Newbie Navy Mom, thank God for this place!

[Blakesmom]

My oldest son, and first to leave the nest, left for basic in Great Lakes, on Wed, October 9th. Tonight was the first time I caught myself thinking about him, and feeling guilty because it had been all day and I had not stopped to think of what he might be doing right now, or if he is ok. I don't mean physically, I'm sure the Navy is well prepared to handle all of his physical needs. I wonder if he is ok emotionally, if he is happy with his decision, if he is scared....I'm your stereotypical overprotective mother, if you hadn't guessed. I'm a nurse, and very used to making all the ouchies go away....I'm powerless here, and scared because I have absolutely no control. I didn't raise a sissy by any means, but how bad do they beat these kids down? I only know what I've seen in movies, and from my father who was a Marine...

[MattsMom]

Hi my eldest son is almost 4 years into his naval career and it has been the absolute best thing for him, may have saved his life.  What boot camp did for him was start making him into the man he has become and I couldn't be happier or prouder of him.  It started to teach him to appreciate all that he may have taken for granted all of his life.  It was hard for him, but he survived, they take good care of them healthcare wise.   I was a little surprised to see at graduation that he was a little pale and I noticed a dime sized circle of white hair in his otherwise dark blond hair.  When I asked him about it he said the Navy docs said it was a stress spot and it would go away!!!  It did.  It is difficult for them, but it proved to my son what he was capable of.  I think it surprised him at first, but over the past 4 years the Navy has continually given him an opportunity to discover his many strengths.   It is our natural instinct to protect our children and help them at every turn - the Navy taught him he had all the skills he needed in himself.

On the other hand I had anxiety dreams for weeks after he left and about 3 months after he left it hit me hard, how empty the house was without him.  The fact that he will probably never come back and live under our roof permanently.  It was hard on me because I have been a mom since I was 19 and he's been there my whole adult life.  It was shocking how I would cry for no reason or if we talked about him.  My next oldest will be joining in a few months after he graduates from college, and then I'll only have the youngest 2 at home.  You will be fine and you will be pleasantly surprised what the Navy can do for your son.

[Judy]

I'm sure this is how every mom feels, I'm an over proctective mom as well.  Hang in there he will be fine.

[Sassiiiii]

Hi, feeling the exact same way.  Nick left on Wednesday 10-03-14 and all I keep doing is wondering what is he doing without me there to cheer him on or to say hey stop do you think thats a smart move.  Letting him go was the hardest thing that I have ever done.  They tell me he will come back improved, well he is fine the way he is to me.  I know Nick did this because he wanted to be apart of something bigger then himself, that thought is what is getting me through this rough time in my life.  Also hoping the next three weeks go by quickly so I can get the phone call telling me it's everything he wanted and more.

[CryptoDad]

Sassiiii,

Take a look at the dates for this discussion. ;)

Elvis has left the building......

[isupportmyson]

Hang in there!