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Comment by boomMom on April 3, 2012 at 10:00am

Jill, you crack me up! I would laugh more if it wasn't for the fact that things like that happen to me far too many times than I like! ;-P Only when it comes to my son, though....odd. My husband and daughter roll their eyes at me, sometimes, at the way I act when we need to run errands on Saturdays or Sundays. Since we're five hours away from GL, I tell them that we can't go anywhere until after 3 p.m.! 8:00 is too late for him to be calling! He fooled me once, though, when he called while we were out (it would have been after 7 p.m. there before DST went into effect), and I cried while putting away the groceries replaying his message. (this memory still makes me tear up) So spazz-tic!

And YES, Jill, I can't believe that my son even allows himself to live in a place so clean! Scary! They must really have him brainwashed! lol It's been almost 4 months since he left and I just made a dent in cleaning his room! (probably because it makes me sad, too)

Jacque-you don't have to apologize for not participating, this isn't easy for any of us, but some people handle their...um...angst?...sadness?...frustrations?...well, anyway, we all handle things differently. I think writing my thoughts down keeps me sane ( a little). But, there are times when I just like to read also. Don't worry about it, and focus on your daughter, who, I bet, is stoked to have reached Phase 3! It might be too slow for her as it is with my son, but I'm hoping Phase 4 comes soon for both of them!

Navy2011Mom-what can I say? You rock, Janet! My son also mentioned those nasty shoes; he likened them to reef walkers that we use here at some of the beaches to keep our feet from getting cut up on the coral reefs. They're more like rubber socks! No support! I'm praying that your Sailor gets his orders soon, too!

Phillies-you were one of the success stories that Jill had on her list! Nice to meet you! Congratulation to your Sailor and yourself! Oooo! AC? This is the first that I've heard of that job. Is she going to school at GL? Then why THU? My son is a Nuke and will be going to Charleston, SC for school whenever he passes.

Mabelm80-have you heard from your bf or are letters reaching the both of you, yet? I know it's frustrating with what I refer to as the "time warp". It's like you read news about your SR from a week ago, and then, maybe, a phone call comes (love those, btw) and you get all caught up to date and he tells you that he has a doctor's appt. on, let's say, the upcoming Tuesday, and then what?!? You make it to Tuesday...thinking of him all day long...wondering what the doctor is saying...and then what?!? You know that you probably won't get a call this weekend because he called the past weekend, so you probably have to wait until the NEXT WEEK THURSDAY for his letter to reach you with the results!! Arghhh! Yeah, I know Ladies, a little over-dramatic explanation, but it's true, right?!? Sorry, Mabelm80, I didn't mean to get carried away. That's how I've been living for the last month and a half. Argh! Still makes me upset! (I'm chuckling to myself realizing how stupid this sounds; hope I didn't offend anybody)

Momoffive-just hang in there, ask us anything; we'll try to help. I loved that you sent him some books and stuff already. I know while in their regular division we were really limited to what we could send. I only sent my son letters and photos. I've learned to just copy/paste pictures on my letters to him so that he doesn't take up more space with the photos. The books and magazines, I believe are stored in the library. And did you all know that they can't have pencils? They would get into big trouble if any of their reports or logs were written in pencil. I wish he would stop writing his letters to me in pencil because it's really hard to read. Ugh! OMG, I just reached the 4000 limit! I had to delete some stuff. ROFL, gotta go, Ladies! LOL Sorry so long!

Comment by Jill on April 2, 2012 at 10:11pm

Hello all, thought I'd take a moment to welcome our newcomers Momoffive, and Mabelm80. I was going to offer you all kinds of advice, but the awesome ladies here have beat me to it, (and did a much better job than I would have anyway) lol  You  will find instant friendship here ladies, and let us know when you're down, we'll be there for you.  We all know exactly what you are going through.

Janet: thank you so much for the pics, they were awesome, it's so rare to have a visual insight into anything there, that really helps.  (But personally, all that cleanliness scares me a little, how bout you guys?)  My son said the same thing about the running shoes, he said that the boots were actually the most comfortable, but that they were so snug in the toes that he was having some "numbing" issues, and one problem toenail because of that.  I guess it's tough to get the perfect shoes for that many people.  Any news on when you might get to see your son yet?  I'm still on cloud nine for you, by the way. :)

Sharon, it looks like you were right, I think your son had this planned all along, (about the Port Watch)  It's almost like he's getting ready to be "free as a bird" soon. :)  I did remind mine to tell yours to write again, but mine sticks up for him, saying "there's really nothing to write about!"  

