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Comment by Navy2011Mom on May 11, 2012 at 11:21am

TylersMom....   Oh, honey!!!   Hopefully you'll get a letter from your SR soon.  Once you do, you'll feel better.  I know it's hard when you've heard the initial news from them, when they are emotional and upset, and you can't do anything but continue to think about how they sounded on that one phone call.  You need to know that he will find his way.  He may send letters that are up emotionally and letters that are down emotionally, they really do go through a rollercoaster of their emotions while there, but there are some good people in RCU that will help your son move from depression to hope for getting better and back to a division.  These kids do help each other, so even though you're still thinking about the shakey voice, know that he has probably already accepted that he's injured like the rest of the kids there, and he is probably decided to just work hard to get better and move forward.  I found that I was really upset after the initial call, and feeling just like you are.  Then I received the first letter (written in the first day or two in RCU) explaining everything.  I then received a second letter (written just a day later) that was not down, but was very positive.  In that short time, my son had accepted where he was at and was looking forward to the physical therapy and getting back to a division to finish boot camp.  Six weeks really can fly by (I know it may not seem like it right now though.)  The kids find things to keep them busy there (volunteering for ship's staff, standing watch, etc.), and Sharon is right, you need to keep yourself busy so you don't think about it constantly too.  We're here for you whenever you need us.  Take care of yourself, and have a good weekend!!!

Hugs and prayers!!!!!!!!!

-Janet

Comment by SharonW on May 11, 2012 at 9:27am

Tyelersmom,

We have all experienced what you are currently feeling with the news of your son's injury and set back.  It is a normal part of the grieving process and it will get better.  The first few days were challenging for me - to say the least - and I found that keeping busy helped me.  I made a point to write to my son every day, telling him what was going on here, sometimes what seemed to be incredibly mundane and boring everyday little things about our cats or how I was driving his dad crazy trying to select a paint color for the walls.  I always told him how proud we were of him, how much we loved him and that we were there for him regardless of what happened.  I, too, found silly cards to send him.  I told him I had found this site and how I had connected with some of the moms whose sons where in RCU with him.

Please know that everyone's healing process is different.  Some may be re-injured, some heal nicely and return to a division to complete bootcamp and for some, the decision is made by the medical officer (doctor) that early separation is indicated.  

When my son called us to tell us of his injuries and the setback, he was quite emotional.  He had a minute or two at the most to tell us the 'news'.  He did write us after a day or two to give us a summary of what happened to him, what it was like in RCU, what the treatment plan was for him.  He did say he was in a mild state of shock over the news at first.  

It is my understanding whether or not someone is able to reenlist depends on a variety of factors.  Ultimately, I believe it boils down to the needs of the Navy.  If you want, I will share what happened with my son in a private message - let me know.  

Regards, Sharon 

Comment by Mom2TJ on May 11, 2012 at 12:03am

Im sorry I havent had time to write on here until now.. I am still just sick from my sons set back and the sound of his shakey voice trying not to cry when he told me that he had to be set back so long... I know he will get through this but I just hope he knows it too...  I seen on here that some of the SR's wanted to  reenlist when they were sent home????  Can they do that?  I thought if they were medically discharged they couldnt reenlist???  I just hope Tyeler heals and can get through this... I am glad I found this site because all of you know exactly what I am going thru... Tyeler didnt even tell me the new address or where his injury really was... just his leg... I am praying for him all the time.. I will pray for all of your sons and daughters too...  thanks for the support, prayers, and great info. :)

Comment by Jill on May 10, 2012 at 5:24pm

Hey everyone!  Yes, Janet, all is actually well with me, I feel so guilty cause I don't get enough time to post to all of you as much as I would like.  You are all so much in my heart.
I did get a letter yesterday, Phase 4....which is exciting and scary at the same time, I know you will all understand that.  He is running, and his time trials are good enough to pass the PFA....but.....next move will probably be back with a division with intense PT, so there's that risk of re-injury. His hip is hurting, he said already, but not like it was before...so we will see.  His plan is that one way or another, he will be done with RCU at the end of this month.  However, we all know how plans can go awry...  The bad news is that there are no more books, magazines, chess, or any of the little things that helped to keep them sane.  He is still positive though, and mentioned that he is especially enjoying the company of those in FAST, (the recruits who are not native to this country, and do not speak English as well as some).  My son said he is learning so many things from them about their perspectives on this country, and their own culture, it's a fabulous opportunity and blessing for him.  They obviously have a LOT of time to talk now, so no matter if it takes them a little longer to communicate with each other.  :)

