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My son left yesterday, Aug 13 - I'm surprised at my emotions.

We have had a long journey to get to this date.  It finally came.  He swore in around 10:30 am. We had about 5 minutes with him, then they went inside to get some paperwork buttoned up and then bus to Chicago.     

I knew it would be hard, but I can't seem to pull myself together.  It's not like me to cry in the first place, so this is really something.

I keep thinking about the things I imagine him dealing with and feel like I need to somehow suffer with him through it.   He is very prepared and ready, but still, I think about that moment he pulled up to the training center,  the moments of chaos and confusion around,  the yelling and unknown expectations.   For some reason, those are things that are griping my heart.   

We received our phone call around 12:30 am.  It was very brief and scripted.   He sounded calm and just like my boy, but all business.   I tried to respond and say I love you, hang in there, but it was already silent on the other end before I could even speak.     I've sobbed almost like I'm grieving and I don't understand it really.   He is excited and this is a dream of his since childhood.    I guess the pride I feel is part of the overwhelming emotion.     

I keep thinking, maybe I'll feel better tomorrow once I am imagining that he finally gets to sleep some.   Yet....what do I know about what is going on there/??  nothing really. lol!  ( Just all the stuff we have read and seen, and that may or may not be accurate.)

I guess I am writing for two reasons - One is to ask you mom's if you were caught off guard by your intensity of emotions?   and Two - to say to anyone else that 'might' read it, you are not alone if you happen to find yourself this way.    I have no idea what is normal.     I just hope it can pass soon.

I am strong in my Christian faith, and have prayed for my son all his life,  I would love to say that I am so filled with trust and faith that I have no fear, however...I've prayed so much for him the past few hours that I feel like God might be wishing I would move on to another subject.  ;-)   (ha!) .   

oh, and....I have a new love and passion for all things NAVY!  ;-)

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Thank you, Tracey.   (misery loves company) .  I do appreciate you responding.   It helps.    And thanks for the offer to talk it out.     Hope you have a wonderful day and get that next call SOON! ;-) 

It is so hard isn't it?   I am having to stay away from the pictures we took at swearing in.  Every time I see him I get emotional.  lol!    

I just keep asking in my head was I the best mother? Why did I yell at those legos on the floor? He’s such a great son and I’m going to miss him at home. My heart is being ripped out from my chest and I can’t breathe. I have 10 more days with him.

LOL!!!!  Oh PattyRN...I can so relate to all the thoughts of everything you wish you hadn't done or said. (legos on floor, fussing about dirty clothes or empty glasses, etc) .   Being a mom is so wonderful and heart wrenching both.    Just last night I was trying to talk to my husband and was the same way, ended up trying to comment on what a great boy our son always has been and the young man he is and i have to stop talking or i'll just loose it.   

by the way... i can remember when we had 10 days left,   the countdown starts flying by, doesn't it?      Let me know if you need to chat ;-) 

My son shipped on August 13th also, and my husband and I are so proud. Like, you I'm not a crier and I did really well up till it was time to say goodbye to him. He put his arms around me and said oh mom, it will be okay. I thought that it would help that both my husband and I had been through what he is going through since both of us were in, but in all it has and hasnt help. My husband look at me yesterday and said Dawn he is more prepared than we were when we went in, which is true. I catch myself thinking I wonder what he is doing right now. Is he holding up and I know he is and he can do this but I worry like all you do. I love that they have this support group for moms.

I'm so thankful too.    My husband ( and even my father in law), have said the exact same to me:  He is so prepared and ready for this.     I can't tell you how much it helps to know that you have had this same struggle and you and your husband have been through it!!!!  That is very telling of how much it impacts a mom I suppose.     Were you Navy also?            I've wondered almost hour by hour what they might be doing. 

I wish I could just text him and check in.  ;-) . I am always texting my kids to ask all the mom questions.  (hehe)...Who was there?  Did you make any friends?  How many people were there?  Have you slept?  Did you eat?  Are you ok?....that sort of stuff.  

Thanks for responding.  Praying for your boy.... (and thank you for your service )  ;-)   

(What is your son's rate?) 

Your thoughts and feelings are normal!  Be sure to join the boot camp group - here's the link:

Boot camp

You'll find information there that explains day by day what happens at BC.  Be sure to look at the pages (24) to the right under the member profiles.  Lots of good info!

Hang in there!

THank you! 

My son left on 8/13 as well. My reaction to this is insane with emotion. I am feeling much better tonight. This board helps. Watching videos of bootcamp and learning about the process helps for sure. I got the first call last night at 8:15 PST. How about you?

I’m having a better night too :) Our son called about 1am that night. (Tuesday night/Wed am).  I was a mess after the call.  I agree with you; videos, information, and connecting with others has been a great help.  Thank you for responding. I hope things continue to get better and you will hear your son is doing well soon.  I wonder if we will all be at the same PIR ceremony if our Sailors shipped on the same date? 

I would think so. If they pass all the tests and dont get set back. I've just sent him a text message knowing his phone is in a box. Did make me feel good :) hang in there. Maybe tomorrow will be good too.

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