Thank you for adding me

[CoutureQueen]

Hello all. I'm a first time Navy mom, my son left on the 16th, from PA. I've been devastated. I'm not alone, as I've read here. My son is a homebody. Was a college student who was the only child for 15 years before his brother was born. He's quiet, intelligent and docile. Never had any issues at all. One day, after the breakup with his HS sweetheart, he came home "I joined the Navy". I froze! He will be the 3rd generation of Navy in my family. At first I felt like I didn't do enough to get him through or let him grow, only seeing the Navy as a last resort. However, he's always been enamored by tales from my dad and grandfather, in good light, as proud men who protect our country. But he explained it was the total opposite and he apologized for not doing his part regarding family. I've been writing letters to an unknown address and so worried. He is seriously babied lol.
Thanks again!

[belovedbyHim]

A suggestion that was made to me when I was struggling with my SR being in BC was to have my own bootcamp.  Pick something that you want to get better at < getting in shape, learning to knit/ crochet, playing an instrument, learning to paint, cooking..... You get the idea, and everytime you have a down minute you do that thing.  So if the evenings are hard because you are thinking about your SR, you would practice your instrument, workout, focus on cooking skills (Maybe even find a class in your area) an designate that time to your own personal bootcamp!! Imagine how good you would get if you crocheted for 2 hours every day for 8 weeks, or practiced for 2 hours everyday for 8 weeks.  You could get better health if you worked out everyday "BootCamp" style for 8 weeks!! (just don't over do it like I did!!)
I know that the days are long but remember that the weeks are short... just like when they were small and you had no sleep!!  I won't tell you not to cry since I know that won't really change but you will learn that you are stronger than you thought and you can do more than you knew!! This journey is just like the seas... lots of ups and downs, some days are flat calm and others threaten to overwhelm you!! But also know you have a cadre of Seasters... Other Moms who are there to help you find a safe harbor when you are floundering in the fog and waves!  {{{{{NMH}}}}}

[Nursemom]

Donnacatlover-could our sons be related? Your son’s background sounds a lot like mine. He is only one week into boot camp but you give me hope that finally he might get the structure and organization that will compliment his intelligence in an environment outside of college for “out-of-the-box” thinkers where he will finally thrive!