He Leaves for Boot Camp 11/22/10

[Ship 02/Div 910 AggieNavyWife]

My husband leaves for Great Lakes on 11/22 (yep, the Monday before Thanksgiving).  I see a lot of moms on here and young girlfriends, so I don't quite know where I fit.  We're both early 30s, been married 10 years, both have jobs we love (well, he just quit his) and this is a "life long" dream of his.  So, I'm TRYING to be supportive and happy on the outside (and I am going crazy on the inside).  Anyone have advice???  Since I'm not a mom, girlfriend, newlywed, etc, I don't care WHO the advice/support/words of wisdom/talk down from the ledge comes from...  HELP!!!

[Jacob'sGrandma]

Hi There! I am Jacob's Grandma because my grandson Jacob who is nearly 19 will be leaving for bootcamp on March 9, 2011. Jacob is following in my husband's footsteps because he did the same thing when he was 19. I became a Navy wife at the ripe old age of 19 (much to our parent's dismay), but being that we just celebrated 40 years, it all worked out in the end.

I admire you greatly for what you are doing by being so supportive. You must love your guy very much, and I am sure that he will appreciate you all the more for the sacrifices you are about to make on his behalf. There is no one set way to be a Navy couple. You will have to find the way that works best for you. We always said that WE were in the Navy, as my life was every bit as affected as his was, and I was every bit as involved as he was. We served for 11 years, and it was a very exciting adventure, a satisfying and rewarding experience, but also an exercise in frustration and even a nightmare at times! In another words, "It was the best of times and the worst of times."

Lots of patience, and lots of love will get you through. I still have every letter he wrote to me, and he has kept all of those that I wrote to him. You say things in letters that you don't say in person. You will come to treasure these words. (One thing I learned...it is virtually impossible to have an arguement by mail.)

While your husband is away, keep yourself as busy as possible. Start a project that you would never do with him underfoot. You will be transitioning to a whole new way of life. Read every thing you can get your hands on. And stay connected here. The folks here are weath of information, and information is your road to sanity.

Welcome to the roller coaster. Hang on tight...it's going to be a great ride!

[Anita MA Mom]

Wow big difference for you !! One of my Sons friends also leaves Nashville on the 22nd for Great Lakes. My Son is at BC now and will graduate on Dec 17th. This will be an adventure of a lifte time for you both, and great Retirement for your Husband also. It will be hard at first I am sure, but just hang in there you will make it!! They can't really take much with them to BC. My son took a small pocket calendar, his wallet, and cell phone and I pod. Of course the phone and Ipod was shipped back with his clothes and shoes that he had on and his back pack. Go ahead and stock up on some cards that you can send him, so when you do get his address ( about a week or so later) you will be ready to send something. Get everyone in your circle of friends and family to write. It really will help him out. He also needs to take a phone card with him, go ahead and activate it before he goes, this saves time when he does get to call you. When he calls it will show PAY PHONE. We like so many others don't answer all the calls that we get. Good luck to you and your husband.
My Prayers are with you!