BoomMom: Congratulations on Phase 3!  And I agree with the other Mom (I forgot whether it was Janet or Sharon) who complimented you on your post to one of the other new mom's here.  You really absorb stuff quickly and thoroughly, I'm still floundering around trying to find where the answers are most of the time.  lol  Good job!

Patricks Mom: Sure hope your Easter visit is going to work out. And I'm so glad you are still here with us.

Couple of things I forgot to mention to all of you after the phone call on Saturday:  RCU is expecting a ton of new recruits in the next couple of weeks, so our group may get a little larger.  They're really cramming together to make room, apparently the next 2 graduating groups are unusually large.  My SR says there are a lot of jokes between all of them regarding "stress fractures", and they all have the same conversations over and over: "What are you here for?"  "Stress fracture."  "Really? How unusual" etc....  And he says they are all aware that they have lost their sanity, but it's ok, they don't miss it much most days.  :)  (Who knew that loss of marbles could be a bonding experience?)

And finally, thought I would share my own "lack of sanity" story, just to make some of you feel better:  I was at my elderly mother's house on Saturday morning, tending to some things for her, and my phone rang once, no one there.  I completely panicked, thinking I had missed a call from my SR, because my mother lives in a valley, and has a metal roof on her house, so cells are somewhat hit and miss when I am there.  I drove like a bat out of you know where to get back to my house where I knew I had reception, then sat down and bawled cause no call came....(This was still morning, long before they actually got to call).  Then I looked at my caller ID again, and I don't know what I THOUGHT I saw when at my mothers, but it was NOT anywhere close to an 847 area code....  
Time to get a grip, Jill, and perhaps some new glasses.....

Night ladies, pleasant dreams, and you are all in my prayers. 

Comment by Navy2011Mom on April 2, 2012 at 6:20pm

I understand that the tennis shoes they wear to run really aren't that great (could that possibly assist in causing stress fractures?).  My son said he would rather wear the combat boots than to wear the either the tennis shoes or dress shoes. 

Comment by Phillies on April 2, 2012 at 6:18pm

Momoffibe- my daughter had heel stress fractures @ 1 week from graduation. We had our scarfs and banners made. Needless to say she became a sailor about 6 weeks after her original date. We still wore her scarfs when we went to see her :) She left home on Oct. 3 and is still there. Apparently they hold all AC's (air traffic control). She is going on month 7 at great lakes. This forum is great and everyone of us has felt the sorrow and the ups and downs to get our loves ones through this tough time. Please know that you are not alone!

Comment by momoffive on April 2, 2012 at 5:52pm

Oh thank you all so much, This is so hard. Dylan was suppose to grad. 4-13-12, his shirts, I had order to wear for grad. for his Dad, I and little sister came today.:(I mail him a letter, and then went to the store and bought some puzzle books and a book. I plan on mailing those tomorrow.Someone asked what his stress fracture was and it's in his heel. Between all of you and the ladies from Div. 116 I know I'll get though, it's tough I cried last night just reading all the post from everyone, sweet prayers from everywhere coming our way, just know all of your guys have been added to my daily list.

Comment by Navy2011Mom on April 2, 2012 at 12:43pm

Oh, MomofFive...  I'm so sorry to hear about your SRs stress fracture.  Was it a leg, shin, foot, hip, or something else?  <just curiosity>  Stress fractures really do seem to be a common injury with our SRs.  Since your SR is in Phase 2, that probably means about 6 weeks of recovery (is that what he told you when he called?)  The most difficult day for your SR will probably be the day his original division graduates.  It's really hard for these kids, so make sure to keep sending encouraging cards and letters.  BoomMom and Sharon are right with everything they said.  It's tough, but the ladies on this site are here for each other and know the difficulties that come with having an injured child and not being able to be there physically for them.  It's different from any other group on this website.  It's certainly a rollercoaster of emotions we go through together.  Be sure to let us know when you hear from your SR -- we always want to know.  We're all on your side and here for you.  Hoping/praying for a quick recovery for all our injured SRs. 

BoomMom...  Look at you!!!  Awesome post and explanation!!

Sharon...   Phase 4,  Phase 4,  Phase 4!  I'm rooting for you to hear that again this week!!!

Comment by SharonW on April 2, 2012 at 8:30am

Momoffive, I'm glad you are here with the group.  As boomMom wrote, we understand how hard it is to get the call that your SR is injured and heading to the recruit convalescent unit.  

boomMom gave a great overview of the different phases as well as a great suggestion to read through the previous posts since there is lots of helpful information.  Please know you are not alone in this process.  We are here to share our experience strength and hope with you.  

