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

[InTheNavyMom]

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!  ;-)

[Claire]

Donna816

I just came home to the form letter.. it was so great to finally have it and know at least he has got this far. His PIR is 10/11 too, but he is in DIV 374

I am counting down the days.

Going to get a Sandboxx letter done tonight , see if it will get to him quicker than snail mail,. Tomorrow I can start sending out all of the 10 letters i have already written . Lol!

Were does your son want to go for A school? Does he know yet? 

[Badger01]

My son left the same day. I can relate. I was completely unprepared for how it would make me feel. They are probably making friendships and will have great stories to last a lifetime.

[Claire]

My son shipped on the 12th and I was a mess. He was so emotional before he left, that  it just broke my heart. 

I did speak to him at the airport before he got on the plane, and when he called to say he had arrived safe, my phone glitched and I could not pick up. His call went to voicemail and  I thought I was going  to die!

I imagined him struggling with his emotions, being so homesick and tired and there as nothing  I could do about it . 

I think these feelings are normal ... we raise these kids for 18 or so years and then suddenly we have to let them go. I have so many friends with kids going off to college for the first time and they are all a mess, but they can talk to their kids make sure they are doing fine ... we cannot.

However, I  have heard from him since... he had to call to get security questions answered and I was able to chat while we were filing out the paper work together. He was good. He said the 1st week was really like a week long MEPS , but that he liked his rack mates and his RDC and was excited for things to get started for real. I know he will have moments when he feels down  and homesick and tired, but it made me feel so much better. I  just wanted to let you know that he is doing fine and hopefully your son is too. 

I have been writing letters every day, even though I don't have an address to send them to yet... but it helps me feel better writing funny little things that I know would make him smile and words of encouragement that I would say to him if I could speak to him.  I plan on him getting a letter or note every day... that is what I can do  for him right now. I am trying to keep myself busy too. I have asked lots of questions of this group too and have found it so helpful . I spend hours every day, just reading the info.

His box came in and I found that so hard :(

Your son will be fine :) Hang in there . It will start getting easier as the count down begins ... at least I hope so . 

[PattyRN]

My son left today. I have been crying for the past three weeks everyday I think. A song I hear can trigger it. We had a lot of great quality time together, so those memories make me happy. He’s so ready. I have no doubt in my mind that he will succeed in his goals. 75 left out of Fort Meade, MD. 22 from the Navy. It was their largest deployment ever!  I am so proud of these Sailors and am praying for their families tonight. I know you are hurting. 

[lemonelephant]

PattyRN, I left info for you on your My Page and in a PM (check your Inbox in the upper left).

[Nautical Mom]

InTheNavyMom I understand completely how you are feeling, my SR is leaving as we speak for BC and our "last dinner together" caught me so off guard as well. I am waiting for the I'm here call but have no idea when that will be. We live in Philadelphia and I have no idea of what's happening. 

Equally difficult is not know and the ways things change on a dime - anyway, you are not alone - I have been crying since we parted and I can't understand why either. I am praying for all our sons and daughters.  Have a great day!!!

[lemonelephant]

Nautical Mom, welcome to the next step in the journey.

Check your My Page. I left info for you.

[Nicole]

My son left 29th Aug. It's been a sadness like no other I've experienced. It's more like a physical sadness, like a heavy blanket. I've been writing everyday not sure when I'll get an address to send them to(anyone know?) I'm hoping I'll shake this a sadness soon, I mean I've spent 18 years preparing him to go out into the world and hopefully succeed. I'm sure he like all or children l will do great.

[NavyMomofJM]

Nicole, that spacy feeling will ease up some. Yes you spent 18 years getting him ready and so it okay to feel overwhelmed when it's time to see him take that step. The need reach out and pull him back is what every parent feels. When my son called this weekend. I just couldnt get over how adult he sounded. So just know I cant promise it will get easier the worry never goes away but you find a way to make it work. I wish you son the best.

[Julie]

My son left Aug. 26th and reading your words felt like I had written it myself. I’m feeling exactly all the same thoughts and emotions you are. It’s extremely hard on us Moms but we will get through it together. Thinking of ALL of you.