My son left for bootcamp I am lost...

[ktzmom02]

I am inconsolable.I never knew this would be so difficult for me. My son graduated from high school a little over a month ago and left yesterday for boot camp, My daughter is ten years old and I love her dearly but I am lost without my son and cannot stop crying. I feel lost without him. We were so close we did so many things together, I don't know what I am going to do now that he is not here with us. Has anyone ever been in this situation? If so please respond I could really use some comforting words about now.

[MidwestMom]

The first week is probably the toughest...followed by the second week.  Hopefully you'll get your first real letter from him towards the end of the third week and once communication has been re-established, it WILL get easier.  Just think of it in steps...first the box, then the form letter, then a real letter, then a call...you get the picture.  Each step brings you closer to PIR and closer to him being able to call and text you daily from A-school.  Spend your time now writing letters, reading, or working on some project that you know he'd be proud of.  My husband and I went on a bootcamp diet while our son was in.  We also started running.  He left in May and graduated early July and this Saturday we are entering our first 5K ever.  Not only was our son impressed with us, but we're living healthier and more active lives.  If we can get in shape in our late 40's, any of you young wives and GFs can too, lol!  :)  Do a project to make him especially proud of you--whether it is self improvement or something else you see needs done!  It will help the time go by too!

[angels4atime]

We're going through it with you.  My only son left for boot camp on July 5th.  I stayed as strong as I could for him, but once he was gone I fell apart.  He was and is my world.  What I have found to help get through is to focus on writing him letters, learning as much as I can about what he is going through each week and preparing for his graduation.  I know you're as proud of your son as I am mine.  We and all the other parents of these kids are fortunate!  Celebrate all of his milestones and make him an awesome scrapbook to present to him at graduation or something else that would be special between the two of you.  It'll turn the negative energy into something positive and change your focus from sadness to one of hope.  Best of luck to you and lots of hugs :)  Oh, and try a pedicure or massage!

[julie_z]

My son left for BC on Monday and arrived on base tuesday night....He's only 18 and just graduated high school in May. I have my youngest son who is 17 and "has a life"....I feel lost without Zach....we too were very close (practically attached at the hip) I have not quit crying since I got up on Monday morning. I do fine at work until someone says "how you holding up honey?" And I know that they genuinely care but do not realize the impact of their concern. I have been writing letters to him every morning....can't mail them yet. Every day I think about "what are they doing to my son?' I have always been the mom who is...you pick on my son you pick on me type person so my imagination has run in full force on the type of torture they are inflicting on him (lol). The toughest part is the "no contact". I have never been this far apart from him with out a text message or phone call. So I can truly feel you pain....Don't feel guilty that you are crying...Hey we are mourning here....our babies have grown up.  They did it after we went to bed Sunday night.....

[BunkerQB]

1. They don't torture recruits - cost too much - with our budget restraints, they have to find the best of the recruits and weed out the ones who won't make it.

2. If you have a son who is ready to go into the military at 18 - YOU have done something RIGHT. So give yourself a pat on the back.

3. Now take a huge breath. This is a natural part of life. Sooner or later, you beloved boy (s) do go out in the world and travel their own paths. Personally, I would like to have a compound where both my sons can live right at home - one on either side of my house - selfish huh?. Well, I have one who is in Hawaii and another in ND.  Three thousand milies west and three thousand milies east. Thank God for cell phones, text and email.

4. From one Tiger mom to another - I have no doubt that if someone was hurting my dear boy, I would go to the end of the earth and back to protect him. But guess what, they want to fight their own battles. I know how you feel.

5. Try to find some humor about your situation everyday. Writ a paragraph or two about it. Start a journal. It'll make great reading in a few months.

6. Feel free to drop in here anytime. We have all been there - maybe not on the exact spot but close.

Regards, BQB

[fiddlesticks]

Hi there! My son William also left one week ago. He also graduated this year. I also have a daughter but she is 16.

My friend I know what you are feeling!!!!!    I feel like an arm was cut off. I love William and we too did lots of things together.

I have been writing letters to William everyday. I have entrusted God with his life and ask God often to heal my heavy heart. I know this is what William wanted and his long dream come true. I cannot stop him from the desires of his heart.

My faith in God and knowing that soon I will see him is what makes be try to be happy. But I have moments of sadness. The beautifull years we shared went really fast. But we HAD great time and I have Loved him with all my heart. Chin up and be so so proud, you have a great SON! :)

 

[Colten's Mom-Nuke A school 1207A]

My son left 2 weeks after graduating high school. He spent one of those weeks on a mission trip. I had 1 week with him after graduation. I am still crying off and on. It doesn't help that he was suppose to PIR yesterday and didn't due to an injury. So we are looking at an additional 6 weeks. before he can finish boot camp. I was up till after 2 am just crying he has been my whole world for 18 years. I miss him so much I just want to hug him. I am worried about his state of mind knowing htat he was suppose to be in that PIR group yesterday.

 

 

[Colten's Mom-Nuke A school 1207A]

Thanks it has been tough! The only silver lining to it all is I get to talk to him every week and he says that he is still there because this is where the Lord needs him and can use him the most. He said he went to 2 worship services last week.

[Vicki B]

All I can say is mine is leaving on Tuesday and I can't stop crying.  So I can tell you, you're not alone and you are not crazy..

[Colten's Mom-Nuke A school 1207A]

I got a phone call this afternoon. He sounds amazing!!! I He said he is now Petty Officer. He is so excited!!!

 

[Erinaday (Ship 13 DIV 265)]

That is wonderful news!!!

[Courtney's Mom Ship 11 Div 313]

I got my call and she shounds home sick ... but she shounds amazing....

[Courtney's Mom Ship 11 Div 313]

I have been in the same situatuon for weeks now... I have not cried for about 2 weeks but my daughter is always on my mind. I have got letters from her (3) but I just miss her so much... I work alot and I spend lots of time with my other daughter who is 17 now and is starting her SR year in Highschool... I just do not know what to do ......