Sharon and Janet, I keep him updated on both your sons, he is always eager for news of them, and misses them.  I know a bit how he feels, I have withdrawals if you guys don't post on a regular basis too.  lol

BoomMom, I know EXACTLY how you feel about the emotional overload/shutdown thing.  It happens to all of us, believe me.  Some days I just want to find a dark corner somewhere and not speak to anyone.  You probably feel it more too, because you put such effort into your positive and humorous posts on here, (which is so uplifting to the rest of us), but I get that it probably takes a toll on you after a bit.  So...magic dust and prayers for you today, even if I have no clue how to sprinkle the stuff like you do.  :)

Tylersmom: giving you a warm welcome to our world, and a promise to be right here when you need to scream. These ladies on here are a blessing and a lifeline.

Comment by Navy2011Mom on May 10, 2012 at 4:55pm

Sharon...   I'm so glad that the update on Kevin is so positive.  Hopefully his healing will continue and he will soon be back where he wants to be. 

Angie...   I'm so happy that you were able to post an update about your daughter.  I wonder often how she is doing, so thanks for letting us know.  She seems to be heading in the perfect direction with her new plan for school. 

Jill...   Hope all is well with you. 

BoomMom...  As usual -- Love you and your posts -- ALWAYS!!!!

Tylersmom...   I'm so sorry for your SRs injury, but glad that you found this group.  We're all sad right along with you, so you are definitely not alone.  I think Sharon's son, Kevin's words of wisdom are probably right on the money.  These kids are so used to being completely busy every second in RTC, and then they move to RCU and come to a complete stop.  They have LOTS of time to just think about everything and can be depressed, but they eventually find their way.  There are some wonderful kids in this group (they must be wonderful because their moms here sure are fantastic) and your SR will make some great friends.  Just send lots of cards and letters, get your friends and relatives to send them too -- getting mail really is a highlight at boot camp, but even more so in RCU.  It's hard not being able to be there physically to help them, but sending uplifting stuff can make a huge difference to your son.  I ended up writing to my son almost every day while he was there -- I think I was keeping the US Post Office in business single-handedly.  My son said that the things he liked best were the absolutely stupid cards I found and sent.  He said that they ended up being passed around for all the SRs to enjoy, and that they would make some of them just laugh like crazy.  So, go find those stupid cards and send, send, send.  Know that we're here for you if you need us.

1ProudMom...   Still thinking about you and praying for your SR.

It's Thursday, so I'm hoping for letters for everyone in the next few days.

Hugs!!

-Janet

Comment by SharonW on May 10, 2012 at 10:24am

Tyelersmom, I'm sorry to hear about your son's injuries.  I am glad you found this site.  It has been a tremendous source of strength and support for me.  The women are amazing!

boomMom gave some great suggestions and I'm glad you've read through the posts.

Please know that each SR's healing process is different and it takes time for the stress fractures to heal.  Some heal quicker than others.  It is frustrating for them to see other SRs come to RCU, get better and return to a division while they remain in the RCU.

My son was in RCU from January 17th to April 12th when the decision was made to separate him from the Navy.  That was an even worse call to receive than the one where he told us he was hurt.  He has been home for a week now and wants to re-enlist when he is healed.  

Here are his words of wisdom for your son: "Learn to be patient and find something to do to keep yourself busy.  There is a lot of down time in the RCU. It isn't good for you to sit around feeling sorry for yourself and thinking about what happened.  It doesn't change the situation at all and only makes you feel worse.  Try to keep busy." 

I suggest you start mailing those letters and cards (use the address boomMom included in her post) to your son.  My son didn't think to give me the new mailing address during the call to tell us he was hurt until I asked him for it as he was pretty upset about going to RCU.

