DEP-Leavin' for bootcamp in February

my son has one week to go… and he says he doesn't want a party or anything special…i just don't feel right not doing anything ….what do i do??? all he's been doing is playing video games, i want to do thing with him, but he doesn't seem to get it, not even having dinner with the family, it's killing me but i don't want to seem needy. I'm trying to be strong.

(((RuthB13))) - Cyber hugs coming to you.   I completely understand that.  My son too does not want a party, family get together or any special meals.  He has already expressed his wishes that we are not to see him off at the airport.  I am going to have his favorite snacks on hand for the Super Bowl and try to sit as close as a I can to him at  all times. :)  Perhaps join in on a video game with him.  Sometimes it's small things like that we get to remember. 

hoosiermamma - yesterday's short haircut doesn't flatter for sure!!! UGH. She has Irish thick, frizzy, very wavy hair.  The short cut really emphasized the roundness of her face and weight....but I lovingly told her she looked very 'French" and luckily my husband kept his mouth shut (he said it looked awful).  Her recruiter assured her the hair will pass at GL, so that is a relief. Her hair is so thick she has it razored out in piles (reminds me of the movie Princess Diaries!) But  I can't criticize because I have a hair fetish, too.  I am glad to have the hair 'shock and awe' behind us now.  You are lucky with a boy in this regard.  I don't believe the hair cut is so hard on the guys....

PS to FebDeppers - I really had reached the point of winter 'blahs', cancelled the Kansas CitSPA trip and wasn't going to do anything special. Cash is short after the holidays!!  But my husband insisted I take her somewhere.  He didn't do anything with his son when he enlisted in the Marine Corps and said he wished he had.  I truly sympathize with those of you whose sons don't want to do anything.  It's hard to find something 'special' and I think probably harder with a guy.  Hang in there!

It's funny to read the different requests of DEPpers and how they differ from one to another, yet they have something in common. From a mom's point of view, it's hard for us not do something special for them before they leave. But I have come to realize these past few days with him home and not really doing much, maybe they just want everything to be normal for their last few days before their world gets turned upside down. Maybe they just want to be a kid for a couple more days before they are transformed into Sailors at BC. So make their favorite dinner, sit next to them while they play their video games, and tell them you love them as often as possible (for your own piece of mind!) They know you are there for them, whether they say so or not.

Caolila, I'm sure she looks beautiful! Have fun at the haunted hotel! Hope you see something scary! :)

My son, too, has insisted nothing special.  So I'm trying to keep it on the lowkey side (nothing formal or big) and thankfully, he is going along with me and I have respected his wishes & plans as much as I can.  We had a family portrait taken yesterday, in our everyday clothes, a relaxed sitting, because let's face it, our family is about to change as we know it.  Saturday night we will gather our family, grandparents, aunts & uncles & cousins (abt 15 of us) for a dinner at a favorite restaurant followed by an outing at the bowling center.  And yes, I ordered a special cake for the occasion that will be decorated like a sailor's outfit with the sailor cap on top.  We haven't made any changes to his room because he seems to think nothing will change here at home (hah, we know that's not so, don't we?).  No special dinner, we will save that for a homecoming.  But we will be together Monday, just the four of us and I plan to just savor our time together. Tuesday, we will take him to meet his recruiter to leave for MEPS at St Louis & arrive Wednesday at Great Lakes. Wow, its going by so fast!

11 day countdown.  Will visit him and his brothers this weekend for his 19th birthday (so glad it is before he leaves!)  Looking forward to the family time.  :)

KYMom59....it sounds like your son will on the bus from STL to GL on Wednesday?  My daughter will be on that bus!

caolila  - I am so glad the "shock and awe" is over.  Luckily my son has had pretty much a military haircut all his life.  Going to stay home tomorrow and watch PIR with my son I think!  8 months ago February 4th seemed so far away. 

KYMom59 - oh how we know things are going to change.  I have two sons that are 18 years apart and this is my youngest getting ready to leave.  I have to admit that after 36 years of having a child in the house, I am looking forward to a little me time.  I know it will be very hard though walking past his bedroom door everyday.

Thanks Carolina Mom.  I was getting ready to have a good cry here at the office.  But you are absolutely right, WE understand.

Yes, caolila, my son will be on that bus.  He just told me he wants to drive himself to meet the recruiter Tuesday, wants that last stretch in his truck by himself and we can come pick it up later.  Oh my heart!

My son will celebrate his 19th in Boot Camp...his bday is March 17th

KYMom59 - what a coincidence they are going together to GL.He will recognize my daughter as the girl with SHORT, dark curly hair, about 5'5" round face and solid build.  As to driving to MEPS alone.... there will be so much time for your son to prove himself, why start early by driving that stretch alone?   Please warn him there is so much car theft in STL that this is a VERY bad idea.  I am sure he loves his truck and wouldn't want anything to happen to it.  We have a duplex in the city (in addition to our main home) and I've had my cars broken into twice in STL.  Please try to convince him that this is highly risky.  My heart goes out to you.

