Unprepared

[mum Z]

16hrs since I received that scripted phone call from my son. Unaware of the "scripted" part and or length of phone call (48 sec). I could hear stress in his voice. Also unaware of being able to have accompanied him to his recruiter meetings for preparation on what to expect after final swear in. Maybe he thought I wouldn't have been as supportive had I attended. Definitely unprepared for this journey. Never been away from my three children. My heart feels heavy. Experiencing detachment with my children becoming adults and leaving NEST that's been built with a strong foundation with walls insulated with ADT security. Now not even being able to communicate with my middle child and only son. I feel as if I'm grieving or had a loss. Emotions from PROUD, SAD, UNCERTAIN, EXCITED for his journey, and LONGING to hear him say "I'm going fishing". Never thought it would be so hard to fold his clothes, walk past his door, pick up his shoes, or not hear his car crank. Wondering if there are other navy moms who have experienced these feelings? Today only cried once and here I am writing without tissues thanks to the support from another navy mom (whose ex navy chief).  

[WebbiesMom]

My son just left for bootcamp this past Monday. I have all the same feelings the person who started this thread had. I have panic attacks out of the blue, and I can't breathe. I walk past his room and cry because its not a mess, there are no dishes piled on his nightstand, the bed isn't unmade. I knew I would miss him but I never expected to have these overwhelming emotions that leave me sobbing until I can talk myself down. I know this is what he wants so it makes me happy knowing that he's happy (hoping that he's still happy with his decision. hoping he's ok. hoping I get a call in 3 weeks).  I pray a lot. It helps. But I miss him. I got the box today. I cried. I took his clothes out, and his shoes, and I cried. I feel so silly about it, but the feelings are real. I also keep my phone in my hand ALL THE TIME. I can't wait to see him on PIR day in September.

[lemonelephant]

That "call in 3 weeks" can be before or after that. See Phone Cards and Phone Calls and Arrival and What Happens at the RTC.

[TheresaB]

Hi. My son left in the middle of July. It was really hard when he left. I too felt as if I couldn't breath at times. Especially when he called after the first week when he was so homesick and upset. Someone told me the two best things you can give to your children are roots and wings! As much as I want him back I know that this is so good for him as a young man! He called me a few days ago and seemed in much better sprints! I am stationed in Europe with my hubby and can't wait to see my son at graduation! I just wish I knew how much time I get to spend with after graduation so I can mentally prepare. Wether it be two hours or two days.....arghhhhh!

[lemonelephant]

What is your SR's rating (job/specialty) going to be? Knowing that, we can give you the most likely amount of time you will have with your new Sailor based on if he is staying in GL for "A" School or training or flies out.

[TheresaB]

He will be on a sub and will go to CT for A school!

[lemonelephant]

He will most likely fly out the Saturday after PIR. He will have Liberty Friday from about 10:30 am when Liberty is called until Liberty expires sometime that evening, usually between 8 and 9 pm. You will be able to meet him at the airport and spend time with him before his flight. See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend to help you know how to plan your weekend. I left additional info on your My Page.

I've actually given you that info before.

[flamingofreak]

Feeling the same way.you're not alone. It will get easier, I hope

[benmom]

we are with you. suport you.only god make us feel better .

[fitnessmomofEmma]

I had very similar reactions to my daughter leaving for boot camp. I cried the weekend before she left. She had a final all girls weekend....great for her, really hard for me. I cried all day, the day I dropped her at the recruiters for the drive to MEPS. I cried on the way home from MEPS. Laundry was an issue too! Who knew washing her clothes would be painful! Walking by her room could be almost a traumatic event. She left Wednesday. Today is Sunday.....I feel so much better! Looking forward to the box and form letter! AND PHONE CALLS unscripted!!

[Dennis]

I thank your son Mimi for the service to his country, he will be fine he is in good hands, I know, been there, done that.

[MiMi96]

I was not prepared either on how I was going to feel and what it put my body through. I thought I was prepared emotionally, but I wasn't. My son left Juneau, Alaska to head to Anchorage, Alaska on Monday August 25th at 725 am to finalize all his paperwork, since he was now 18 and redo his physical. He had did a delayed entry his senior year in high school and had went to Anchorage in February of this year. I left the airport and cried all the way home. When I got to our home and got out of my car, I cried uncontrollably and wanted to just smack my garage door and my heart felt like it was breaking in two. My stomach felt like someone had sucker punched me all that day. We got to talk to him off and on all that day and he was taking his physical on Tues. Aug. 26th early am. He swore in around 730am on the 26th and was waiting to board a plane to head to Chicago to Great Lakes. He finally flew out at 9:30pm from Anchorage on the 26th and we got a phone call at 2am our time in Alaska that he had made it to Minneapolis and would be on a plane shortly to head to Chicago. I got a phone call at 5:50am on the 27th that let me know he had made it to Chicago and is waiting for them to come pick them up and bus them to Great Lakes. He sounded so tired and my heart ached for him. I heard from him around 12:30pm my time and said be ready and waiting for that short phone call that I am at the base. I waited and waited and thought, well I guess we aren't going to get to hear from him, then at 6:55 pm our time in Alaska 9:55pm Chicago time we got a brief 20 sec. call that was mom and dad I'm here and in 2 to 4 weeks we will start having phone previliges. again he sounded so tired but I was relieved that he was there. I am one proud momma and I love him and miss him dearly! It has gotten better and I can talk about him with more pride now without crying histerically. I still constantly think of him and have not even done anything with his room or stuff! Too soon yet! Patiently waiting for the box and letters to start coming in! Justin is our middle son. We have a 19 year old and a 14 year old. My husband told me about this website and said I would benefit from joining and I am glad I did! It has been encouraging to read all the stories that everyone has shared. Thank you all for words of encouragement!

[navywife2navymom]

Hi...I'm sorry that you're struggling. It is a loss of sorts and the heart and mind need time to adjust. I'm a 25 year Navy spouse and I can tell you that the Navy knows its greatest asset is its people. Be comforted knowing that he will be taken care of...looked after. He will form bonds that will last a lifetime and learn things that you can't teach him. The Navy will build upon that foundation that you have lovingly provided and make your son an even better version of himself. Take care comfort knowing that his willingness to serve his country in such a meaningful way has immense value, it matters. I told my son's girlfriend today it gets easier and it gets harder and it gets easier and it gets hard again...just like life. But at the end of it all, it's absolutely worth it.