I am sad!

[Argie]

Help me I am so sad because my son Bryan wants to join Navy he will be taking test tomorrow I want emotional support

[SharonS3]

Well it is sad because we are letting go of our children to an unknown place. we are not there to protect them like we have done all their life. My duaghter is onl 17 so I get to be sad and Proud at the same time.

[NurseNavyMom(Shelia)]

We have all been there where you are. But the Navy changes lives and gives them opportunities that they would have not encountered in civilian life. Here is the story of my son briefly-graduated from boot camp Oct 1, 04, served 5 years enlisted, got an Associate Degree in college while enlisted. Decided to make Navy his career. Applied for and got a 2 year ROTC Navy scholarship and will graduate May 2011 from University South Florida, will become a Commissioned Naval Officer in Aviation and will enter flight school some time after Commissioning. If they work hard and set goals for themselves they can accomplish many things. Even on the enlisted side my son received early promotions and was an E-5, 2nd class Petty Officer when he came out of active enlisted duty. He had to go into reserves to complete his Bachelors Degree to become a Commissioned Naval Officer through ROTC. Best of luck to your son. There will be days to celebrate soon ahead with his PIR and you will be forever proud of him.!!

[celsjl]

You know, I have to tell you that I was not so happy, when my son told us that he wanted to join. However, there are many good things that the navy can do for them. Plus, it is one of the safest branches of service, and they do seem to take good care of their people. Finally, it sounds weird, but they also take much care to ensure they will be able to function in the service. My son was accepted into the nuclear program after his ASVAB test, and was in the DEP (delayed entry program) for a year before going to basic training, learning what he would need to be successful in the navy, then he went to basic. He made it almost to the end, before he started sleepwalking and had to be separated. I was thankful that they were concerned with his safety and the safety of the other sailors, even though he did not get to complete the program. He is actually doing well, knowing that we supported him, and that it was more of a medical type problem that caused him not to get to complete the program, than failure of doing the tasks. I still think he is a better person for the time he spent there. Don't get me wrong-I'M SO HAPPY TO HAVE HIM BACK HOME!!! But I had to remember, I raised him to think for himself and how to make good decisions. In the end he showed me he learned the lessons well! I'm sure your son is the same.

[saylorsmom]

Hi there ladies!
I read all your posts and it brought back MANY memories! My son left for BC on 8/19/09 and is currently deployed aboard the USS Eisenhower. All of you will have many more tears to come, trust me! But, just remember, it takes our sons and daughters serving in the military in order for ALL Americans to enjoy the freedom we hold dear. BC is so hard on them and us moms that's for sure. But, look at like this....it's only 8 weeks. And in those weeks you will not believe what they learn and how they transform into such an amazing person. I strongly urge ALL of you to attend PIR if at all possible. That was by far one of the most AMAZING days of my life. I couldn't believe how much my son had changed. When they say they leave home a boy and become a man, it's so true. I never thought my heart could hold so much pride and joy as it did that day. He graduated #1 in his division and was recognized by the Rear Admiral afterwards....WOW.....talk about amazing! I knew then my son had made the right decision to serve his country. He was so proud of his accomplishments. As was his dad and I. Like your son Argie, my son always wanted to be a "soldier" when he was little. It was so hard to let him go...but we did....and we ALL survived! LOL Just be sure to always let him know how much you love and support him. That is the greatest gifts you can give him. I am here for support for all you that have loved ones in BC if you need anything at all. Good luck to all of you and God Bless :)

Angie

[Cheryl-Steph's mom]

I know what you mean, I cried all the time too after she made her decision to join. But now that she's graduated Bootcamp, I can see such a positive change in her. She is my baby and we live in the United Kingdom so it was very hard to have her leave to go to Great lakes and I had to stay in the UK, it was hard, but once you see them in their uniform and how proud he is of what he has accomplished, you will not be able to stop smiling. Its hard to let our children grow up, but at least he will have a good job and great friends which is a lot more than some kids can say. Everyone on this site has been through the same things and we are here to support you in anyway we can.

[Diana, Proud Mom of Blake]

You are in the right spot Angie! The emotions you are and will continue to experience from here on out are the common thread between all Navy Moms. This sight will provide you with unlimited support and knowledge that is sometimes difficult to find in the mainstream civilian world. The tides of emotion you will experience will be as shifting as the desert sand. Everything from loneliness, fear, sadness and even anger but you will then begin to see the transformation we all talk about.