Oh, I'm sorry! I meant he wants to meet his recruiter in our hometown and leave his truck here, then he'll shuttle up to St L with the other recruits.  I think he's afraid we might be too emotional seeing him off.  He just dropped that on me this afternoon & I'll have his dad for backup tomorrow to reconsider that plan.

Terri~Nathan'sMom - I feel your pain.  So much of life happens in just 8 short weeks.  We are going to celebrate my son's birthday after PIR at the hotel.  Now I just have to keep reminding my 89 year old mother to not send him a glittery birthday card to boot camp!  LOL

I will take

I will drop off my son at the recruiter's office in Lubbock on Monday. They will drive him to Amarillo. On Tuesday he flies to Dallas and then to GO. We've been eating whatever he wants, have cleaned out most of the garage (stuff from his dorm and toys), and talked.  He is spending as much time as possible with the dog and playing computer games.  He seems happy now that it's almost time to move forward with the next phase of his life. I'm really proud of him.

My son leaves on the 4th from FL. It's so hard, but really enjoying our time together.

I'm so hurt...my son's last day home but he has chosen to spend it elsewhere without giving us any idea that he would be doing so.  I don't know what to think right now.

Oh I am so sorry for your pain KYMom59.   Keep thinking positive thoughts.  We are here for you.

My son has everything packed for MEPS and for us to bring to PIR in 8 weeks.  He's asleep on our sofa next to me.  Made his favorite foods  - potato salad and peanut butter banana pudding for during the Super Bowl.  Not a bad thing to watch on his last night of "freedom" for 8 weeks! 

To all the moms who are sending their sons/daughters off to BC this week...I am right there with you. We took my son to the recruiters office today at noon. We must have looked crazy because there were 10 of us piled into the office with one other recruit and his family of about 5. They are heading to MEPS then to GL tomorrow. I will have my phone on me and charged for the next 48 hours to six years.

My heart hurts.

KYMOM59, I can totally relate...I was supposed to hang out with my son today...his Dad and I are divorced and he lives with his Dad .....but when I called him today he said he has a lot to do and wasnt feeling well...he leaves for SD on tuesday...Im hoping he can squeeze me in sometime tomorrow...wouldnt bother me as much if his Dad didnt tell me they were bbq-ing and watching the super bowl...then Dad has him Tuesday too...taking him to dinner and dropping him at his hotel :( I dont know what to think either.....

I didn't say anything to my son when he left this morning, but obviously he could tell I was upset and came back home this evening.  We just finished talking, heart to heart, cleared the air & reached a compromise on how to deal with our remaining time together.  I thought I was gonna get through this but a rollercoaster of emotions is hitting me hard now that his time to leave is here. Your kind thoughts & words kept me from saying anything I would probably regret so close to his departure.  So thankful I am able to share this with you as I think you understand better than my family does right now.  You are all in my thoughts & prayers.

I feel peaceful just now.  He's downstairs with some buddies and the big TV and I am watching a little TV with my husband and older son in his room.  I have spent a lot of time today in prayerful meditation because I know that the next few days will be hellish but I am also proud of him for this decision.

KYMom59, trust your sense and hold on to the God (as you believe) who gave you this beautiful son.  When we let something go, it is the good that returns 100 fold.  Jump on here and we will be at your side.

KYMom59, I can relate to not saying anything you would regret too...I wanted so much to say something but I didnt want him to think I was putting a guilt trip on him and adding to his stress...so I said nothing negative...I just asked if it was possible I would really appreciate it ...and now im just standing back waiting...I agree about the ladies here understanding better than anyone else...its true :) I didnt expect this to hit me as hard as it has but I too am on an emotional roller coaster. I hate that I cant DO anything....  

KYMom, I'm glad you cleared the air with him before he leaves. You would have hated having that weighing on your mind and heart. I hope he understands how difficult this is on you.

My son's father and I are no longer together either but my son has been very good about spending an equal amount of time with each of us. I feel blessed that I was able to have him last night for his going away party. We had a group of 10 that went out for breakfast this morning (including his father). It was uncomfortable but I could not deny my son's wishes. 

Bonnie, I have been crying in phases. Then I cleaned, organized, did laundry, then cried again. Then did dishes, made a sandwich and will most likely have another cry later. We are feeling the same pain. Prayers to you and your son.

