my son is leaving for boot camp December 1oth, I'm freaking out

[mamastephs]

My son wasn't suppose to leave until March 2nd, they called last week and asked if he could leave in December, he now leaves the 10th, I feel like a crazy mom because all I'm doing is crying my eyes out... not sure how I can let him go... can't even be strong infront of him.  We are so close can't imagine my life without him in it.

I don't know much right now, and that's not helping.  any help I would appreciate.

Also I'm knew to this website.

[ALITAZZ]

I feel the same :(  its too hard !!!!  My son leaves tomorrow and I devastated 

[mamastephs]

I really thought I had the Holidays with him, so I was ok as I could be...then this.. He's super excited can't wait, but the unkowns for me... I know this week will fly by when I want it to go super slow...

I have another son who's 10 but I can't seem to focus on him, I feel horrible for that..

Good Luck to your son, and please stay in touch...

[Kellis]

Mine left today. It's soo hard. The week before my son left was incredibly hard and I was a wreck. His last night at home was awful for me. I did ok today at the airport thank goodness.
It's nice to have others to talk to here.

[azmom]

It is hard when they leave but remember, this is what they want.  Be strong.  Don't break down in front of him.  It's ok to cry, we all do, its normal but try to wait until he leaves before you totally lose it.  LOL

You will still have him in your life.  Yes, Navy will come first in his life but family will keep him grounded and they need our love and support.

Remember, it is SOOO much harder for them than it is for us.  They are the ones leaving everyone and everything behind. They are learning a new way of life---- The NAVY LIFE.  The Navy way of living.  We still have family, friends, pets.  

It takes time but you will start to feel better.  After BC you will be able to talk, text, Skype, Facetime, etc with your sailor.  It's wonderful.

Be strong!  Be supportive!  Be proud!  After all we are Navy Moms!  We are Navy strong!

GL to your recruit and your family.

Keep us posted as to how your "Journey" is going.  It is quite the ride.  I LOVE IT!

[mamastephs]

thank you... we met with his recruiter last night to get the final details about him leaving next week, they wanted to drive him to MEPS, I'm like no we will take him and spend all the time we can together on his last day!!  LOL

I'm doing ok right now, concentrating on his going away party we are throwing for him tomorrow.  that might be hard.

I can't wait to see him swear in for the last time. It will make me so proud!! Already making plans to visit him while in A school... and of course can't wait for his graduation from boot camp!!

I appreciate all the support from you all!!  much love :)

[amj510]

I feel the same, mine leaves Monday.  All I am doing is crying.   Sending you hugs.

[middlemom]

I feel the same way.  Mine leaves on December 14th.  You will find a lot of support here on this website.  A lot of other mom's have gone thru this and can help.  Stay strong.

[liberty83]

My son left on 11/10/15  believe me it was very hard to see him leave.  I cried like a baby especially for a few days, but now it's just little moments of crying and then I think of how proud I am of him and that he wanted to do this.  Believe me it will get easier as the time goes by the hardest thing for me is not being able to talk to him every day.  Now I am so looking forward to PIR in just five weeks.  I sure hope they fly by. 

[Bananamom]

My son left Dec. 8, 2009 for boot camp. It was tough not having him home for the holidays, but this was the life he chose. And as a Navy Mom, this will also be your new normal. He'll always be your son and as tough as it is, it's important that you try your hardest to support him and be strong. What you're feeling is totally normal and healthy. If I could say anything to you it's that it does get easier. Really. N4M is a great place to go for support. And I come back every year at this time to check out the groups and say, from experience, it's HARD but it will be okay.

CS2 Mom

[1ProudNavyMom]

You sound like me when I got the date of my daughter's departure. She left 2 days before Thanksgiving. My daughter is my Velcro. Sounds like your son is yours. Be strong. He is moving in such a positive direction. Have one last celebration with him with all his favorite foods. Invite family and friends over to offer the words of encouragement. Get a tiny address book for him with everyone address and phone number so that he can write to them. All will be fine. I can remember while I was washing dishes and started to cry. But now the tears are tears of joy because I am so proud of her and your son  is going to make you proud to.

[mamak]

My child left 9 weeks earlier than anticipated!  One of my dear friends told me to WRITE EVERY DAY!!!!!!! K said in one of her 2 letters that "...it's nice to know what the 'outside' world is like." It took over two weeks for her to get my first letter, and about that for me to get hers. Be as ENCOURAGING as you can! Mine prefers to hear about everyday things, as we were very close and did a lot together. Anything your are upset with your child about, it can wait until after boot camp! Know that you are grieving several weeks of time you thought you'd get and then his date got bumped up. We had an Anchors Aweigh come-and-go party and invited the whole church plus friends! We asked people to write memories of her or encouraging words and have put those in an album. Even if he has already left, you can surprise him with them later on, or mail them during boot camp. They can only send mail on Sundays, starting the second Sunday. Be as positive as you can, remind him of past successes - it makes a huge difference when they have people looking 100% of the time for things that are not perfect!

[mamastephs]

He left on thursday, my heart feels like it's been ripped out. I can't seem to concentrate on anything, have no appetite and at sometimes find myself feeling like I can't breath. He's always been by my side... It took us 6 years to have him (infertility troubles) and now I feel he's gone way to soon!! I have another son who's 10, he's closer to his dad, and I almost feel like I don't wanna get any closer because I don't want to feel this pain ever again!! :(

He had a very hard time the night before he left at the hotel, second guessed what he was doing, doesn't wanna leave us for 6 years... the HARDEST conversation I've ever had with him was that night because I was encouring him to stay and that this is what he wants (even though i wanted to drive there and get him right then and there) he got really anxious on the plane, was bad again... when he got off and had to find the USO he called and was better, it's getting me sick not knowing if he's ok now or if he's still working himself up... when he's tired he over thinks, and we all have read they won't get sleep for the first 2-3 days.... 

This site is wonderful knowing I am not alone with what I am feeling! I can't wait for my box to be able to have a piece of him back home... I've written him so many letters already my recruiter has been wonderful also, said he should have his address for me possibly monday or Tuesday... I can't wait to get my letter or phone call, then I will be ok knowing he's better..

I'm even writing a letter from his dog... I told him my letter will be very boring because I really don't do much but I will tell him everything I do... he said please make sure people write to him, I said I will even if I have to go to Stop & Shop and hand his address out to strangers... haha

Thanks for listening.... much love  :)