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.

[mamak]

Given to me by some of the best, you being one of them!

[lemonelephant]

Thank you for that.

[TerrieAnn]

Some good words of wisdom!

[emptynest]

I feel your pain.  It's like someone on this site said don't miss them while they are here enjoy every minute you have them.  So that is what I did.  My son left this past Tuesday the 8th of March.  He left home on the 7th.  It has been 3 days since I have spoken to him.  Today has been really difficult.  I have cried enough to put out a small fire.  

Enjoy the time you have plan things line up your calendar's. Take lots of pictures and video's they will help.  I took random pictures not all of them were posed.  I would just go up and say smile. We would be at all kind of places when I took the pictures.  Some of them were when he was sleeping.  I feel like if I could just talk to him I would feel better.  Make memories it will be hard.  I am a single mother. With my son gone to boot camp I now have an empty nest.  I am here if you need anything.  My first time of ever going through this also.  I haven't slept for 3 days don't know if I will tonight.  I am not a coffee drinker but I had to drink a cup to stay awake at work today.  May the Lord hold you in his arms and surround you and your family with a hedge of Angels.  

[anxiousmom]

Oh boy ..I have also been stressing about the same thing you are going through now.  I am a single mother and my daughter leaves May 9th.  Every now and then it hits me and I get very sad.  Where did your son leave from to go to BC?  I joined this site a couple of months ago just so I can obtain info so I could try to be prepared.  My daughter does not tell me much.  She is excited and I am very happy for her ..I think I am just being selfish in that what makes it feel worse is that she is basically moving out ....  She will no longer be here after she leaves and that is so hard to deal with.  I am sorry you ae feeling sad.  The folks on these sites have been through it and they understand.  My daughter hasn't left yet but Im hoping when she does they all support me to help me get through that 8 weeks of basically no communication until A school starts up.  I also cry whenever I think about it .....My thoughts are with you :)  

[GavinDMOM]

My son left on Monday 3/7/16 and my husband and I are so lonesome without him. We both went through Navy boot camp so, that makes things better since we know what he is going through. He is our youngest and I cried so hard when he left. I can't wait to hug him at graduation. We are going to write him lots of letters too.

[Kaylasmom]

My daughter graduates in June and leaves July 26th. I'm full of emotions as well.  

[LalitasMom]

my daughter just left to BC on the 26th of this month just four days ago. its been a horrible feeling,sadness ,emptiness we feel so proud of our baby she has so much courage its a whole life change for all of us. We pray and pray for her so much and for us as well . we are trying to live without her for a while . God willing everything is good with her and she will be strong and able to go thru all the challenges she approaches. thanks God we have this site because it really helps i printed out some stories and encouragement words and placed them n our fridge so we can see it all the time makes me happy to read them. gives me strength and courage to keep on going . we have her room door closed i like to pretend that she is in there and every night before going to bed i knock n her door and say ( good night baby ) same as i live every morning to work. I cannot go inside her room yet,.  its been only four days i know its going to get better slowly but i know it will get better. 

[Kaylasmom]

Sorry for such a late response. I've been very busy with my kids and vacations. Where do you live? That would be amazing if my daughter can make friends while in bootcamp, I think it will help with the emotions.

[ProudMapi]

Thank you all for your kind words. My daughter means the world to me and she's helping me in this process. She tells me we are now part of this amazing Navy family and I'm glad I was introduce to this site because reading each one of your moments and experience are very helpful. Thank you all for taking the time to help me in this moment, I'm here also for you all. Linda

[Marie]

We are all going through the same emotions.  Less than a week and our son leaves for BC.  He says he excited, and is anxious to get his new life started.      We are very proud of him of course, and he has put a lot time into his decision.  It just don't make it easier to let go.   

[zandys]

Hey Guys, Here is an update with us. My son FINALLY was able to call home this pass Saturday and he was able to talk for about 10min. It made my entire weekend hearing his voice. Okay so this is what I got so far from this experience and also some helpful advice that your families can use during this BC process. Fist let me say He already sounds like a different young MAN. He said this time has really drawn him into a closer relationship with GOD (we are a spiritual family and he is a preachers kid) through really spending a lot of time reading his Bible and in prayer at night. Here are his words:

" It's been very difficult not being able to communicate with the family and my friends, it really has been hard those days when my name wasn't called for mail. I used those days to just read my word. This is a real experience and it is already making a better man out of me. I strongly suggest that all young man do such a thing if they really want to become MEN for real. My purpose is to set a great example for my siblings and other young people attached to me to encourage them to make something of themselves and become honorable people in our time. I am happy that I made this choice mom and just know that they can't break me."

Tips:

If they haven't left for BC yet, be sure to send them with calling cards and if they have left... send them calling cards, mailing stamps so that they can write back. The few dollars they are allowed to take will be spent on like hygiene items and so forth. 

Write your child every single day if you can... or every other... I want my son to hear his name called every single time it's "Mail call." Also ask your child if there is another kid there that really doesn't have support of family and get that kids information because it's great to be selfless and kind to another that needs encouragement also during such a transition in life. 

The first 3 weeks are very difficult because you don't have any information to be able to write your child (you have to wait until you get the "Letter Form"). But once you get the information, start sending those letters, pictures, calling cards and mailing stamps. 

Book your rooms as soon as you get the graduation date also. 

I hope this helps you guys with preparation. We are always going to miss our children and that feeling will NEVER EVER change. But BRAVO parents, we have raised some amazing people.