It will take awhile for the ones you have already sent to his division to find their way to the RCU.  The letters and cards will get to him.  In fact, someone wrote to my son in early April, sent it to his original division address (his original PIR date was February 10) and the card made its way to the Seps unit before he was sent home.

We are here for you, Sharon

Comment by boomMom on May 10, 2012 at 5:30am

Hi Ladies of 2341! I'm sorry! I don't know what happened!?! There was a flurry of posts the past couple of days and I think you girls gave me an emotional overload!! <nervous chuckling!> I think I shut down for a bit -- I couldn't get myself to respond and I apologize! You know me; the class clown! Did I ever mention the word THERAPY?!? :-P

I'm sad for Tyelersmom, happy/sad for Sharon (hugs to you and your son), excited/happy to see AngieT here (Hi Angie, hug your daughter for me! don't squeeze too hard!), super sad for Debra and her son (but happy she'll get to see him soon!), unreal happy for Janet (two more days!!), always happy to see Karen (GO, Patrick, GO!), still on pins and needles WITH you, Jill!! (you gotta change your name, Jill! Exclamation points next to your name looks weird!) lol, and everybody else I may have missed! You see?!? I'm surprised more of you didn't shut down too! Or....it could have been the cake I had on Monday.....sugar coma!

Comment by boomMom on May 10, 2012 at 5:04am

Hi Tyelersmom, sorry to hear about your son and his injury. Yes, mom, your son IS devastated because he's been working so hard this whole time and now he knows that he will most likely miss PIR-ing with his division! THAT kind of camaraderie is hard to give up. But believe me when I say that he will come to accept his situation and maybe even embrace it. A lot of the moms here will agree that this "extra-curricular" boot camp experience has really helped their SR grow in ways that they may never have if not for this set-back. The hardest part for your SR, besides the injury, is having a lot of down time to think of stuff; good stuff, bad stuff, "what did I do wrong" stuff, etc. But the boys in Ship 04 form a support group of their own and knowingly (or unknowingly) help the newly-inducted adjust and cope with being there. Your son is not left alone very much anyway. The "motivators", which are "toned-down" RDC's because they don't yell at them much, are there to also get your SR to focus on getting healed. Don't stop writing to him. In fact, he could use a little cheering up with some funny get-well cards or just plain silly letters. (I send trivia questions to my son and make him wait until the next letter for the answers!) Your son should have given you his new ship address during that call....maybe he will call again. It should be Ship 04, Div 2341, 3600 Ohio St., 60088-7103, in the regular format of his original address; but please wait for his official call. I'm stumped, though, the first call usually has an RDC standing near the recruit making sure that he says only that he has an injury, what the injury is, what the new address is (given correctly), and that's all. It's usually abrupt and concise (I could hear that someone was feeding my son information) and it lasts no longer than 5 minutes!

It's pointless to say don't worry....we've all been there....but what I CAN say is that we will be here to support you with information, hugs, prayers, laughter, tears, and whatever else you might need! You did good on reading past posts--keep reading. And it is possible for recruits to get re-injured and not necessarily the same place! Btw, how long has your son been at bc? Anyway, I'm sending positive thoughts and prayers for you and your son!

Comment by Mom2TJ on May 9, 2012 at 11:50pm

Hi all... Just got a call from my son today telling me he had a stress fracture in his leg and he set back 6-8 weeks... Im so sad for him because he sounded devastated at the thought of being there for that much longer...I have read all the other posts and now Im even more worried that he will have more trouble once he gets back to regular BC... Is is really that common for them to be released for duty only to get yet another stress fracture?  I hope he gets healed quick and back to duty so he can move forward.  I know that is what we all want for our recruits.  I am just very sad for him right now...  I hope he gets through this.  Do I still send the letters to the same ship and div I have been since he wont be part of that group anymore?

Comment by SharonW on May 8, 2012 at 9:28pm

Hi AngieT, wonderful news that your daughter is going to esthiology school.  Good for her!

My son was diagnosed with his stress fractures mid-January so it's been about 5 months now.  

I'm glad to hear Laura is doing better.  Thank you for the update.  It is always good to hear from you, Sharon 

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