My son did say he knew who your son was when I told him I had connected with you on RTC's Facebook page and now here.  He knows I pass his name on to moms who are new to Division 2341.  As he said to Jill's (another mom with this group) son, 'Obviously, my mom has been talking to your mom.'

There is a small library in the division that they have access to and several moms have mailed novels and puzzles to their SRs which the guys share among with each other.  Please note that any book - other than a Bible, for example - they receive while in the RCU must stay there once they leave the RCU.  This is due to the limited storage they have in their bunks in regular divisions.  So don't send anything you don't mind 'donating' to the RCU library.  It is such a good feeling to know I am doing something for him when I mail off a package of books.

I've learned they don't get to go to the NEX for a phone call each Saturday as it is something they must earn (plus my son said the Chief doesn't want them to get used to going each Saturday).  Many of the recruits are at medical or physical therapy appointments during the week and on Sundays, they get to have 'free' time to do whatever it is they do during that time.  If a recruit is phase 1 or 2, they are driven to the NEX in a multi-passenger van by one of the RDCs while phase 3 and 4 get to walk there.

Hopefully, your son is a letter writer so he can tell you how he is doing and what he is doing with physical therapy.  Mine doesn't like to write letters (which is okay since this is just how he is) so when he does call I have a list (in my mind) of questions to ask him.  He is patient and answers the questions I ask sometimes even if I ask them more than once!

Prayers of healing for our SRs and the  moms, too!

Sharon

Comment by boomMom on April 2, 2012 at 1:12am

Welcome momoffive! First thing you should know is that your son will be well taken cared of, okay? He may be going through some issues like denial, anger, and maybe even depression (not clinical; don't worry), but he will start to level out and begin to even accept being there. Please understand that our boys start out by going through the drills of bootcamp day in and day out at a very fast pace with getting yelled at all the time  to----nothing. They have so much down time that it's hard NOT to just sit there and think about stuff. Don't stop writing to him; everyday if possible. His mail will be delayed as they process his address change, but it will help tremendously when he finally gets that stack of letters/parcels! Has he given you his new address? That will expedite his mail.

Second, read past posts. You will find answers that you might not even have thought to ask the questions for! ;-)  We here understand what you are going through and what you're going to go through. And we're here for you, prayers and positive thoughts included! We are all at different levels or phases here.

Third, Phases are training schedules that recruits are assessed when first entering RCU (disclaimer: I am not a professional; just an avid reader of discussion boards! <chuckle>) Phase 1, I believe, is total immobility. Whether in a cast or on crutches, the SR cannot do any PT whatsoever. Phase 2, there are no more mobility aids, but still no PT. Phase 3, according to my son who is now in that phase, allows him to walk his laps only. Phase 4, the last phase before release, allows PT but with supervision to make sure the fracture or injury has mended fully. Tell your son to not rush the process, re-injury just means 6 more weeks! 

Also, please understand that when I say "Welcome", it doesn't mean, "It's great to have you here!" because none of us wish this experience on anybody, BUT only that we have been where you are now and that we welcome ALL of your fears and worries, and the comfort and solace that you will find here is priceless! These women are wonderful!

Janet and Karen- thank you's are just not enough for the warm, fuzzy feelings that both of you give me. {{{{Janet and Karen}}}}

SharonW-wasn't Saturday so awesome! I'm happy for you and your family too!

Comment by momoffive on April 1, 2012 at 11:25pm

Help, I'm new and completely lost, My son just moved to this Div. Thurs. because of a stress fracture. I've had a hard time finding this group. Sharon has helped link me up to all of you. I had such a wonderful group of wife, mother, and girl friends with his old Div.. I feel like I did when he left, before we all connected. I don't like this starting over feeling. My first question is what does the Phase 2 thing mean?

Comment by Navy2011Mom on April 1, 2012 at 8:42pm

FANTASTIC NEWS all around!!!   Everyone hit the JACKPOT this weekend!!!

Jill...   He's moved to Phase 2.  Hopefully only 6 more weeks (or so) to go!!  That really is wonderful to hear.  And an hour phone call -- PERFECT!!!

BoomMom...  A letter this week, a phone call, and computer time with your son.  WOW!!!   I had no idea that the kids could earn something like the 3 hour furlough.  Hopefully that will inspire them to work hard and earn something like that again.  YIPEE for all of them!!

Sharon...   It sounds like he's getting close to the end.  It sounds like the same thing my son had with the bit of pain while running the 400m.  He will be back in Phase 4 shortly, and on to the end. 

I sent the three of you a couple of pictures via email.  Have a great rest of the weekend.  I'm so happy that things worked out so well for all of you this weekend!!

-Janet

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