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).  

[krisanntd]

My son left on 3-19. I also could not sleep for several days. I must say it does get easier every day. 

[Navy mom 49]

It is hard! I keep wanting to hear my son ask me to make him a omlett every morning! Lol I just washed the sweats he got from his swearing in and wanted to cry! He has been there two wks. Seven more to go! I need a phone call!!! Or a real letter! Hang in there moms!

[Jeannette]

Hi All
Thank goodness this site prepared me for the script phone call. I was at work and did not get to speak with him directly. However I do have the saved voice mail, I listen everyday. He has been gone now 5 days. I miss him so much!

[missing my son]

My son just left on April 3, 2014.  I know exactly how you feel/felt.  I'm going through the same emotions as you are.  I can't wait to hear his voice again, get a letter from him  and to see him graduate in Chicago.  I plan to write to him everyday once I get his address.  We are from Hawaii and i know he had a 9 hour flight to Chicago.  I feel helpless and yet I know this will better him and mature him into a fine young man

[ProudMom1970]

I feel the same way. He only called to let me know he made it to boot camp, but have not heard from him, since. It's a huge loss for me, as I had to move from the place we were living. I had to pack up his room & put everything in storage & stare into his empty room for the last time. Killed me. I am hoping to hear from him, soon.

I hope things turned out great for you!

[Momofsix]

Hugs to you and prayers.  My daughter just left this past Tuesday.  Fortunately, we went through all of this before when my son joined the Army 15 months ago (he is stationed at Ft. Hood...what a scare we had last wk with the shooting), so we and our daughter were "prepared"... or knew what was coming.  That said, it was no easier to let her go and I cried the night she shipped.  I experienced the same sense of loss when my son went to Basic and I have been feeling the same again since my daughter left for Boot 3 days ago.  I have found only other military parents truly understand this.  Hang in there.....it's hard, I'm not gonna lie, but it will get a tad easier when you can write to him.....and you are gonna feel as if your heart will burst when you see him standing on that graduation floor.  ;-)

[missing my son]

I know exactly how you are feeling, I felt the same way.  I actually missed his phone call and he called my husband instead.  I was devastated and upset with myself that I missed his call.  I do know that once I heard his voice the first time he called me, I felt rejuvenated and felt a lot better.  It was a sad feeling when i received his box with his belongings in them. I felt like they were sending me back my son's remains.  The first letter you receive will only be a printed copy that all us parents get, it's not actually a letter from my son.  He did manage to write that he misses us on the form  LOL.  I do know that our sons are at a safe place and are being taken care of.  I actually lost my two sons on the same day, so I know exactly what you mean about separation.  Hang in there, we need to be strong for our sons. It does help me to feel better when I write to him all the time.  You may want to call the recruit center and see if you can get his address and start writing to him.  I hope this helps.

Take care and Aloha,

Marlyn

[Momma Bear]

Mum Z...I'm right there with you.  I too received the call yesterday.  I am feeling all of your emotions   My husband is retired from the Military (23 years) and he too is struggling.  We love our boys!

[lemonelephant]

Note the date of the discussion that you are replying to, but yes, all of those emotions she felt 8 months ago and that you are feeling now are very normal for some. Others in DEP-Leavin for bootcamp in May are exactly where you are now.

[missing my son]

Trust me, it does get easier as time passes by.  I felt all the things you are feeling.  My son left on April 3, 2014, and will be graduating on May 30, 2014.  I can't believe that he will be graduating in two weeks.  The more you look forward to the phone call or letters, you get disappointed, so I just don't expect them and if I do hear from him, I'm super happy, but if not, I wasn't too hurt.  I definitely am so proud and I have a greater appreciation and respect for everyone in the military.  I did buy a charm that says Navy Mom and I wear it proudly everyday.  Hang in there, you will get to see him soon.  I hope this helps.

Take care,

Marlyn

[zacsfan]

I understand. My son left on Tuesday. We did go to MEPS but were that crazy family crying the whole time... he told me not to cry because I was sad just to be proud! I cried the whole day... most of the next and just a few times today. I called his recruiter to get his address because I am impatient and couldn't wait. I took a big highlighter and counted Fridays until I get to see him... we have four girls and he is my only son. He has always been there so this is killing me too! I started writing letters the night he left. Again... I will be that crazy mom but... he will like getting letters. This is a roller coaster... I am proud then I am sad... and I worry... but this is going to all pass and our children will gain so much from this! Praying for you!

[Bryan'smadre]

I am crying as I write this.  My son leaves next month for boot camp and he tells me he is more scared now, the closer it gets, than excited.  I am scared for him.  He tells me he's seen most or all of the YouTube videos that Navy Sailors post on their boot camp experience, but I am sure it's very different in "real life" when you experience it for yourself. 

His Uncle is retired from the Navy and from what my son says about the videos and the way his Uncle talks, it's a little bit different.  I, myself, have seen some of the videos and the person I've seen is a female. She's very calm and collected and talks a lot of what to expect with boot camp.  I'm sure my son has spent several hours if not days watching the experience of others.  Ten people can be at the same event, but have a different perspective and experience. 

On June 10th, when me and his dad take him to the recruiting office to board a bus/van to go to wherever they will be, I am giving my son to God.  He will always be there with him to PROTECT and GUIDE him through whatever my son experiences. 

I am very PROUD of my son and the choice he has made since he was ten years old.  I don't know a lot of people who know what they want to do at that age for when they grow up.  Love and hugs to all of the Navy Moms!!!  <3