Son left today (6-15-15) for boot camp

[lawlady1963]

Today was the day, and he left around 11:30 this morning.  I am bursting with pride for him, and very proud of the young man he has become.  But, man, am I sad for myself.  It was so very hard giving him that final hug and turning him loose.  For 20 years he has slept under my roof.  All I can think about is how fast those 20 years went by, and that although he is ready, I was not.  I know it will get better for me...I just hope it's soon.  He got teary-eyed when he hugged me good-bye, and that just tore me up inside.  He may be all grown up, but when I look at him I still see my little boy. 

Thank you for listening.

[Jenndan]

Mine also left that week as well. We're really excited for him! Looking forward to his PIR which should be August 14th.

We're a Navy family stationed in Okinawa, so we sent him to family back in the states to finish the recruiting process back in October. So he was so happy (and nervous) to finally go after waiting 8 months in DEP. I am a little bummed that we probably won't be the ones to receive phone calls or the box, because we're overseas.

But we're getting our plane tickets and already have reservations in Chicago - I can't wait to see him!

[Monroviaindianamom]

My son left on June 18th, I feel so lost.  I can't sleep, the thought of not being able to talk to him is what is kiling me.  I know he is fine and I know my son will do well, but something about a mother sending her first born off to the Navy!!!!  I am a very super proud mom, but all I do is worry.  It in a way kind of feels like I have had a major loss in my family.  I did receive his "boy in a box" yesterday, good thing I was home alone, cause I cried even more.  

Does anyone have a son/daughter that left from Indianapolis, possible as a seabee?  My son will go to A school in Gulfport.  I just worry about him making friends and not regreting any of this.

[lawlady1963]

Hi, Monroviaindianamom!  My son isn't the first the leave the nest, but he IS the first to leave the state, so this feels different.  Aww...'boy in a box'....I get that meaning.  I was ok with the clothes, it was his toothbrush and phone that got me.  Yeah...the day my son left I kind of felt like I was throwing him to the wolves, so to speak.  It was/is hard!!!!  Even though I have three other kids still here in the house, I feel his absence.  And even the dog is lost without him. 

My son left from Huntsville, Alabama.  I worry about him making friends as well...kind of like when he was in kindergarten and I wanted all the other kids to like him and think he was wonderful lolol.  I worry about him regretting this as well...it's just so hard when you don't have communication with them to see how they are doing, and hear their voice.  I received 'the form letter' today, so I was able to mail the letters I have written thus far.  You will feel better when that arrives; I know I did.  So your son is going to be a Seabee?  My sons' rating is Master At Arms, and will be going to school in San Antonio.

[Monroviaindianamom]

Hi lawlady, my name is actually Penny feel free to call me either.  

He is my oldest and I have such a special bond with him, he would talk to me about everything even his girl problems lol.  It was like I was loosing my best friend.

I got teary eyed at the airport, cause i did promise him i would hold it in. (then the text I got once he was behind the gate)  Thanking me for being so strong and teaching him to be the person he is today and that I was the best mother ever and loved me so  much, oh that crushed me.  It was easy with a son like him, he is a wonderful young man, I know he will do well.  Like everyone has said if we could just talk to them all would be ok.  

He tried to get into MA, but it was closed, he is going to try to switch after a while.  I did receive the form letter today and that was awesome, Now I will send so many letters he wont know what to do lol.  He has always been such a quiet person, thats what worries me.!!  I know he will do well, he is following in his father and uncles footsteps so that is really cool.  

I tried to create a group with the PIR of 8-14 on here hopefully some people will find it.

I am just ready to talk to him.  I have texted his phone, called his voice mail and cried myself to sleep every night.  I know it will get easier, and I know this is what he has wanted for many years.  I couldn't be more proud.I thank God for this site, it has help so much especially to watch the tutorial on boot camp under the forums, it helped alot.  I am glad to know that I am not the only mom out htere feeling the same way I am.  I hope to keep in contact throughout the whole time, I think this will help me to get through it a little better.

