Daughter Enlisting In Summer...need advice from mommas
I am new to the site and could use some guidance and support from other proud mommas. I have a 19 year daughter enlisting in August. I am so proud of her choice and decision to become a sailor! I show nothing but support and encouragement to her. While behind the scenes, to be honest I do cry, often. I have so many questions and not knowing what all to expect is hard. I joined Navy for Moms for support from moms to moms. Please tell me I am not alone in these feelings.
Sincerely,
1Proudmamma
belovedbyHim
1Proudmamma -- I see that B'sNukeMoM already suggested my blog. (I was traveling and have just now had a chance to get on.) I hope you have taken a minute to read it. I PROMISE you that YOU are NOT alone in your feelings!!! I have been where you are and I can promise you that you will survive this and get through this. We have never lost a mom to bootcamp and we will not start with you. I Highly recommend that you post on the main bootcamp page. If you need help with how to do that please reach out to any of us to help you.
Apr 25
Lara
1proudmama - My sailor joined last year and he was 20 years old at the time. He is my oldest child and while he was going to school the last 2 years locally and living in the dorm, when he left for boot camp it was the first time he had been away from me and home ever.
Navy for moms had been awesome for support!! I don’t know any others moms whose children are or have been in the military so only this site has been a huge benefit to connecting and listening to other moms and their experiences. Day to day that is a huge help! I like to seek out lots and lots of info as a way to stay connected to what my sailor is doing so I have used the internet and YouTube a lot for that especially during times like boot camp.
I have to say though honestly, that what has been most difficult is in trying to adjust to the experience of just him leaving home and him being my first of 3 to do so. That has been and is really harder than I anticipated still. I have tried hard to separate the “Navy” out of the equation as much as possible and I have talked often to a few coworkers whom have had children leave home already too, to connect and gain that perspective which has helped. It’s hard though. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself the freedom to feel what it is. Navy moms will help!
Apr 25
1Proudmamma
Thank you so very much everyone for taking the time for advice and words of kindness. I truly appreciate it and would love to be a part of this community with you. My notifications i think were turned off, i apologize for just now replying.
After she had moved home from the dorm Dec 2022, then moved out in end of our house January 2023, i guess the not being home part may make it a little easier...a little. She is very good about texting or calling me everyday. That i will be definitely missing. Being able to drive 30 to have dinner together or her randomly showing up at home for dinner and visit....i will miss so much.
May 3