My Son is leaving September 13th ...

[SR.LaskiesMom (Ship 12 DIV 372)]

He will be leaving for Bootcamp just 3 days before his 18th birthday. He's not left yet & I miss him already! It breaks my heart to let him go, but I know this is what he wants to do & I support him 100% Anyone already been through this part & any advice would be great. He's my 2nd oldest out of 7 & I just can't imagine him not being here. 

[SherBear Nuke Mom (ET)]

Lynette,

I grew up in Taylor and Southgate and then lived in Trenton before moving here...my Mom just moved from Monroe to S Rockwood, one sister just moved from Romulus (near the airport) to Hell (near Dexter), another sister still lives in Romulus, niece in Taylor.  I have family all over up there and we make the trip to MI almost every other weekend it seems lately!

My son wrestled in High School too and I felt the exact same way! The first tournament I went to watch, alone I might add, I wanted to go out on the mats and pull the other kid off!  I really didn't need to worry, he was very good at that just like pretty much anything else he decided to do. He does very well in a structured, controlled environment and learned so much from his soccer team through high school about truly being a "team".

Right now I am completely immersed in planning his graduation/ going away party for Aug 18th and am hoping that will keep me busy! Plus I have 2 other teenagers to take care of and deal with, a 16 year old step son who is now driving and a 15 1/2 yr old daughter who keeps us hopping with girl drama daily.

I have been sort of lurking here for some time, but feel like this will be my lifeline as it really is hard for people not in the same situation to understand.

I think we have decided to all drive up to MEPS and watch him swear in and say our goodbyes there. I don't want to drag it out for him or myself. I worry mostly about him and do NOT want to upset him or have him worrying about ME.

Sherri

 

 

 

[Craig]

Lynette - I didn't know your son wants to be a HM.   You might want to join this group too.  I'm actually am a member of that group too since my Air Force daughter is going to "A" school there.  It's a joint military base.

http://www.navyformoms.com/group/hmhospitalcorpsmanaschoolinsanantonio

[myboysmom(Ship09/Div078)]

@Sherri B  You WILL make it through this!!! I promise!!!! I did and will be doing it again next year when my youngest graduates from high school. Then I will have an empty nest....But, I know I did it once and I can do it again. The people here helped me so much and I made some really good friends. My family went to see our son swear in at MEPS (me, his dad and our youngest son). I have to say that WAS the hardest day of my life!!!!!! But, my son told me when he was leaving and we were hugging and saying our goodbyes..."Mom, now remember NO CRYING its Navy rules"!!!! haha I know it's not but it is between us....and I didn't cry in front of him either. He has been in the Navy for 1 year and 6 1/2 months. Everytime I have seen him since he joined whether it be at PIR ( b/c graduation) or a visit home or whatever he never fails to tell me as we say goodbye, "Remember Mom, Navy rules"!!!! "Yep son I remember"....(smile) no tears until I no longer see his back walking down the walkway into the airplane....Then the water works begin!!! So far I have never cried in front of him....he says if he sees me cry then he might cry. Last time we were at the airport I was doing so good until I saw another solider with his parents and he was crying along with his mom. I had to turn and walk away so I didn't cry. But, I have to say each time has gotten just a little easier than the time before. It is not as devastating as it was in the beginning. He LOVES the Navy and what he is doing and he misses it when he isn't there. That is "HOME" to him now and as long as he is happy and prospering then Mom is ok.

 

Good luck to all of your that are just beginning this journey....you and your SR (sailor recruit) will survive. I and lots of other moms, wives, girlfriends, sisters, aunts, and even some dads are here to help you through this. Any time you need to vent just come here and vent I promise we WILL understand!!! Have a great evening everyone!!! (((hugs)))

[SherBear Nuke Mom (ET)]

Thanks! I look forward to having the support that I have seen on these message boards already! I know that it will be a lifeline for me. I feel like I have entered another world of sorts and nobody except other moms who have been through this can fully understand what its like. He isn't going off to college and can visit on the weekend or even during the holidays.  Its different, he has chosen to serve our country. I could not be more proud and scared all at the same time!

 

[SR.LaskiesMom (Ship 12 DIV 372)]

That's exactly how I feel, Sad, Scared & Proud!  ... He has chose to do something incredible with his life and I back him 1million % but as a mom going through this for the first time, it feels good to come here & let it all out. Like y'all said,  Not alot of people  understand so it really helps to read the positive things & some of the experiences other people have had! I know I don't check back & write back that often, but I will be on here as much as I can. Trying for once a week, but it all depends on what's goin on with all the kids & stuff! 

I just wanna say Thank you again, to ALL of you for your support & encouragement! :) 

P.S. Since I still haven't figured out how to add anyone as friends on here, please feel free to add me, if you'd like! ... Also if any of you are on facebook  & would like to stay in touch that way, you can look me up there as well ... (It's Netty Laskie) Thanks again everyone! :)