Thank you, prayers to you all

[lawlady1963]

Hi Penny, nice to 'meet' you!  My name is actually Linda; feel free to call me that.  My son and I were/are close, too.  He is a 'mamas boy' and I'm not ashamed to say that lol.  I love him dearly, and am really missing his sense of humor.  I could use that right now lol.  In the weeks leading up to his leaving, whenever he would walk out the door, he'd holler over his shoulder, "See ya, mom, in about nine weeks!"  I'd say , "yeah right, very funny!"  Well, now it's true.  I don't know that it's any easier now than it was in the beginning...night time is hard for me...getting to sleep.  That's when all the worries creep in.  I have to just keep shoving them out and force myself to think of something else.  I've been leaving my tv on in my room, right up to the point that I really can't hold my eyes open anymore.  I'd just leave it on, but that drives my husband crazy and keeps waking him up. 

I'm just so happy to be able to mail his letters now.  He doesn't feel so far out of touch to me right now...at least I can mail them!  I am so thankful that I found this site.  I don't know what I would have done without it.   I have 'met' some wonderful moms on here...it's a great help.  Have you made your reservations yet for the graduation?  I just did a little bit ago.  I can't wait to see him!!!!!!!  Have you read about the get together the night of the 13th? 

[CryptoDad]

Penny, in due time there will be a discussion group set up for the 08/14/2015 PIR. Be patient. There are moms who do this for all the divisions so there won't be redundant groups. When its all set up it will most likely be at  http://navyformoms.com/group/pir08142015. Check HERE.

[CryptoDad]

Needs tweeking....

"This PIR Group is for those members that have loved ones who will be graduating Boot Camp on 05/29/2015."

[lawlady1963]

Thanks for mentioning that!  I noticed it when I joined the group yesterday.  Made me go 'huh?'  lol

[Monroviaindianamom]

me being not so computer friendly can not figure out how to deltet my group, grrr, so I just got a little over excited , I have tried to delte but can't figure it out.

Any help is welcomed.

Sorry, I will definately be posting on the other group.

Penny

[Monroviaindianamom]

Hello all:  how is everyone doing?  I had a rough night last night, missing my boy very much, I laid in his bed and stared at his walls and hug his pillow all night.  I feel so foolish telling others this, but being able to express my feelings here knowing you all feel the same way helps me so much.  I know one day at a time but that sure don't make it any easier.  He is my oldest, so first to leave home, I said turning 18, graduating high school and leaving for boot camp all within a 3 week period of time, my whole world was gone.  Just trying to keep myself busy, but so hard cause he is the one who spent alot of time with me one on one.  Feels like I lost my best friend.  Once his letters start coming in, or a phone call to hear his voice I think I will be ok.  I text his phone even though it is here with me, is that stupid or what??  

[lawlady1963]

No, none of that is stupid or crazy at all.  We invest all our time getting them ready to leave for boot camp, making sure they have their stuff, are meeting their appointments...and there is nothing going on to prepare us, the parents.  That's how I feel, anyway.  We focus on them, and rightly so...but then the day comes when they leave, and we are lost for a bit.  I have my moments, too...I'm sure we all do!  The only thing I know to do, is to take a deep breath and remind yourself that you will be okay.  I wish I had more to offer.  Sometimes the 'missing him' hits so hard it feels like being sucker-punched...but I give it a few moments and it eases.  Once we can communicate, even in letters, I think it will get better for all of us.  I don't know about you, but I just feel so cut off from my son.  I just keep coming to this site, and it helps to know others are feeling the same way. 

[Monroviaindianamom]

This site indeed is what is helping me get through this.  It does help so much to know all the other mothers feel the same way.  Don't get me wrong my husband missing him dearly but there is something about a mother and a son, that they just don't understand,  Being able to send a letter to him did ease the frustration somewhat, but I would so love to receive that phone call.  My prayers are with all of you and your loved ones in BC right now.  Hope to meet some of you at the meet and greet on the Thursday before graduation.  I will be checking this site often, it helps so much.

Thank you for the words of encouragement.