As for Bryan...take a look at the economy right now. Look at the number of college grads with huge student loans that cannot even find minimum wage jobs and you will know based on that alone that your Son is making a wise decision. My Son has been in for over two years now and loves it. The opportunities to do and see things that he would have never had the chance to do has been awesome. For his hard work and dedication he has been recognized and rewarded. He was named BJOG for the first quarter of this year and is now back in school to learn a new rating with better advancement opportunities. The mentoring by his seniors has been outstanding and I believe that while he considered himself to be a six year enlistee...he may very well try to make it a career.

So hang in there and take advantage at what N4M's has to offer. Be proud and be confident that your son is making a wonderful decision for his future. Please contact me if you would like to be friends. I am not on the site nearly as much as I was in the very beginning but I would be happy to help you in any way I can. Diana : )

[kathi]

Hey Brian, I know the shock you feel. Oddly enough, my spoiled son did this to me. I thought he would fail at taking orders and submitting to authority, but he loves it. Your son might love it too. Good Luck. I have 3 more weeks of boot camp and I finally get to go see him.

[TN.sailormom'10]

We have been waiting a year for my son to leave,now he is going Aug.2,and it hit me on July 4 he is really leaving...he has been living on his own for 1 1/2 yrs.but at least I can see him when I want..yes,it makes me sad,too,but I am also sooo happy for him,since I know there is nothing here,and he will have a much better life!!My dad was retired Navy,and he would be so proud of him if he were here now.I know those first few days will probably be hard,but I also know he will be in good hands,and will look forward to seeing him in 8 weeks!!!

[ilovelucy]

mom2boys: your story sounds like mine. My son has lived on his own for 6 yrs now. He is 25. He has tried various jobs--low paying. He has education in auto mechanics but the jobs in our area are not great. My heart was so heavy when I learned his intentions to join the Navy. Now that I am 3 weeks away from his graduation, I am pleased and very happy for him. Our letters to each other are very theraputic for us both. He is doing well (his team is not). The sense of accomplishments in passing inspections, tests, etc (and with great scores) is helping his self worth/esteem. This will give him a good chance in life. He is now going into aircraft mechanics! He will love that. He has drawn closer to the Lord which thrills me!! The hardest days for me was the anticipation of him leaving...where you are right now. Everytime I would look at him, I would cry! I will lift you up in prayer during the time! Hey, you and I have Tennessee in common!

[saylorsmom]

Hey mom2boys and ilovelucy(Ship 10 Div 253)....I live in TN also!!!!! GO VOLS!!! lol I wish you and your sons the best of luck! BC is the hardest. But, you guys will survive and then when you see your sons at PIR it will all be worth it. That will be the proudest day ever!! But, beware....when you see them....expect a change. It's a wonderful change, but, they will be different. I thought my heart was going to pop out of my chest when I saw my son for the first time at PIR. They can't send or receive mail for the first two weeks of BC. But, do what I did...write and mail him a letter EVERYDAY. As soon as I received his address I started sending letters. That way they will have lots of letters to read when they do receive mail for the first time. My son said that was a lifesaver for him. You guys email me anytime you need anything. My email is: [e-mail]

Good luck and God Bless you and your sons!!!!!

Angie :)

[Gwen AO2 Matt]

Argie dont be sad. When my son was 3 years old he talked about going into the military to protect his family and country. I know you are probably saying three years old he didnt know what he was saying, but he continued to talk about it all the way to his senior year. Everytime some one asked him what he was going to do when he got out of school he would say i am foing to protect my family and country.
My family would reponse with why do you want to do that and he would say because i want to know that i made a difference in my life and someone elses. I was very sad when the time came for him to leave i cried everry night til i feel asleep and would cry whenever someone mentioned his name. But he has been in now for a year and a half and I have never been more proud of him. Everytime i see him i see how much he has grown and become more responsible. When he was deployed he was the youngest in his group of people but they all looked up to him to take care of them. Hang in there and give your son all the support you can. You, your family and his friends will be proud to know him.

[Rita]

Don't be sad, be happy & proud of him. He wants to make something of his life and God knows there is not alot of jobs to be found. My daughter left on June 16th, to serve her country, and I too cried and still miss her like crazy but now I'm counting down the weeks for PIR and can't wait to see her. It is hard but if this is what he wants just support him. She turned 27 a week after she left but I now know this is what she has always wanted ever since graduating high school. She is going to live her dream, I am so very proud of her.