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.

 

[deanna]

Hey I'm a Texas too.  Merry Christmas to ya'll as well.

 

[tlr1122 (ship 11 div 068)]

What part?

[Hope]

My son also left for boot camp on the 8th. We celebrated Christmas early on Thanksgiving because his recruiter gave us a heads up that he would be leaving earlier than his scheduled date (also the 20th) . I have an older son who is also in the Navy. It was much harder on me when he left - you can't help but worry for them. It was much easier with my youngest because I saw how much my oldest got from the experience. I know it will be tough for him, but I also know how much he will accomplish, how proud he will be of himself and how many life long friends he will make while there.

[Cozimom]

My son left for boot camp this past Monday. I cry every day. I feel as though I'm grieving, which I know is silly but also cannot help it. I just start crying at any given moment. It has gotten a little better though. My son is the youngest of my four children and the last to leave home so I think that probably makes it harder, the empty nest syndrome.

I'm so proud of him and respect his decision to join the Navy. But doesn't make it any easier.

[Kitty]

Cozimom,

I know how you feel,  I feel like a freak because I cry everyday too.  It's not silly, we just love and care about our children.  The hardest thing is not being able to speak with him or get a text. His last words at 1:15 AM was mom I'm here, I feel sick, I love you, gotta go, Love you Mom, and then CLick.  I do find comfort in knowing he is not doing this alone, he is with other young people and they are probably having the same struggles/feelings as he is.

Hang in there! Write letters to your child even if you can't mail them yet.

[Navmom]

I have a feeling that my son won't be able to come home next Christmas either.  Bootcamp this year and afterwards A school most likely followed by being sent to a submarine.  I hope he can take leave in between to come visit before going on, but who knows.

[proudmom2011]

So funny:) I asked my husband if the navy has mothers quarters.. He laughed and said I could float that idea to the dept of navy and knowing my tenacity, I just may get my wish. I would be no trouble really. Just making sure he eats and brushes his teeth and no one is mean to him... It's such a small request really:)

Just kidding of course but wouldn't that be fun. Us moms close by like we were when Our kids were in sports. All of us sitting in the stands talking about our kids and what they made on their research paper we wrote and their latest girlfriends... Kinda tooting their horns for them. Those were the days...

Merry Christmas And Happy New Year!

[deanna]

That's too cute but I was thinking the same thing about Mom Quarters!  That would be so fun!!

[MMT Ship07 Div.059]

Cozimom I so understand how you are feeling , our son is the youngest of four and is also the last one to leave home.  Thank God for this website. I'll say a little prayer for u.

[Helen]

I share your same emotions.  My daughter is scheduled to leave for bootcamp on January 17th.  We had a close to 8 month break in between time,  I just thought we had so much time but now it's count down.  I want this for her so bad and I'm so proud of her for making the decision.   It's hard for me but I know it's even harder for her.  like you they say it's empty nest but I as well have a younger daughter still around.  Just the thought of her leaving makes me cry but I try not to let her see me.  We have to just pray for them each and every day and pray that we find the strenght to be strong for them.   We'll get through this and before we know it they would have done their years.

[Navmom]

I think what makes me cry is not knowing how he is doing, and not being able to call.  It isn't like sending your kid to college when you can call and make sure they got there okay and calling a week later to see how the 1st week went.  We can only assume that if we don't get any phone calls prior to about 3 weeks than everything is going according to plan.  My son left December 5th.  We had his box by the end of the week and his letter on the 12th.  We have written letters, but were told they cannot get letters or write till about 2 weeks so we just want him to have a bunch to read when he finally gets a chance.  We miss him very much.  Even my husband who didn't cry, keeps commenting that he misses him.  We are very proud and know that we probably wont' see him much in this next year, but we will take every opportunity we get.

[MC]

My son left on Dec 13th. I got his box today. Just waiting on his letter now. I really miss him