Any moms with sons arrival in Chicago 7/14?

[NavyMom1013]

My son arrived in Chicago on 7/14/2020.  We haven't heard from him since 2100 on 7/14.  Is that the "I'm here" call?  Or should we receive another call after the quarantine period is over???  Any advice would be great.  I'm new to the military family life.  I am missing my son greatly.  Do the tears ever stop flowing???  Does this get easier???

[Phoenixmom]

NavyMom1013 that was the I'm here call, next call may come in 3-4 weeks. Sometimes they are allowed to make calls for good behavior and if the RTC makes time to reserve the phone bank for his Div. I cried for the whole 3 weeks, I felt like I was mourning my Son.....It was very hard for me as he was the Baby of the family. I was always told to stay busy although easier said than done. I wrote letters, I had about 10 letters written when I finally got his form letter with PIR Date and Address. read some of these sites it will give you an idea  of what and when? Keep your head up, by counting 9 Fridays you can determine when his PIR will be.

• Arrival and What Happens at RTC
• Ship/Division--How it Works
• 800 and 900 Divisions
• Phone Cards and Phone Calls
• Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit
• See Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) and Fitness Improvement Training (FIT). 

[NavyMom1013]

He's our only son....so this has been extremely hard...and yes I feel like I'm mourning my son.  So we should be receiving the form letter soon then.  I have letters written and ready to send.  I can't wait to get the letter.  

Are they allowing guest at PIR or still just virtual graduations?  Are the Sailors getting any liberty after BC PIR? 

[Phoenixmom]

No I believe it is still virtue, it really sucks excuse my language  because it is an awesome thing to attend. I twill get better and you will become stronger. The no communication is actually a test for us and for them. they see who will be able to handle it or break. and those that break or get depressed usually get sent home. there is going to be another time in his journey that you may not hear from him in awhile  because some ships are silent and there is no communication. if you know what he will be  as far  as rate, read up on it. it will give you insight as to what he will be doing and training for. If you need help let me know and I can find some info for you.

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

Phone calls can be random so keep your phone handy and answer all calls.  Count Friday's rather than individual days and the time will go by faster.  Stick close to the boot camp group and you'll be fine.  Hang in there!

[belovedbyHim]

NavyMom1013 -- Welcome and please come join us on the Main Bootcamp page.  Yes that was the "I'm Here call"  You will not get another call to visit till about 4 weeks in (If they earn it) HOWEVER Calls can come at any time so don't despair!!  I have written a blog that I hope to take live today to help explain some of what they are doing and how to count the days/weeks. 
I know what you are feeling, I too felt like my son had died,  Couldn't stop crying, Actually had hubby so worried he wondered if he needed to take me to a professional!!  That was 7 years ago!  Yes the tears will stop.  It's ok to miss them but it's also ok to tell yourself that you will stop!  Mine just left on deployment and is 1/2 way around the world so communications are hard since his free time is my middle of the night early morning!! I cried a little but not as much as last time or the time before that!! You do get stronger as their time in the service goes by!  We have not lost a mom to bootcamp, We won't start with you!!! It will be ok.

[NavyMom1013]

I'm getting used to the no communication.  It just sucks!  I have done a lot of research on navy life and what to except, but nothing can truly prepare you. Knowing that I'm not alone and there are other moms/families out there is comforting.  I am looking forward to the "form letter" and being able to send him mail.  Then I can not wait for the "I'M A SAILOR" call.

[belovedbyHim]

NavyMom1013 -- Yes it does suck and no amount of research will make you prepared for the reality!! My Husband was in the Navy and I was still a hot mess when my son went!!  (oh and they don't know we call it the "I'm a Sailor" so don't be surprised if he doesn't make an announcement!) 
I don't think you have introduced yourself on the main boot camp page yet.  I encourage you to do so. (At the top of this post just click on the "Back to Bootcamp Moms...." and scroll down to see the current posts and join that conversation.  We have several moms near your ship date but they may not know where to go look to see this thread...)

[Kmr5+1]

NavyMom1013, I finally got my form letter last Friday, over 4wks from my sons initial phone call. My son was able to write several short letters to send along with it which I’ve read already 3x. I’ve finally stopped crying every day, but the tears come quick! The moms here have been amazing and it’s so nice to know that it’s normal to miss our kiddos so much! 

[belovedbyHim]

Kmr5+1 -- Good to see you on here!! I'm glad you got your letter.  Have you been able to get on the main BC page yet?  I think we have at least 1 other mom who just got the form letter too.  The tears will get better!! I PROMISE!

[Kmr5+1]

belovedbyHim, Thanks! I had to take a break from the site for awhile. It’s comforting to be here, but was hard too. 

[partyofseven]

Good Morning Kmr5+1,

I totally understand. Sometimes I do the same.  :) Have a great day.

[belovedbyHim]

Kmr5+1 -- I get it!! I just didn't want you to feel lost AND alone!!! Both are valid feelings during BC but I just wanted to make sure you were finding the support you Needed.   Glad you are doing ok and hopefully you'll be getting a phone call soon!