I havnt cried much today....I think I am in shock and a little angry that Nathan cant spend time with me...however watching this made me cry...its different for me now :) Im so proud !!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtsQeXBuOUw&hd=1

Didn't see any ghosts this weekend but had a great time with my daughter.  The only issue was the drive home.  Eureka Springs had nearly 6" of snow over ice.  So many people were stuck and had their cars and trucks slide off the road.  My SR helped dig people out part of yesterday.  I was proud of her.  Now the forecast is for similar weather as she travels up to MEPS. So, I am not sure we'll go up there at all now to see her off.   KY59Mom - I hope your son is able to travel to STL safely! 

So far am holding back most of the tears.  Today we  take him to the hotel and tomorrow is MEPS, which I will get to see him sworn in, and then  off to BC.  From what  I have learned from others on here, it's better to count off Fridays than actual days because there are not as many of them!  I hope to meet my N4M friends in 9 Fridays!  Thoughts and prayers and a WHOLE lot of cyber hugs go out to everyone gaining a SR this week!

Irishgirl5716...does your son leave from Charlotte tomorrow?

hoosiermamma - is your comment about 9 Friday's correct?  Will PIR for this week's new recruits be on Friday April 4th?  I know we will receive a letter before that time but my sister is bugging me for a date and I told her I thought maybe Friday Marrch 28th.   But that is only 8 Friday's.  Anybody have experience and advice on the date for PIR?

Nathan was telling me he thought it would be early april too

thanks for the comments, but mother_of_2 it sounds like you are saying that there is still a chance it could be a week earlier, March 28th, if the division is formed immediately?  For me it is a daughter and I think it could take a bit longer to form a division.   Wow, Thanksgiving in Pearl Harbor.  How cool was that! 

Counting down the last few hours.  My son is with some friends this evening, then he'll be home to finish getting his things together.  Not taking much.  He thinks I'm kidding about tucking a couple bandaids & moleskin in his wallet.  I know, I know, I'm just being a mom!  I think he'll make it to St Louis okay, the wintry weather isn't supposed to start til afternoon & he's leaving early enough to just stay ahead of it, I hope. Not sure how much snow they are expecting in St L.  Does anyone know what will happen if they can't move from MEPS to Great Lakes?

mother of 2 - my daughter leaves for STL MEPS tomorrow, just like KYMom59's son.  So they will both arrive GL on Wednesday (like your sons) by bus out of STL(weather permitting).  I haven't looked at the weather reports lately but I think they are saying 1-3" for St. Louis. Hopefully it will be OK.  The recruits stay overnight at the hotel right next to MEPs in STL.  So I'd assume if they can't drive up to GL, they will spend another night till the roads clear.  I just sent my husband out for bandaids and a phone card.  Couldn't get the phonecard to charge (?) and will try again tomorrow.  Reading tonight's posts makes me think he'll have to go back for moleskin too.  :)  I am not worried for my daughter expect illness, or having to drop her rate.  I would hate to see her miserable for four years.  She has been away from home and is truly ready to go.  But I will miss her greatly.

My son left for MEPS yesterday and I haven't stopped crying. My friends and coworkers must think I'm a blubbering fool. Not to mention that I missed the "I made it to boot camp" call. I had my cell phone with me all day today but lost a signal when I went into the manufacturing plant for a meeting. Of course he would call during that 1/2 hour that I was out of touch. When I got back to my desk, the text message came through saying that he was calling me, but it was at 1:10 and I got the text at 1:40. My heart was broken. Now I have to wait weeks before I can hear his voice again. :(

I have counted and think that April 4th is close... My son will be in a 800 division -- which may mean that PIR could possibly be 3/28...

He leaves from ATL tomorrow.... Going to see him get sworn in at MEPS.. and hopefully, I won't cry a river.  Emotions are all over the place...

Think I might be getting the hang of 'commenting'....

LordyMsLady and BusyMom13, my son will be with yours in the 800 division as well. He arrived in GL today. 

I wasn't able to see him get sworn in and missed his "I'm here" call because of a meeting at work. I'm heartbroken. But at least the tears have finally stopped. 

I will keep you all in my prayers.

My son leaves San Diego tomorrow, Feb 5th for GL.  He has been living there for a few months as a growing experience before boot camp, as his home for the last 20 years has been Ohio! I hate that I cannot be with him these last few days but was fortunate enough to have him home for the holidays. The seperation has been bearable (most days) but up until now we have had constant accessibility, this is gonna be the rough part for me! He is a man but he's still my boy, atleast untill tomorrow. Best of luck to all of them, and us Moms.

My son arrived at Great Lakes yesterday.  I noticed several mom's posting that their kids arrive this week.  Are they all combined into one unit once they get there or will he be with other kids who arrived on Monday?

I was told when my daughter flies into GL this afternoon she will wait at a USO area for all arriving flights and then they will be placed on a bus and sent to bootcamp. She was with 5 other girls grom florida only two were navy, so I am curious if she will be with the same two Navy girls at least. my stomach is in knots..tears are well i have no idea when they will show up