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Comment by NavyMom2Cole on May 13, 2012 at 10:47pm

taking my son to MEPS tomorrow evening for the last time.  Me and his sisters are taking him to dinner then leaving him for the night.  But we are going back in the AM to see the swearing in.  I would not miss this for the world!  Thanks for all the info everyone.  I'm sure there will be many questions in the next 8 weeks.  

Comment by ReneeBC on May 13, 2012 at 5:30pm

AliciaG,

I don't think we can say it enough.  It's not hand-holding to go with them.  It's more like when they were learning to walk; you didn't always hold their hand, sometimes you just had to stand behind them so they felt safe enough to do it on their own. 

Of course, then you clapped and squealed... and they fell....but you get the idea. LOL

Comment by AliciaG (Ship 12, DIV 204) on May 13, 2012 at 5:08pm

To ReneeBC----- Happy Mother's Day! I agree with your comment SO strongly! This is really the last time you will stand and watch your son (or daughter)  take such a momentous step in their journey to being adults. It really doesn't matter how old they are when they do it either. I wouldn't have missed this day for ANYTHING!

Comment by ReneeBC on May 13, 2012 at 4:14pm

I'm going to echo what Britt said and add a story of my own...

When my son swore in there were 10 shipping off to GL that morning.  Sadly, there were only four who had family there.  Surprisingly, all who were swearing in were 19 and 20 yrs old with one lone 17 yr old.  While the young men were being called here and there, we found ourselves 'being parent" to several Deppers, holding books, water, sodas, and Navy startup packets until they got back to the waiting area.  We also kept them talking about themselves and their reason for joining to settle nerves.  The 17 yr old was by himself and was so nervous I thought he was going to be sick.  (I took his picture while swearing in and sent it to his parents, so they could have a momento.) 

I know there may be circumstances that may prevent some from attending.  However, do NOT listen to your Depper if they say, "It's okay, You don't have to go." or "I don't know if you're allowed to be there."  Yes, you are.

My son had the luxury of being blase' about whether we went or not because he knew threat of death wouldn't have kept us away.

So, go, take a book (though you'll never read a page of it), and treasure those minutes/hours.

Comment by Britt<3Corpsman Wife on May 13, 2012 at 3:00pm

Please, please, please go to the swearing in ceremony! It was a lot of hurry up and wait. There were 40 people who swore in at the same time as my husband and I would say there were maybe 10 other family members there. My husband had 13 and I think it gave him a big confidence boost. Also, if you can meet him at the airport and get a family gate pass do that as well. They arrived at the airport at 5am and didn't fly til 12pm. So we got to eat breakfast and hang out and talk before he got on the plane. I think it really helped in the process of letting go:)

Comment by Twinsmom on May 13, 2012 at 11:35am

@Teachermom, that's amazing that it all happened so fast for your son; my sons both had an 8 month wait.  That didn't give you much time to get used to the idea...When my first son there got to call me, he said that first week was rough, everyone looked llike they were in shock, but after that they started to mesh and work well together, and get into a routine, and he even said he loved it!  My second son to go is still in his first week, so I know how you feel, I think about him and woory constantly, but I know they will do fine!  Try not to worry, and have a great Mother's Day!

Comment by ReneeBC on May 13, 2012 at 10:08am

Happy Mother's Day to all the DEP moms!  Hold them close and spend a joyous day together.  (Hold the tears back ladies.  Let them remember you with a smile!)

Comment by ReneeBC on May 13, 2012 at 10:06am

Teacher mom,

Remember, your son chose this path and he is busy learning something every second.  He probably thought long and hard about this desire to join the Navy and was comfortable with it before he told you.  You, however, are probably reeling, but take comfort in being here with the other mothers.  You are strong and you will get through this.  Your son will be surprized, pleased, and proud of all you know and how fast you slid into the role of Navy Mom! 

(My son, too, quit college after the first sememster of his sophomore year.  He said he was spinning his wheels and could not decide on a major and wasn't about to work for minimum wage while he figured it out.  He also said it was a perfect time to carry on a family tradition and serve.)

Comment by ReneeBC on May 13, 2012 at 9:53am

drjclary,

We spent over an hour and a half with our son before he was sworn in. Then the five minutes here, twenty minutes there, started over the course of an hour. You wait, drink coffee, read, watch tv until they come out of a travel briefing.  BUT you do NOT want to miss anything until they get on that transport, be it on a bus or van to the airport.  Those are precious minutes that you will be glad you had with him.

Comment by NavyMom2Cole on May 12, 2012 at 11:03pm

my son is leaving in 3 days and I haven't seen him in the last 3.  Spending time with his friends these last few days.  I get it, it's the end of his childhood, the friends might not be there when he gets back.  He knows we will always be here. I miss him already.  I'm holding it together but when he leaves next week it's not going to be pretty. Trying not to cry yet. 

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