My son went to RTC on May 21. When will I stop being sad?????

[angelalovesD(Ship 14 Div 274)]

My son left to BT on Tuesday.  I missed his "I'm here" call because it came in at 1:13 a.m. California time.  I have not been able to stop crying and being sad.  We are a single parent family and we are very close.  Any advice to help me is so welcome.  Thank you.

[MomLovesRyan Ship 09 Div 266]

My 10 second call from my son was pretty upsetting. I didn't know it was going to be scripted and he didn't reply to my, "I love you". It left me feeling empty until I found out more about those calls. The only redeeming moment I had, though, was before that - when he arrive at the airport, he called me and we talked for about a minute. Much nicer.

[Skeeter4A5 ( Ship 02 Div 936 )]

My daughter left May 22nd and I know how you feel.  I did really well yesterday during the day , but the night just killed me. I'm better this morning.  I missed my "I'm Here" call because she decided to call someone else.  I felt so cheated. Maybe your son is with my daughter..Can't wait for the letter to find out.

[MichPad(STA21 Officer Mom)]

It's been over two years since my sons PIR.  It gets easier, but you never stop missing them.  The sadness sometimes comes out of no where and hits you upside the head.  I wrote my son everyday, and mailed him several pages every week.  Once you get his first letter, it will help.  If you have the ability to go to his PIR, with his phone and laptop, you will be able to meet him at the airport the next morning.  Once he has his phone, SO much better!  Always keep your cell phone with you, and if you happen to see a strange area code pop up, or it says "pay phone", answer it!  They don't get to call very often, but I think I got three 15 min phone calls.  Find his ship/PIR group on here and forge some new relationships.  It truly helps to talk with others who understand how you feel.  I still communicate with some of my PIR Moms.

Once he leaves for A school, it's better because he can call.  In the mean time, hang in there!  You can do it, because you're Navy Mom Strong!!

[Irene(ship03 div 076)]

I also missed my son calling to let me know he arrived. Mine was because cell phone service comes and goes at my house. I was devastated at first but then realized I had the message he left to listen to while he was gone and I needed to hear his voice. Then a couple days later I got a call from him. His rdc told him since he had to leave a message he needed to talk to a person not voicemail. I got a full 3 minute call instead of the 30 second call that night. Hold on this is definitely a roller coaster ride but so worth it when you see the fine young man he will become.

[Proud Navy Mom]

Hey Angela, Just stay on NAVY for Moms daily and you will find comfort. My sons PIR was May 10, 2013 and the 8 weeks felt like an eternity. I was always used to talking to him every day since he still lived at home. When you start getting the weekly letters (they write on Sundays) you will find yourself running to the mailbox!  And when they call and talk 20 mins. you will be in heaven, but the BEST part is their PIR day!!!! When you run up to your SAILOR son (and cry) it is all worth it!!!! Once A school starts they can have their phones and laptops to communicate when they can. Try exercising (take this time for you) and you WILL feel better. This is my only child so my attention was always on him.   Take care and hang in there. Do a lot of Navy research, that helped me too.

[angelalovesD(Ship 14 Div 274)]

You all have helped me out so much today with your advice.  Please know I am here for you all as well.  I have been trying to think of all the positive and the things I won't miss, like laundry.  LOL!  For all of you that had your child leave on May 22, 2013, let's all stay in touch.  I will be going PIR.  We think it will be July 19 if all goes well.  Bless you all, and I like what I was told, stay Navy Mom Strong. 

[Karen]

angela: My son left on 4/22/13 and I felt the same way you did.  I too am a single parent and my SR and I were very close. My older child left home when my SR was only 8 so it had been just he and I for 10 yrs.  All I can tell you is it will get better.  In the beginning I cried a lot and my heart was heavy all the time.  I started writing letters to him the day he left and I write every single day.  It helps me to feel connected to him and he tells me he loves getting all the letters.  Once you can speak to your SR you will feel better.  Hang in there and hang around here a lot.  There are a lot of kind and knowledgeable people on here who are always willing to help! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[plablue is mikemom ship09 div265]

My son left for boot camp onTuesday May 21st. as well. I was strong and didn't cry I know this is a good thing for him. still can't stop the sad feelings I get especially during my down time hours. I know we will all get through this just fine. Let's continue to stay in touch to support each other. I also calculated July 19th as PIR date we are planning to come. We live in Indianapolis about 3 1/2 hrs away but we are Cali natives.

[angelalovesD(Ship 14 Div 274)]

I can't figure out how to friend you.  I wish I was as strong as you.  I usally am, not now.  Sucks.  I feel better today with all of you.

[MomLovesRyan Ship 09 Div 266]

Click on the person's profile who you'd like to friend. Under their profile picture will be a list and one of them says something like 'send friend request. Click on that and a window will pop up, which will allow you to send a message, as well, if you like. Then click on send (or whatever it says). It will send the request to the person, which they have to accept. You accepted my request. It sort of just like Facebook.

[Queenbeansj]

My son left on April 16th. I would wake up crying first thing in the morning, and forget about if someone should ask me if I had heard from my son yet. That's all it would take. I would just sit in his room and cry. I was like that for about two weeks, but then, I received that first call, and life immediately was a million times better. I still get weepy when I write him and when I read his letters, but not for very long. Now, instead of being sad, I am so proud of him.

This will pass. Write him letters even if you don't have an address yet to send them to. He'll love getting a bunch of letters at one time. They live for those letters.

In a few weeks you will be fine. We have all been through this, but it is not easy. Try to stay strong and know tht you are not alone.

[angelalovesD(Ship 14 Div 274)]

Thank you Irene!  I think I will write a letter tonight.  Great idea!