My Son Left February 28th == Missing Him:(

[Paula (Ship 03 Div 164)]

Joined this site shortly before my son left....has been a God-send!!  Wish I would have known about it earlier.... My son is 21 yrs old and had been living on his own for the past year in Kansas City.  Called me in September to tell me he had some good news, he had joined the Navy!  Actually, I wasn't totally surprised.  He has talked about being in the military since he was a boy.  Still, it is scary for a mom.  I have had several months to prepare myself emotionally.  He moved back home in those few months before he left and it was nice to spend that time with him.  Dropped him off in Kansas City on Feb. 27th and he flew out on the 28th.  He called me from the airport in KC, from the airport in Chicago, and the final 20 second call at 2:08 am on March 1st.  For having such a long day, he didn't sound too tired.  Now reality has set in...... Not knowing how he is doing is really hard.  I have cried.  I'm sure most moms have....  I miss him.... as i'm sure most moms do.  But....how very PROUD of HIM I am!!  And excited for him!   He was so excited to go.:)  Most everyday that week before he left he would look at me and tell me how excited he was.....Oh how that helps me now!!  Every mother reading this should be extremely proud of their son/daughter for serving our country!!  There are many more days until graduation and I am sure there are plenty more tears to cry... but the tears that will fall on graduation from bootcamp will be tears of pride and joy.  I can't wait to congratulate my new Sailor!  Hoping to get to know some of you during this time!! 

[Paula (Ship 03 Div 164)]

Thanks so much for the encouragement.  I bet you are very proud!!  I know I am. Can't wait to receive a call or letter.  Actually, I can't wait to get an address so I can send a letter.  Yes, staying busy is a good thing at times like these.  And prayer. Told my son to not forget he was being prayed for.  I know it helps...  Blessings to you and your son.  

[lemonelephant]

You may also want to join the group, DEP-Leavin' for Boot Camp in February (clickable link), to connect with others with loved ones who left the same day and may have PIR together. The Page, Arrival and What Happens at the RTC, will let you know what is happening, but you will also want to check out the other Pages in this group (found under the pictures of the members).  You have one Friday down and 8 more to go. The most likely date for PIR is 04/26/2013, but you must wait for the form letter to know for sure.  You will get "the box" in a few days and he should mail the form letter next Thursday.  Just remember that "No news is good news!"  He is doing well and pursuing his dream.

[Paula (Ship 03 Div 164)]

Thanks for the information.  Will definitely check out the links you provided. 

[lemonelephant]

You are very welcome.

[DramaSoul]

Please check out NavyDEP.com.  It's a website run by a Navy veteran. Once you know what day your Recruit is on, you can follow what he/she is learning.  It helps with the whole "unknown" thing.  My Sailor's PIR was 2 March 2012 (it was a Friday last year).  Nothing prepares you for that moment when the doors roll open and the divisions march in...definite TISSUE ALERT!

[lemonelephant]

The link to the Day by Day in navydep.com is found within Arrival and What Happens at the RTC,

[Paula (Ship 03 Div 164)]

I am sure that is a MOMENT beyond WORDS.  My heart is swelling with PRIDE already.:))  Will definitely have tissue ready!!

[Carolyn]

Paula1965, you are right.  My son left Jan 28th. So far, every mother on here has cried, missed them, but we are all so proud of them!!!  Just knowing that you have reared a child who is willing to do this for his country is inspiring!  My son was 21 also and had gone to college for two years, but lived at home while doing so.  He is also the baby, so this is the first time for an empty house for me. After 5 children, that is quite a challenge for me!   My oldest son was a Marine, but they didn't have anything like this back then, so I had no idea what was going on.  This site has been a God-send for me;  has kept me connected, answered my questions, and helped me with the transition!  The support I get from reading what other moms are going through has been such a blessing by knowing you aren't in this alone!  Hang in there!  It does get easier!

[DramaSoul]

lemonelephant...thank for posting that link.  I am not good at that sort of thing. It sure is a lot more informative than it was just a year ago! Hooyah! Nice job!

[lemonelephant]

Thanks.

[JTFsubmom]

Hi Paula....my son left on the 26th but didn't arrive until late...I got the call at 1:30Am on the 27th. He is 20 and had lived in his own apartment before he left too. He signed up in January and was told he was going to boot camp April 10th. I thought I had lots of time to spend with him before he left....and then he got the call at the end of January that he was leaving February 26th...that's when it hit home that he was leaving. We spend that whole last month together and have so many great memories. I miss him and his amazing sense of humor. I miss not being able to talk to him or buy him lunch! I cry when I think about holidays....but I too am so proud of him! I think many of my tears are because of that.
I think his PIR date will be April 26 but haven't got confirmation on that yet. Haven't received the box yet but am looking forward to it and the letter. Perhaps our sons will have the same PIR date. Hang in there!

[Paula (Ship 03 Div 164)]

Thank you Julie.  So glad you had time with him before he left.  I have not even thought about holidays yet.....don't want to, I guess.  I planned on a PIR date of April 26th too.  Guess time will tell.  Looking forward to seeing my son again soon.  I know every mom here is awaiting that day. Until then, I guess we all have to lean on one another.:))