HELP My son is leaving officially on June 9th

[mfavored]

My son is leaving for BC on June 9th.  So full of emotions Tears are falling as we speak.  I cant believe the day is almost here.  I remember it was last year when he told me his ship date.  WOW  I am trying my best to stay strong and definitely not to break down in front of him We are enjoying the time together and right now I am getting together a going away BBQ  Just want to talk to someone whose child is about to leave or just left  Deep down I know he is gonna be just fine  I guess it is just separation anxiety

[Candyliamsmom]

What you are feeling is perfectly natural. I guess it's a mom thing. We know this is a good decision for our child and that they are growing up and away but we want to hang on. They are still our little boy or girl. The most difficult thing for us as mothers/fiances/wives is the lack of communication. Make sure he has a phone card so he can call when he can. It will be limited and he won't have time to write much either. Other than the initial "I'm here" call when they arrive there won't be a lot of calls, if any, until after the first 2 or 3 weeks. Just keep thinking, no news is good news. Once you recieve your packet with his address you can begin writing to him. No packages but you can send letters, pictures, cards. They do get razzed if you send envelopes with stickers or other cutsy things. Hang in there, the time will go by faster than you think!

[mfavored]

Thanks AALiamsmom Pensacola. You did answer what I was wondering I was not sure if we could send cards or not I thought only letters and I also did not know about getting a phone card. It does help hearing from someone whose been in your shoes already

[Ginny__K'sProudMom]

Hi Mfavored, I can imagine what you are going through. I am in the group "DEP-Leaving for boot camp in July" and I just read a post there this morning that one of the Moms son was called to go in early, I think the same time as your son June 8 or 9th (not sure) Her name is Lorraine, and she too is organizing a going away BBQ this weekend. YOu may want to reach out to her as well.
Take care, wishing your son all the best. Hang in there!

[Angie(Ship 11 Div 293) PIR 0902]

My son is leaving for BC. He put a request to leave on June 9th but his official date was July 9. So we are just waiting for the phone call. I understand about the sheadig tears I am trying to be strong but sometimes I find it very hard. I am very proud of him and all the military people out there. My daughter married a sailor so her and my granddaughter are in california.

[Tricia S]

Hi - my daughter left last Monday and she is my only child. We have always been very close and it was indeed hard to see her go. You are feeling like any good mom would. You must be proud of the decision your son made. I try to always remind myself that my daughter has made a mature, well thought-out, sound decision. We, too, had a barbeque to send her off. To tell you the truth, the anticipation was probably worse than the period after she left. I'm trying to stay really busy and I do work full time so that helps. We heard from her for the first time (except for the 5 second "I've arrived and I'm safe" phone call. In the letter, she sounded really happy and said she loved it at Great Lakes. That made me so happy and yet brought all of the emotions back to the surface. You've given your son wings and he is doing what he is supposed to do as a young adult - begin his own life. We'll get through this like the millions of others have. Hang in there. My thoughts are with you. You will be fine.

[mfavored]

You are so right. Tricia S He is my only son and he is the youngest. I am so proud of the decision he has made. I must admit that was NOT my first reaction I think that I was more shocked than anything else . I did not think that the military was of any interest to him at all. Yes it is the anticipation This will be the longest separation we have ever had and II know that I am going to miss him greatly I really should look at it as though he is going away to college. I know he is growing up and starting his life so I realize it is time for me to grow up as well LOL its so hard letting go I Thank God for this site it is helping me a whole lot by being able to reach out to the Navy Moms. Yeah I know I will be just fine afterwhile Thanks again

[Deborah]

Hi MFavored:
What you are experiencing is normal. As a mom you will always worry, but get prepared for one of the proudest moments of your life.My son left in November and I was a messsss..... The time goes by quickly and before you know it he will be graduating. Graduation from the Navy is a WONDERFUL experience.My son graduated on January 15th and I am still on cloud nine and its May. The first ten weeks are extremely hard, but you are in the right place( a lot of support) Remember to pray constantly, write him daily and think positive. My son left Chicago the day after he graduated and went to San Antonio Texas for A School. He just left from spending two marvelous weeks at home. I cant believe how much he has matured A True Man!!!!!! in all of six months. He just left for Guam a week ago and I am even more of a mess than I was when he left for bootcamp, but I am soooo very proud of him and all his many accomplishments that I am no longer sad, actually I am beyond proud of him , your son and the many others that have decided to serve thier country. You will be fine trust me, there are many of us here to support you. Its ironic that I came cross your posting, just this morning on my way to work I saw at least thrity sailors , because it is fleet week here in New York and there are sailorss all over the city and again I had a moment( tears everywhere), but a proud moment. You will be fine, As moms these are the moments we work so hard to see, when our children grow to be responsible and productive citizens
Be Blessed

[mfavored]

Thanks so much Deborah. That's what I feel like right now a TRUE HOT MESS full of so many mixed emotions. Thank you for taking the time to stop and encourage me. Yes I have been praying every day for all of our children and loved ones in all branches of the military. I realize that God is more than able to keep and protect each and every one of them. (It's just that mom part in every one of us) So sorry that I am no longer in NY (missing Fleet Week) It feels good to stand proud for the decision that my son has made Looking forward to speaking to you all as the time goes by

[gmom]

Hi Deborah!
Is your son an MA??? I ask cause you said he went to A school in San Antonio.

[heis63(NUKE MOM)]

Hey,
My son just started his 3rd week. Your emotions will be all over.. like a rollercoaster... Just be sure to send an activated calling card, and stamps... be patient, the navy is hurry up and wait. I just got my first letter on Wed. no phone calls yet. We are all here for youl

[mfavored]

Thanks for the heads up about the stamps (how could I forget about those) I just found out about the calling card also. I appreciate all the info. Keep me posted still learning as I go along You all have been a blessing to me and a big help as well I know that the way I am feeling right now it is good to know you are not alone

[Jill-B-Man'sMom]

Hi Mfavored- my son is going on his 3rd week at basic- It sucked when we were saying our goodbys the weekend before!! It does get better- I didn't want him to see me cry either but I cried right in his arms and he rocked me like I use to rock him!! It made me cry so much more like I am doing now thinking of that moment! But after I did that I really felt so much better that he knew how much I loved him and was going to miss him! He is my oldest and now I am counting down the days till I can hug him again and again- So cry in front of him and hold him tight!!!!! God Bless you and your sailor!!
Hugs Jill