North East PA Mom's

[DawnMomOfSR Ship 02-Div 909]

Hi Everyone,  I'm in Pike County.  My son will be graduating DelVal High in June and has signed a contract for nukes.  Doing DEP stuff now, not heading to BC until November.  I am very proud of him and his choice and at the same time worried about how he (and I) will get through it all.  It's a much different feeling then when we were looking at/planning for college.  Lots to learn.  He has a little brother, age 3, who is going to be heartbroken when he leaves.  I tear up a lot when I think about him going and what he will go through, my husband thinks I'm nuts (what else is new? lol), not as it he is leaving tomorrow.  I guess I'm just a Mom... a new Navy Mom!

[June - Jon's Mom]

Hi Codesmom, Welcome Aboard! This will be an exciting journey for you both. I'm from Bucks County and my son is a nuke, He has been in for five years now. When my son joined, this site didn't exist. I didn't know what to do, what to expect, or who to ask. Here you have a resource like none other. You are very lucky to have this site. There are so many great women here and we will be here to see you through all the aches & pains and the joys. Don't be afraid to explore the site or ask questions. There are a few groups for new moms as well. Again, welcome aboard.

[DawnMomOfSR Ship 02-Div 909]

June, thanks! This site has been very helpful and educational! There is so much to know, and each time I learn something it leads to more questions. My biggest fear in all of this is failure. My son has gotten this far with little effort, and I know he has a lot in front of him. I know he can do it! But, am worried still. Question: since your son is a nuke (congratulations, by the way!) do they get breaks from school for holiday's and such? Looking ahead at my son being at BC for Christmas and New Years :o(, with the possibility of not much time between BC and being sent to SC for school, wondering when we can have our next time together instead of just a daytime "visit".

[June - Jon's Mom]

Codesmom, I can't help much with BC at Christmastime. I don't think so, but best to check with someone else. I can tell you that they do get leave after A school and I believe Power School. Jon didn't stay in Goose Creek for Prototype, he went to Ballston Spa, NY. He did have leave, but most was spent on getting his apratment & furnishings. It was nice having him 4 hours away in NY than 13 hours in SC. It's also nice they have options.

[Cathilee]

Codesmom, I'm in Pike County as well and I have children in DV. My son that's in the Navy is on a ship over in Japan and has been in the Navy for 3 years now.
It's nice to know there's other Navy Mom's in Pike Cty!!!!!!!!!!!

[blessedpr]

Hello Codes mom
My name is Iris and my son left to Boot camp on 3/17/2010.
we live in East Stroudsburg.

He will be graduating on 5/14 and the journey has been tough.
I miss him everyday and at times feel like no one understands.
feel free to read some of my post and definetly friend me.

I wont lie there is no preparation that can get you ready.
My son Graduated from HS in May of 2009 so we also had almost a year to prepare.
what helped me was recording some messages from him (which he did on his own) and watching them on
those days when I cried all day.

((Navy Hugs)) Iris

[Kathy]

The first chapter is almost over...you will soon be hearing from your sailor almost on a regulat basis...Congratulations..

[blessedpr]

Hello Codes Mom.
My son just Graduated yesterdayand I couldnt be prouder... It was a very emotional experience. He is so different, so grown, so focused.
It is worth all the tears and seperation anxiety that I have experienced.
He is on his way to Pensacola for 4 weeks and then to assigned to Norfolk VA.
It hasnt been easy but I have already experienced BC. Please feel free to reach oout to me for Support.

((Navy Hugs)) Iris

[Melissa (Ship14/Div276/PIR8-13)]

Hi CodesMom, my son just arrived at bootcamp last night. After a year of waiting and being in DEP it has finally arrived. My son also has a younger brother who is 4 and a younger sister who is 3. They don't quite understand completely where their brother is, except that my little guy knows that he will eventually be around big ships and planes and wants to see pictures and go visit. I think it helped that my son spent a few days with the little ones before he left, taking them out and playing with them. They all enjoyed it. I'm in Wilkes Barre area.

[kresgeball Div 291 PIR 9/9/11]

Hey Lehigh Valley Ladies...this is us!

[Jeano]

OH Dawn,

I read your post about your son (age 3) going to be heartbroken when his Big brother leaves! OH MY can I relate to this!

When my sailor left for boot....him and his "mini-me" brother (age 6 at the time) were both devistated!!  They were inseperable before his leaving! (I refer to them as my "identical twins, 12-yrs apart" because they are)!!!  Even now that it's been over 4-yrs since he's been in, his little brother can't grasp the reasoning behind why he has to be gone so long!  (sometimes up to a yr or more at a time).  But...the sailor makes it a little easier by spoiling him rotten with "neato-cool" gifts for birthday, Christmas, etc. from all over the world where he's been and my little guy makes sure to send lot's of letters, emails & projects that he makes (he's very artistic, like his oldest brother)!! LOL!  I'm going to admit, it will be hard...but you have to figure up ways to make it easier on both of them!! (ALL of you)! :)  If you want....I'm (WERE) here to help if you need a shoulder to talk on!!! ;)

This pict is from PIR in Great Lakes.  My sailor stopped to salute the flag and "mini-me" decided to imitate him! The determination on his face to get it "just right" is precious! (If I ever snapped a pix at preciously the right time...it was DEFINATELY that moment)!!