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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.

 

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My son leaves tomorrow, December 12th.  I have had several months to prepare for this day and I think I will be ok after we see him off.  I am pretty sure that it will be touch and go on emotional rollercoaster, but I know this is a positive step for him.  Let's all hang in there together.

Proud mom,

 

My son left last Wednesday for boot camp.  I was nervous all day until I heard from him.  He called at 10:00 pm and said he was in Great Lakes, I would get a package of his things in 2 weeks, and he can call again in 3 weeks.  Then he said he had to gol...it was short and sweet, but it ended with an "I love you, Mom".  He sounded really good...confident and positive.  I miss him terribly but I know it is a great thing for him!  I think about him all the time.  Yes, Moms,  we will be ok......

My son left Tuesday, Dec 6.  I cried like a big baby the entire week leading up to his departure date.  But we had such a wonderful sending off for him...all week long friends stopped by to see him.  People at church shook his hand good bye.  We had wonderful family time with him.  I still have several kids at home--in the process of taking over his bedroom...it hurts a bit to see his stuff getting put into storage to make room for a younger brother who now gets his room.

I still haven't received an address to mail letters, but I've written 3 letters so far.

Does anyone know how often they have mail call in boot camp?  Should I send letters often, or just put a bunch in the same envelop occasionally?

 

My son was just able to call last week after 3 weeks and 3 days. We just received our first letter from him last Wed. and that was after 3 weeks and 2 days. He said that they get to read mail and write letters on Sundays. They get mail everyday. We've been sending letters almost everyday. I don't expect to recieve alot because they are kept so busy. 

Yes send him as many letters as you can! They love hearing from home and it helps them get through the boot camp experience. My son can't get enough of our letters. I sent him a couple of stamp books too. I heard musical cards get them in trouble and they make them do push ups to the song but my son said he didn't mind when I gave him the heads up.They also appreciate pictures of friends and family.

@cindymom:  did you receive your box and letter yet?  Your son arrived three or four days before mine.  Just trying to get an idea.  I'm guessing I won't get his address until tomorrow or Friday.  Are you doing better now? 

My son left Dec. 5th, we had his box a couple days later and we received his letter one week later. 

I completely understand how you feel. My son also left early. I was prepared for him to leave March 1st but it was pushed up to November 14th and he was also given two weeks notice. I don't really know if it gets easier. I keep crying like a baby too. I have a son at home too but that hasn't made it any easier. I do understand how you feel. On one hand, I am so very proud of him and think that this is a good decision for him but on the other hand it feels like something precious has been taken away from me. I know that this is an end to life as I have known it. It is so hard when children grow up and we have to let go. One thing I do know is that the Navy will take care of him. I am not worried at all about him being in bootcamp. I trust the Navy. My husband was in the Navy for many years and we have been around the world and LOVED every minute of it.

Have you looked online at the Navy site to see when his graduation is and checked out all the information there? If not I can send you the link. That is very helpful.

I hope you find some peace. :)

Thanks for the information about mail.  Can you send me the link to the site about graduation too?  I still haven't received my son's clothes yet and some others on the site that left at the same time have already received theirs.  Maybe its because I'm way out here in West Texas who knows but I would like to look up the graduation if possible.

Try not to cry.  Tell him how much you love him and to remember he is an important person and now he is going to be part of the best team on the planet.  He just has to do what they tell him to do and after bootcamp things get better.  Get some nice stationary and cards for when you are allowed to write to him (the second or third week I think)

My son left Dec 7, box arrived today. No info or letter yet, How long until I know what division and PIR date?

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