Comment

Comment by Greenbelli on September 20, 2016 at 4:03pm

Hello FirsttimeNavymom, my son is a GM stationed overseas for 3 years. Very tough thing to adjust to, but I am doing ok. He graduated from A school in GL Dec 2015, and got to come home for the holiday and then to San Deigo for C school in Jan2016. He graduated C school May 6 2016 and had to report to Japan June 2,2016. I REALLY didn't think I was going to make it through this whole transition, but here I am making it. :-) It is so tough for us mom's ecspecially when it is our first born going through it all for the first time. I message my son whenever I want, it has gotten easier over time waiting to hear from him. But it also helps to beable to see that he is online (even if they aren't talking to you) just knowing he is ok. :-) My advice to you is cry when you need to, text when you need to and day by day it will get easier. My son accepts that I am an overbearing mother and doesn't get too upset when I overstep. :-) If you are unsure how he will feel, try letting him know you are missing him and know he's busy but you want to be sure he knows you are home supporting him and loving him EVERYDAY!! I think it helps them to hear from home. 

Prayers for you throughout your journey! 

Comment by FirsttimeNavymom on September 20, 2016 at 3:44pm

It has been really hard and like you say, it is hard not to message him when you see he's online.  I seriously have to fight the urge  NOT to text him.  I ask myself am I supposed to text/call him or should I wait til he does me??  On one hand I don't want to smother him and text but I also don't want him to think I'm just not thinking about him or just forgot about him...which I'm sure is not the case!  So after A school for GM's do they automatically go on a ship or do they go to C school then ship?  Do they even go to C school?  It's frustrating because I want to know all the answers now lol :)

Comment by NavyMom2014 on September 20, 2016 at 3:20pm

I know how you feel with your son being your first born.  My boy is too.  He has always been my "little buddy" even though he is a foot taller than I am.  Yes, he is a GM as well.  You will have moments that you hear a song, go somewhere you both enjoyed going, cook his favorite meal or see his picture and you will have to sit down and have a good cry.  Then you will catch your breath and remember how proud you are of him and move on with your day.  It is very hard for me not to message my son every time I see him on facebook, but it does get a little easier over time.  One of the tricks I use is I let him call me when he's ready.  We have found out though, even with him overseas, if he calls even once a week we really don't have much to talk about.  He has gotten to the point he calls once every two or three weeks and we have a nice long conversation about everyone's lives.  The long weeks when he's out to sea do get to be a little much yet.  After your son picks his orders and finds out where he is going, get on his ship's facebook page and his fleet page.  I found them to be very good resources when trying to keep track of him when they are out on patrol since he can't tell you where they will be or when they will be there.  Another tip....don't ask dates about anything. It is a crazy ride!!!

Comment by FirsttimeNavymom on September 20, 2016 at 11:09am

Aww thank you so much NavyMom2014!  This was such a sweet message and I appreciate you responding.  It has definitely been an emotional road.  Yes this is his first real time away from home and my first born and I gotta tell you, my heart does ache.  I have gotten better at least I think so but every now and then when i sit and think about things, I break down crying.  No one really understands I don't think but us moms.  I worry constantly about him like is he eating ok, is he making friends, is he brushing his teeth (I know I know) but you know everyday normal mom stuff I guess.  It has been so hard for me to let go.  I admit I am a bit of a hover mom wanting to make sure everything is ok or fix everything, even from Texas!  He got a little down a couple of weeks ago and second guessing his decision to join.  Didn't really want to talk to anyone and it really worried me.  He and I did talk and he said something to me that was so on point, he said "...how am I ever going to grow up and learn to do things on my own if I constantly have someone (me) fixing things for me? I'm in a new place trying to adapt to new people and my new home."  That was really a hard pill for me to swallow but he was right.  So I have backed off just a little to give him some breathing room and he seems to be doing better.  I am definitely not the most patient person so this "hurry up and wait" thing is really driving me crazy but at the same time, I am learning....slowly.  He'll be there through winter so I'm sure he'll be shoveling snow which I know he is just going to love lol.  Having said all of this, I am beyond proud of him and all of our kiddos.  And you are so right, I  think about what an amazing, courageous person it takes to serve and I think WOW, that's my kid. Although I can't even imagine overseas yet, one thing at a time, but I know it's inevitable.  My heart breaks with you. Yours in GM also right?  Again, thanks so much for "typing" to me, haha.  

Comment by NavyMom2014 on September 19, 2016 at 11:23pm

Hi FirsttimeNavymom!!  I'm also a first timer, but my son has been in for almost 2 years already.  My son was on hold from December 5, 2014 (PIR date) untll the beginning of April 2015 (I think).  It was a really long time.  Yes, they keep them busy doing pretty much just what you said.  My boy got to shovel a little snow too!  My advice though is don't get discouraged and most definitely don't let him know that's how you are feeling.  It is very important to keep him encouraged, especially if this is his first real experience being out on his own so to speak.  The good thing is, now he gets to call home or text or whatever pretty much when he wants to.  He will be able to leave base evenings and weekends when he's not on duty. If I remember correctly, A school is about 14 to 16 weeks (once they get classed up and start).  Sorry, it's kind of a blur.  The biggest thing I have learned by being a "Navy Mom" is don't get in a hurry for anything and not to really have any expectations of any timeline whatsoever.  It is the government and they do everything in their own time and aren't in a hurry for pretty much anything until they are ready to do it.  Keep your chin up and stay positive, especially for him.  My son is now stationed overseas and I still have bad days here and there that I miss him so much my heart aches and I break down and cry, but most days I just think of what kind of an amazing person it takes to serve something so much greater that him/her self and I take comfort in knowing that I raised that amazing person.  It's a tough road, especially for moms I think.  If you have any other questions or want to talk, feel free to message me. Good luck to you, your family and your son and thank you all for your service!   

Comment by FirsttimeNavymom on September 19, 2016 at 1:58pm

Hello from Texas!  My son just graduated 9/2/16 and is currently on hold for GM A-School at GL.  They say the hold is for 3 months which seems like a really long time to me.  I understand that they keep them busy cleaning, standing watch, etc but is that it??  Seems like they would become a bit discouraged.  I'm assuming this is normal from reading different posts and hearing things here and there but I think I'm becoming a bit discouraged myself. Any advice? 

Comment by KTP (Kim) on May 17, 2016 at 1:24pm

if there was a post on here Sunday why can't I see it ?

Comment by KTP (Kim) on May 6, 2016 at 3:06pm

GM update:  as of 4/29 he was shipped out to his duty station, state side in VA and just loving it.  They gave him the name "superstar" for getting the M4 top shot award on combat training.  My heart is lighter just because he is doing what he loves ! Hooyah

Comment by KTP (Kim) on April 6, 2016 at 3:18pm

update on the GM Sailor.  At his destination for combat training and loves it, wishing it was more than 5 weeks and this is only the 3rd day of training.  Happy he found what he loves, make the says go faster and moms heart happier, have a great day

Comment by KTP (Kim) on March 30, 2016 at 12:41pm

@ruth, thanks, there doesn't seem to much on combat training anywhere and it was quite a surprise to both of us.  Although he is very excited after watching the video .    Thanks for replying

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