Emotional

[ProudMapi]

Since the day my daughter was sworn in I haven't been able to sleep at night. I worried, I'm scared. I wish the days could be longer, so I can't enjoy her more. Don't take me wrong, I'm proud of her decision but I'm scared. She will be graduating from high school in May and leaving to bootcamp in the summer. This is so new for me and my emotions are going crazy.

[CryptoDad]

Brace yourself. Remarkable things are going to happen!

[ProudMapi]

Thank you

[anxiousmom]

I feel the same way.  My daughter leaves in may.  I am a single parent so it will be very difficult when she leaves.  Hang in there!  

[zandys]

My heart surrounds you mothers. My 18 year old son just left for boot camp on 2/26/1016. Yes I am VERY PROUD and in total Awe of his brave heart. It is humbling as a parent to see. Did I want military for my children NO. My son continued to assure me that this was a choice he HAD to make as a MAN. 

Mother to mother: The day of swear in has exhausted both myself and his father. hearts anxieties of such separation is something that is indescribable. I am going to miss my son that has been sworn into a 6 year Navy contract. You will miss your children dearly, but they have to make their own prints in life, and that means we have to trust that the tools we've given to them throughout life is what has created such honorable people. Use your sleepless nights to cover your children in prayer. Be proud as a parent even though it feels like a blessing and a curse emotional. 

Stay strong families

[julie]

My son graduated boot camp on 2/26/16! Yes and yes to your sleepless nights suggestion! That 7 week period of of letter writing was precious. It felt like a step back in time to be sitting around the table reading his letters and and writing ones in return. He says he especially liked the long newsy ones even if it was trivial news.

[mysailormeg]

Couldn't have said it better.  My 21-year old daughter left for bootcamp on Monday.  We are very close but I made her move out when she was 18 because she didn't want to go to school and worked part-time at Starbucks and then didn't understand it when I wouldn't help her when her car broke down.  So she joined the Navy.  Super proud of her and super happy for this amazing opportunity that comes with A LOT of hard work.  We spend an amazing week together before she left but she used her first call home to call a guy she met the week before she left.  I waited and waited for her call that night, cried when it didn't come and when I saw on FB that she called him I just decided that I'm a military mom now and there's no time for crying.  Plus, I have my own life and job to do to take care of myself.  This is her journey and only she can do it.  Turned her over to God...love her, think of her daily and can't wait to see her again.

[LalitasMom]

Oh wow ,. very powerful message ,. thanks I"m crying but i know it will get better

[Mindya]

Wow!! Thanks so much for these words. It has been a long while since boot camp, but it doesn't get easier. This makes it more bearable to know they are doing such wonderful things for themselves and for others. My son is going through prototype and sometimes I miss him more than I can say.

Thank you for your words of comfort and wisdom as well all go through this together.

[aggiep]

It's a journey for the parents as well as the recruits. This site will be a tremendous help for you in the coming months.  Only other navy parents know the emotional train that you will be riding.  I cant compare this experience to any other in my life as a parent.  My daughter is in boot camp now, pir is 3/25/16. I've cried, smiled, felt the excitement of a 2 yr old when there is a letter in the mailbox or when caller ID says, illinois. Utter despair when my recruit called and cried when she heard my voice and then told me how homesick she was. Proud and honored when friends tell me to thank my daughter for her service.  Humbled when I hear what the recruits go through to defend this country.  All this before she's even graduated boot camp. Enjoy her and spend as much time as you can till summer.   She will be doing great things and be proud to be her mother.

[mamak]

Your feelings are Valid and Normal! Even Navy Sailors feel that way about their adult children joining!

Some things that help me sleep at night:

     6) Less than 100 years ago, our ancestors sent their young adults off to settle the West, never to have contact again. Most of those remote places had no postal service, telephones, planes, cars, or trains. If they survived so can we!

     5) I write a letter EVERY SINGLE DAY. It is my privilege to encourage my young adult by sending encouraging words, jokes, cartoons, stamps, sayings, pictures, inspirational quotes, mundane stuff about my week, and anything else I can think of!  Because of injuries, we are on day 125 now.

     4) Only about 5% of Americans are eligible to join the military. Fewer than 1% of those actually join. That comes out to one person protecting every 50,000.  My child is one of them!

     3) I have the privilege to pray for my young adult, who is maturing into one of the finest people on the planet, valuing Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

     2) A WEALTH of seasoned moms and WRITTEN INFORMATION are available on Navyformoms.com to encourage me and walk with me through this process. They have kept me sane on many occasions when I had a breakdown, and after injuries and 125+ days... The moms have been through this and more and WANT to support us!

     1) My child knows this is a call from God. I trust God.

I hope these thoughts and resources help you sleep at night, too, my almost Seaster (sea sister)!

[mamak]

:-)

[lemonelephant]

Wonderful advice!