My sons journey began today (11-06-2011)

[jms93mom]

I have been dealing with anxiety the past few days, knowing that time was closing in on my sons childhood and his manhood was about to begin. Today, as I drove him to the recruiting office, I kept telling myself that I was not going to shed any tears in front of him, as I had shed enough last night as I feel asleep. Mission...failed! As I hugged my son goodbye, the faucet started, he told me that he would be okay. I reassured him that my tears were those of happiness, as he begins a new chapter in his life. I am so proud of him! I hope to find comfort through this site, as I know, I am not alone.

[jms93mom]

DAY 3...I'm lost and still empty! I am pathetic :)

[pjhhearn]

Hi, I rarely ever reply to all these notes, but had to this time, my son left july 6th for boot camp, i was a basket case, got one phone call after about 3 weeks 1 letter before that, he had his wisom teeth removed the 2nd week, so couldnt call. Your son is in great hands, and you should focus on grad. it is amazing. I almost did not go as i am from Maine, Hurricane irene was in my path, but i went it was worth the whole 8 weeks wait, you will be so proud. Such a huge change in my son, and all the others there, they come out with so much confidence and teamwork is a 2nd name. Your son is going to be so busy he wont know if he is coming or going, But i have good news, when he goes to A school he can call weekends all he wants he can use a laptop. and call some evening if he isnt studying, my son is a nuke so studying is intense right now. just breathe easy, and cry if you want to, i held back when my son left, but when he turned around and gave me the thumbs up, and grinned I lost it. so its ok, and if you have questions, you can ask me, and anyone here. OH, and go to facebook and like the navy recruit command, huge help and you can ask questions there too. PS if you are going to PIR stay at the Navy lodge,it is great and you get to mingle and feel part of the navy experience. Pam 

 

[sdees3]

JMS93MOM - It does get easier. The first few weeks are the hardest then the letters start to come and you will know what day of the week the letters will be in your mailbox. Then you start counting down the days until PIR and it goes by so fast. My SR left on 10/5 and we will be seeing him in 17 days for Thanksgiving and PIR is in 24 days. Start writing to your SR today and save up the letters until you get his address. Mail is like gold. I write my SR sometimes twice a day - remember to not send "contraband" (candy/ newspaper articles, books etc). Keep your letters as positive as you can even if it might be hard to do so. Every time I wanted to tell my SR how much I missed them, I wrote "I am so proud of you" instead. We are here for you. Hugs.

[Maria]

My sons journey began yesterday too. I have had eight months to get myself prepared and just when I thought I could handle it, the minute he hugged me I lost it. I told him I love him and he said it back. He said he would be ok but I did not feel any better. I know that eight weeks will go by fast but this is hard for me because I feel like a piece of me is missing.

[jlmjtat(ship 12 div 032)]

Natalie - my son arrived 11/1 and he is planning to to nuclear subs also.  I can't wait to hear from him

[jms93mom]

I want to personally thank each mom here that has replied, what an overwhelming welcome and it is so refreshing to know that I am not alone. I woke up this morning with a feeling of loneliness but had to face reality that the apron strings have been cut and it is now time for my son to shine. I want to stay so positive on the outside but inside, a piece of me has died (the only way I can explain it).

Funny how you prepare yourself for motherhood and as time goes on you find that one day you are saying, I can't wait for the day, they grow up and leave the house. Wow! I wish I could take that back (sometimes).  I begin to question, did I do everything right, did I say everything I needed to say? Reflecting on the last 17 years with Jordan, I can honestly say, I did the best I could, especially as a single parent. I now have one who has made a decision in life that will open many doors, allow him to do and see things most dream of. I know in my heart, I did have a positive influence on him.

This time last year, were discussing options as graduation was quickly approaching. College was not a option for him, in his mind (although my oldest chose that road) he stated that he was not staying in our small town, that only trouble would follow. I saw a change in him after we left the recruiting office, knowing this was his destiny. Of course he still kept a dirty room and was asked to take the trash out over 20 times. However, when the ink was dried on his contact (March 17, 2011) he began talking to his friends, in which 3 have signed and one shipped out for BC, a week prior to my son.

I begin to think, that maybe Jordan is stronger than I am or is this just the feelings of a mother letting go of yet another child. I am ready to begin my first letter to him and don't even know where to begin, as I will not be sappy. I am pretty good at that but I want Jordan to know that I am strong and want him to sense that through each letter he receives. I guess for now, I will begin to blog here. So if I tend to ramble, feel free to move on :)

As for now, I am finishing up his left over laundry and starting to pack the last of it away. I keep telling myself if I don't do it now, I never will.

All I can say now is, ladies, we are one day closer but not soon enough.

 

~Dawn~

[GaryMimi]

Our son left on October 23rd....it is amazing how much I miss him - we are so very proud of him....I am busy sending letters every day which they all say is important - when I pray for him, I feel like he is right with me - I am step mom but love him as my own - he is a huge comfort to me and has always been a wonderful young man - my advise is to pray and know that God will keep your child very close to him - our boys are heroes.

[PhoenixMomPS1204]

My son just left for bootcamp yesterday (11-8).  I got the call last night that he was safe - now waiting for the box and form letter.  We knew a little what to expect because his friend who was staying with us went through this last June.  It still does not make it any easier.  Like the rest of the moms here, I have a big hole in my heart and am still in the crying phase.  Just seeing his room, his clothes and things brings new tears.  He's barely 18, and I know this will be good for him.  It's just hard letting go - he is the last one to leave home, and the one of my three that I did everything with - movies, played games, etc.  (The other two (daughters) had moved out each on their own across town).  My husband and I are now officially "empty nesters" and like someone else said, you kind of look forward to that day, but I feel like it was so sudden!  I know it will get better - just trying to get through it.  He's a good kid (guess he's a man now) and never gave us any trouble.  He wanted this because he wanted some direction and purpose in his life.  I am very proud of him to have such a good, level head on his shoulders, but miss him terribly!  This site helps as everyone here has been through it and understands!  Thanks for letting me vet my feelings!

[sasha]

Wow your story is just like mine except my son is 22 years old, he also left on the 8th and I received the call he was alright. I am now waiting for the box and form also. I am happy for him but I am finding myself so very sad more and more each day when I thought it  would get easier, see he is my only child. I am glad to have this site to talk to others also,thanks

[pancakehollow]

My son left on November 8th. I have not found out what division and I haven't got the box............

[jms93mom]

We are in the same boat, pancake. Fingers crossed for this week. Have lots of mail ready to send out!

[PhoenixMomPS1204]

I, too, am still waiting for the box.  I know some others on this board got their box already for the 11/8 deploy date, but some haven't - the holiday may have messed everything up - hoping for tomorrow.