She decided to join the Navy....

[Susanw004]

Hello everyone!

My daughter has recently informed me that she will be joining the Navy.  This is something I did NOT expect from her as she is what I call a "girly girl".  She has done her homework on the Navy, she knows it will be the hardest thing she will ever do.  But she is determined to make something of her life and this is the path she has chosen.  She is 17 and will be graduating from high school in May.

When she first told me (and she was scared to death to tell me), I was shocked and kind of angry that she would want to do this.  However I didn't let her see that.  I have been 100% supportive and encouraging.  When she is not around, that is a completely different story.  I am sad.  She is my only child and I can't imagine her being gone so far away and for so long.

Tonight, for the first time, I sat outside and bawled my eyes out.  You know...the ugly cry!!  She wasn't home.  I keep remembering her a small innocent child, playing in our pool and calling me "mommy".  This is the memory that continues to go through my head when I think about her leaving.  Are there stages of emotions, like there are with death?  I would love to hear other mom's stories about how they felt with and dealt with the news that their child was going into the military. 

I look forward to getting to know all of you other moms out there as time goes on.  Thank you for reading, thank you for supporting each other and God Bless!

Susan

[magsmom]

I understand your feelings...my daughter decided to join at 17...I thought she would head off for college like all her friends. I was scared to death and almost felt frozen inside when the recruiter came to get her the night before she went to Great Lakes...but of course tried to cheer her on and be strong. The first month she was at Great Lakes was so difficult...I had no idea of how she was or how they were treating her. But I never felt more proud and close to her when she graduated..she had accomplished something really big that no one could ever take from her. And now, almost 2 years later....she is a proud sailor even though she is still my baby. IT WAS WORTH IT!! She made it and I made it. I actually wish all 17 or 18 year olds got to go through this experience as it is so powerful in terms of their maturity, and in a way, my own maturity as a parent. Keep connected to the navy moms group so you can know what to expect...it was the not knowing that was hardest for me, and this group took care of that even if I just read what everyone else posted.

[familytime3]

My son text me and told me he was meeting with the recruiter. This was in his Senior year, 2013. My heart just sank. But then I remembered how I felt in my Senior year. He just wants an education, training and to travel. See the wonders of the world. I see so many kids going to college and not being able to find jobs out in the world. It just makes me sad that our children have to fight for every little thing. Believe me I have done a lot of crying. I wonder how can I go with out seeing him every day, or saying mom "I am home." Then I think how proud I am of him wanting to go in the Navy, to serve his Country, while getting what he needs. I know he will always be my little boy, and I am going to cry while he is gone. He has not left yet. Still has to lose that one inch around the waste. They want them to be 22 around the waste. He has to make his way in this world, and all we can do as parents is be there to pick them up when they fall. It sounds like your daughter is pretty special. She will always need her mom. Your an awesome mom.   

[Angie]

They don't want him to have a 22 in waist, they want him to have less than 22 % body fat.  Not they want him to, he has to to join and he has to stay with in standards his whole enlistment or he will be kicked out

[familytime3]

Hoping you have a wonderful weekend. Recruiter here today. He has to loose 7 pounds by 7/10 and then he is good to go. My heart is heavy. Realization is setting in.

[PeachyNavyMom]

I dropped my son off June 25 at the recruiter's office. From there he took a two hour drive to stay in a hotel until he could go to his final MEPS at the Fort. He stayed there over night then early am to the fort on 26 that took a few hours. Next he was off to the airport which he arrived at around 1:00 pm CT then finally flew out around 6:30pm. He arrived got dinner then went to start process entering RTC. I got my 15 second call in the wee hours of the am. We had kept in contact during most of his long waiting process which I think helped a great deal. When I got that oh so short call I broke down and sobbed for awhile. even right now thinking about it there is an ache in my heart. I know he has made brave and great choices, and I know he is ready, that does not stop me from just missing his presence in the house. When does it get better??

[lemonelephant]

It gets better when you get used to the new normal. Stay busy, stay informed, and stay connected with others going through the same thing. You will be receiving "the box" soon and next week you will receive the form letter with his address and PIR date and will be able to send the letters you are writing and that will help.

Join the group, DEP-Leavin for bootcamp in June, to connect with others with loved ones who left the same day and may have PIR together.

I see you have joined Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones); you may want to join, or at least check out, PIR Reference Information, and New Members Stop Here. Once you know your SR’s PIR date and/or division number, watch in Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) and/or at http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/groups-listed-by-pir-date and join the group for that once it has been created. There will be a lot of great information and support for you in those groups. Be sure to check out the Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) and Discussions within the groups. Arrival and What Happens at the RTC within Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) will let you know what is happening, but you will also want to check out the other Pages in all of the groups.

(Group names within this reply are clickable links.)

[PeachyNavyMom]

Thank you so much for the information and well the connection. I do need one so bad with someone, anyone who really understands. So, thank you so much lemonelephant. 

I agree with keeping busy as well. I have an 11 year old daughter as well. Trying hard not to show her that how much this is effecting me. We are keeping busy, playing games, going to movies, lots of outdoor stuff. its just that these are all things that he would have been included in, atleast invited and it makes it difficult. Maybe just time... will help. 

[lemonelephant]

You are very welcome.

[kimh]

Our son was home from college for Christmas break, when he told us he was joining the Navy,I wont lie, I had a little meltdown, college was going very well,grades where good,money wasnt an issue, I guess he had this on his mind for some time, he had all the answers to my questions,but we are Moms, and yes we are going to worry,but I couldnt be more proud of him. He is leaving for bootcamp 7/23, My other two kids are gearing up for my.....ugly cry!!!                                                 

I also look forward to hearing from other Moms! Blessings to all!

[Jeanette]

Hi - our daughter leaves for boot camp on August 19. It all came together so quickly. We are thrilled for her even as our heads are spinning. I am going to check out the other links you posted, Lemonelephant! Question, can we begin sending letters to boot camp before they leave for boot camp? If so, is there an address someone could provide? Thank you!

[lemonelephant]

No, you must wait on the form letter. See Arrival and What Happens at the RTC and Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit within Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones). I invite you to join that group while you are there and to begn checking out the other Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) as well. Join DEP-Leavin for bootcamp in August. You will meet others with loved ones leaving that day/week who may be in the same TG and have PIR together. Be sure to check out the discussion, Things to Do in the Last Month Before Your Future Sailor Leaves for the RTC. 

You may also want to check out Mom’s of Navy Daughters, Mom's of Daughters 2, and Women in the Navy.

(Sites mentioned in this reply are clickable links. To join a group, click on the group name and when the group page opens, click on "+ Join..." in the upper right.)

[navy06 (03 div 298)]

I think its just a general discussion that all moms can relate to, and approprately named.  I don't think its worth micromanaging it lady hamilton.  Many moms have chimed in here, myself included, whose kids are now weeks or days away from  PIR.  No matter if the original poster is here or not, all of us can relate.  I'm sure even the most hardened of navy mom hearts can remember this feeling.