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I hope someone can respond and give me a few words of encouragement on how they got through the days immediately after their son/daughter left. I feel like I'm not going to be able to function. Any advice is appreciated.
Views: 2093
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Storymom on
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one more good thing about leaving for boot camp...they can take their cell phones, fully charged, and my son would text at every little airport lay-over as he made his way to Great Lakes...then a final text as he got off the plane there...THEN the cell arrives in "the Box" along with his civilian clothes, shoes, socks, etc. The box can be heartbreaking, (have kleenex ready) but also good to know, he changed into his utility uniform and shipped his "civies" home to you, just as they all do-- for safe-keeping. just one small part of the journey. ;-) (I got the box about a week later...it was comforting, actually)
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Permalink Reply by Navy for Moms Admin on
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I loved your great words of encouragement Storymom!
-Tiffany (N4M Admin)
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Thank you Tiffany! love - love this website! Thank you for all you do for us over there in Admin!
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Permalink Reply by bisbee73 on
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Madeline - I know exactly what you are feeling. About 2 weeks before he left I had a complete melt-down and was sure I wouldn't survive his leaving. I felt like someone had died I was so empty inside. Reading this site helped a lot and these wise women are right when they say keep busy and it gets easier with time. I stayed home from work for 2 days I was such a mess but that really was a bad idea. Keeping your mind occupied helps. The other trick the ladies talk about are just counting the Friday's until PIR, not each day. It put's into a much more manageable time frame (at least for me). Now, if I just had his letter with PIR date I could start my count!!!! Feel free to be sad and cry because you really are mourning a loss (of your son in your home). It does get better. Keep letting us know who you're doing. Lots of love at Navy For Moms.
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Permalink Reply by jamieRN Div. 073 PIR 1/24 on
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We all completely understand..... we are all right here with you , in fact my son will be leaving for BC in eleven days.....I have been crying for months..... i am going to send you a prayer and a big NMH!!!! We will all make it .we are all tough..... we raised sailors, afterall
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Permalink Reply by Deontes MOM on
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First (((((big hug))))))...... I know what you are going through , my son left on Oct 1st and he graduates next week on the 27th. The first few days it felt like my heart was broken. But I started writing him letters, I did not have an address to send them to, but it gave me something to do. I started counting the weeks down and when it got closer I started counting the days down. I felt a little better after I received a real call from him, not the (I'm here call) .
The time will go by fast. Keep coming to this web site , it helped me to get through and remember you are not alone.
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Permalink Reply by djk's Mom on
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My Son leaves on Monday and I have been crying constantly.. Tonight we are having a going away party and I do not know how I will get through it? I have questions about things and the recruiter hasn't called me back! So stressed , and NOT sleeping
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Permalink Reply by bikerbabe55 on
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Big Hug from me too!!!! My Sailor Recruit left for BC on Tuesday of this week. I am feeling like you are and I have been trying to keep busy. I went into her room to tidy up a bit - big mistake - too soon! I like and appreciate all the support you have gotten here on NFM. I'm thinking about hitting the treadmill and I like the suggestion about counting Fridays. Its too soon to write letters for me and I've read that we shouldn't send them until we get our "letter" .... There is so much to remember I feel like I am a recruit too!!! Keep Busy and try to be tough - if they can do BC so can we (in our own way) .....
This is my first post so I hope I didnt step on any toes or say anything I shouldnt have. If I did please let me know - this is a trial and error effort for me!
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Permalink Reply by Laura on
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Such great advice everyone has given. Yes, count weeks not days and have that phone handy.....call will come mid boot camp. Call can come at anytime. I focused on graduation....looking into flights, hotels etc...Also was made aware that when you go to graduation a quick trip to Kmart was necessary to get underwear and a few other necessities they needed immediately. When you see them they might hand you a large package of photos and frames they were encouraged to buy. We shipped home, because did not want extra package on airplane. I did not expect to hear from my son much because we are not a very warm and fuzzy family, communicate as needed. This made it hard and easy at the same time. When we did hear from him it was a surprise. Keep your head up. The next step is so much easier.
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Permalink Reply by momof1navyguy on
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My son just left on this past Wed 11/20, it was really hard the first couple of days and it still gets to me however, reading these posts helps. I also have been getting together with friends, some understand what I am going through others don't but they are still very supportive. I don't have a close family so I lean on those friends. Also, something that I found on several of the post here, count Fridays instead of counting each day. Read your bible if you are religious, it helps especially psalms. Friend me, you can lean on me or vent. I am here to listen and we are all in this together. Know that the Navy is taking good care of your recruit and no news is good news. Hugs...
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My boyfriend started BC on the 21. It has been tough, but I write him constantly. I get a paper per day and just write throughout the day. Although I can't send them yet, it makes me feel better, as if I get to communicate with him somewhat.
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I have to say having 3 kids of my own. One lives in Florida (just moved there in Oct), one does off shore fishing (hardly ever see him) and now my baby, 18 years old just left for the Navy. With all my kids doing their own thing I have to say, I DID THAT!!! I raised them to be independant so you need to pat yourself on the back for you raised A fine young sailor. Be proud that your child can spread their wings and expand their life.
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