one devil of a ride.

[Melissa(Sub Mom)]

My son left Jan 5, 2012, I have no energy, I have been crying like crazy. He is my first born and I feel lost. every time I would go somewhere he would go with me like my sidekick, we coached soccer together and tomorrow is the first time he will not be on the sideline with me in several years.

I try to be strong in front of my daughter and not cry because she misses her brother too. I hope this feeling goes away or at least gets better. Every time I close my eyes I see his smiling face.

I took the week off of work to spend time with him before he left but the days flew by so fast it just did not seem like enough time.

[Mary]

My daughter left Wednesday too. I feel exactly like you do! I think it's pretty normal. You are not alone no matter how it feels right now.