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

[familytime3]

My son is trying to loose 7 pounds and he will be leaving. I am haven a hard time dealing with it. He is our one and only. I cry also but not in front of him. Please keep in touch and let us know how he is doing. This site has helped a lot for me in a short time. Nice to have the support. Have a wonderful weekend. Pain when our kids grow up :(

[sayeedreza]

Hi Beth,

My son at 21, just decided to join the Navy. He is also my baby boy. Although I'm anxious about him being on his own and not having him with me, I'm proud of him making a choice which will lead to a positive future for him and his family. It's hard to see the short term and not feel sad and cry but whenever I do, I project my thoughts towards the long term goal. He hasn't taken his final oath yet, but I know that tears will flow and it's OK. I have a question for you, how long does it take for them to leave for boot camp from the time they take their oath?

Riaz

[Navybeansmom Ship11/Div420]

i realize these are old posts...but i wanted to let you ladies know how much this has blessed me. My daughter left monday...my baby girl. My husband and I were/are supportive of her decision...but wow...this really hurts. She is a tomboy with a beautiful spirit/way about her. I have been struggling with wanting to go and "chat" with the recruiter...needing some reassurance. Emotions have been fairly easy to control...but tonight i find myself tired and just a ball of confusion. we are so proud of her...but it kills me to think that she is someplace, tired, hurting...and i can't make it better.
My heart hurts.

[Navybeansmom Ship11/Div420]

Thank you...I think last night was rough...I am feeling better this morning and remembered the very things that you said.  This will make my already strong girl...even stronger because she will be a part of a big team :)

 

[Vickyrun]

Seems you got  alot of replies but I just wanted to add that it is normal to have mixed emotions. You can be supportive and still be sad, too. I was more prepared as my father was in the Army, but still had misgivings. My daughter has been in a few years now and it has been a good choice for her. The Navy has given her a carreer, self-confidence, stability and she is happy. If you would like to chat more, please join my group; Navy Moms Rock

[Lindsaysproudmom(ship11Div345)]

HI Susan,

I had a similar experience as you! My daughter informed us that she wanted to join the Navy kind of out of the blue as well. I agree, lots of mixed emotions! She has done her testing but did not pass the physical, she is physically fit but they said her back curved a bit (it is a hereitary trait) and they thought they heard a heart murmur. Only 1 out of the 8 women passed their physicals! So, of course my daughter is bummed, she now has to have more physicals by their doctors to ok her joining. She is 24 turning 25 in Sept., is a certified teacher in elementary ed but really wants to do this. She wants to serve her country, meet a challenge and travel! What are the reasons your daughter wants to join and has she gone to basic yet?

Brenda

[Tyler&Haley'sNavyMom]

Hi Susan,

I, too, had a similar reaction last June 2012 when my 17 year old daughter told me she was joining the Navy and would be shipping out in July 2013 (a month after she graduates High School).  I've had these past 10 months to prepare for her pending departure.  Initially, I was scared and sad about 'her leaving me' but then I realized, she's growing up.  She's not 'leaving' me, she's going off to pursue her dream just like I did when I left the 'nest' at 18 yrs. old to go to college.  In time, you will realize this too that your baby girl is now a young adult woman.  This web-site has been a true blessing to help me understand the most AWESOME opportunities that the Navy can provide these young adults. Also, there's many answers to those questions (that you didn't even know existed).  I've just joined this site recently but have been reading it for months.  I'm  excited for my daughter and YOURS for what an amazing future they have yet to experience!  May GOD bless you!

Terri, who's daughter ships out on July 16, 2013.

[CherylAnn Ship 13 Div. 187]

Hi Susan,

All that you are feeling and will feel in the future is perfectly normal.  I think all of us Navy moms can relate to your feelings in one way or another.  There is a mixture of sadness and at the same time immense pride.  My son also surprised me when he joined the Navy.  His dad had always tried to get one of our children to join the the service, because he was an Air Force veteran.  They all declined.  This past year, their dad passed away unexpectedly. He had a military funeral.  A week later, my youngest told me that he had gone to take the test for the Navy and was swearing in in only a few days.  Evidently, he was so impressed with the military funeral and felt he needed more direction in his life.  I felt such a mixture of emotions.  When he left for bootcamp, I was a wreck for about two weeks until I heard from him.  Every time I've heard from him he sounds better and better.  He sounds determined, confident, and proud of his accomplishments.  Now I am no longer worried about him.  He is in good hands, and doing so well.  When he left, he had never been away from home before.  He had never even flown before.  I was so worried about him, but he is doing great.  Your daughter will do great too.  Just hang in there and stay close to this site.  Navy Moms has been an invaluable source of support and information to me through all of this.  Please feel free to write and keep in touch.  I will keep your daughter in my prayers......Cheryl

[Jackie]

Hi! My daughter is seventeen also and graduates in may.She did the exact same thing. She came home one day amd said i am joining the Navy. She had done her homework also. I IGNORED IT THINKING THIS TO SHALL PASS.Well suprise it didnt.She leaves July 3rd. She doeant turn eighteen til July21.I am so excited for her!I think the navy will help her grow as a young person.But the mom in me says "i dont want my baby to leave me". Is this normal?I am trying my hardess not to show her how much i will miss her. But i trust that i raised a very independent person and she will be okay.

[lemonelephant]

Anything you are feeling is normal for you. You have done the best you could with her and soon it will be her time to go out and pursue her dreams and make you proud of the young person she has become.

You may want to join DEP-Leavin for bootcamp in July. 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. I also suggest you join Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) and New Members Stop Here and check out the Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) and Discussions there.

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

Your future Sailor may want to join http://www.navydep.com to learn the ins and outs from the DEP point of view. Craig runs that and will steer her to some good links on there.

(Group names and the link within 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.) 

[Jackie]

Thanks for all the advise!That helps!

[lemonelephant]

You are very welcome.