SON LEAVING MONDAY FOR BOOTCAMP

[Navmom]

 

My son leaves for bootcamp on Monday.  He was originally scheduled for December 20th.  Before Christmas, but close enough that we could have had an early Christmas and it would have felt like it.  We were only told a couple weeks ago that they would be moving up the date and then only yesterday that it would be Monday.  I keep crying like a little baby.  It seems so silly because it isn't like he'll be gone forever.  My husband and younger son think I'm silly for crying, but I can't seem to help myself.  Are there any other mothers out there struggling with this? 

They say it's empty nest, but I still have my younger son around.  I guess I just worry how my older son will handle bootcamp.   He made this choice all on his own and we support him completely and are extremely proud of him.  He keeps counting down the days and telling me to see my reaction I think.  I have tried not to cry around him even though he knows I will come Monday. 

I would appreciate hearing from any mothers who have been there or are there now.

 

[tlr1122 (ship 11 div 068)]

I feel really silly for being so sad too!  My son left Thursday, 12/08/11. He is my youngest and the only one at home.  We are very close, talk a lot and he includes us in most of his life and decisions.  We had to take him to the recruiter's office Wednesday and he stayed in a hotel that night. We were allowed to pick him up and take him to dinner though - that was bitter sweet. I tried not to cry leading up to him leaving but have not been able to stop since he left.  We didn't talk much about Christmas because a friend said he was sad he would not be here.  His birthday is tomorrow but we did have a party for him a few weeks ago to celebrate with friends and family.  My husband (former Marine) thinks I have lost my mind. He's not an emotional type and if he expresses anything it's over and done immediately. Don't get me wrong, he did get a little teary eyed when we had to say goodbye but he don't understand why I am still so sad.  I know this is a good thing and my son has been away from home before but like other Mom's, I have always been able to text or talk.  Not knowing if he is ok or worrying about him enduring the tortures of bootcamp (based on stories I've heard) is just a lot to handle. If I were not enough of a basket case, our cat keeps looking for him and seems to sulk because he's not here.  He's very intelligent and physically fit so he should do well but he has a tendency to smile all the time.  He called when he got to BC and said he had already been yelled at for smiling (he swears he didn't). He has wanted to be in the Navy his whole life and I am proud of him.  I apologize because I know I am rambling but it is nice to know other Mom's are feeling the same way. I know your child leaving for something so serious any time is tough but for me, the Holidays and his birthday I think have made it even harder.  I can't wait to hear from him!

[Celeste(HA Mom)]

Like you, I am missing my son's birthday, Jan, along with Christmas. We are a big, traditional Italian family and Christmas Eve is spent at our house with the traditional fish dinner and a house full with presents and music and lots of love.Can't seem to gather the energy to think of going through that without him here. He keeps telling me that if I don't do it he'll be mad at me. But, even before his birthday, Christmas Eve is his most favorite day. I know everyone will be trying to distract me and keep me busy but just thinking of him not being there breaks my heart. I know all he'll be thinking about is what we are doing and how he is missing it. He is so psyched about being in the Navy and this was all his call....just wish the timing was better. A heck of a start on learning how to toughen up. Anyone have stories they can relay as to how their kids coped with leaving this time of year? Don't know who I am more worried about, me here or him there!

[tlr1122 (ship 11 div 068)]

Thanks for the response and advice. Our son made the choice on his own as well and to see the world was part of that decision.  He loves working out and loves the whole military concept. I think that 1st letter and even more so the call will help tremendously.  Thanks again!

[michaelsmom]

Hi my son also joined boot camp on December 8th and also stayed at crowne plaza in cherry hill nj and we were also able to take him out to dinner. I am wondering if our sons left together? I live in pa. 

[navymom74]

Thanks for all the great advice and facts on here! It helps me a lot! My son didn't tell us of his decision until after he committed as well..so we just supported him and accepted his brave decision even tho we were shocked at first.. still have days where I feel confused but i'm trying to stay as informed and educated as I can about what he's going thru! Like many of u I feel lost won't the ability to talk or txt him ..but I am starting to write letters so he will have plenty!! I am,always up for any new thoughts or info u can give me about boot camp or the "A" schools..I appreciate all the support!!

[paces]

I don't think any of us felt/feel any different. Some days you feel just so empty and lost. I have two others as well and it still is difficult. Our middle is 22 and youngest is 12. Both our oldest have left for college and returned to leave again. It didn't seem to matter, it hurt seemed to be worse this time. I think because you don't have instant contact with them for so long. It does get better, I promise. But it does take patience and lots of prayer. Our son has been in since Sept. He fractured his leg toward the end of boot camp and has been in RCU (medical unit) since. He hopes to be finished by the 16th. We are praying hard. Navy is all he has ever wanted to do, so we have been preparing for years. He is 24. It didn't make it any easier.

Terriansmom... This site has been a life saver for me. It was so hard when he went into medical because we received a 30 sec phone call that said I fractured my leg. I will be here for 8-9 weeks. My new address is.... I love you. That was the hardest call I have ever gotten. But, they are taking wonderful care of him. He is progressing well and we lean on the other Moms who have been through similar situations. We are family. It doesn't matter if your son/daughter has just gone in or has been in for a while. We support one another. We are in this together.

Missing Thanksgiving with our son was difficult, but we received a long phone call and just being able to hear his voice was comfort. I am sure they will be allowed a call sometime around Christmas Day.

I have found that helping others helps me as well. So, if I can be of any assistance, please ask. I know I am still learning, but I am coming to find that it will be a continual learning process. Praying for all your SR's and your families. Keep the letters going to your sons/daughters.

[orderentry]

I just found out my son is ship 12 div 053. He left on dec 1st anyone else?

[Alicia(12/053 - AO)♥]

Hi orderentry, my son is the same, ship 12 div 053!

[deanna]

My son is Ship 12 as well but Div 057.  I'm not really sure what any of that means except that maybe they might still know each other.

[Alicia(12/053 - AO)♥]

I have no idea what it means either!

[orderentry]

My son's girlfriend received a real letter yesterday. Said it was going fairly well. Maybe you will receive some news this week!

[BunkerQB]

"Ships" refer to his/her barracks. Here is a diagram of the barracks. Best of luck to everyone.