PIR 10/15/10

Pity Party Post ALERT!

Well... it's been 10 days since I got to hug my boy. I'm sad... and I miss him.

When hubby and I left him at the hotel we walked out to the car and I turned and saw that my recruit and another recruit shipping out with him were standing at the side entrance, just the 2 of them, watching us go. They waved and I waved and blew kisses. :) They watched us until we were out of site. I managed to keep it together until we pulled out of the parking lot... but then I cried all the way home.

I wish getting used to my "new" life wasn't so hard. I'm not so good with reality sometimes... and being overly sensitive doesn't really help matters. Guess I just needed to share that... and have a cry... and then I'll probably feel better.

Oh Dana, I totally know how you feel. I cried all the way home from leaving my son too. Sometimes I think it's good to cry - get it out. I'm sensitive too! I cry at tv commercials for pete's sake! I'm an empty nester too, he is my only child. My husband has 3 kids but they are older and that just isn't the same. It's hard to not have him come in and slam the door and yell "Hijo" (that's his funny way of saying hello)! No one else gets it if I say Hijo!

You are always so strong for us. You can do this! We can do it together! I'm sending BIG HUGS your way! Maybe today will be letter day!!

OK... I'm feeling a bit better now. Crying helps a lot! Thanks, Pink! :)

Dillons mom - he'll still be your boy! The Navy just helps to take off all the raw edges and polishes our boys into responsible young men! That's what I think anyway!

Umm...yeah... I was different. Perhaps a bit more confident because I was proud of what I had achieved. But I think that my personality was not changed. I did grow apart form some old friends (like from high school) because we were distanced from one another... but I made lots of friends in my Navy family and I'm still friends with a few now. The Navy was a great place for me to grow up. I learned a good job, I was fed and housed, and I learned life skills without being fully thrust out on my own.

You'll be very pleased with your boy when you "meet" him again! ;)

Also, back then we didn't have Facebook, email, texting and cell phones... so connecting was a lot harder. Kids these days can keep in touch so easily and distance isn't as big of a deal as it was 20 years ago! ;)

FYI: There are many sailors who have their Navy portraits shipped home if their family is not coming to PIR. Our son was a Grad & Go, so he ran back to his barracks after PIR to get them for us.

TIP: We almost LOST them at the airport on our flight home. It's a very large flat white package (like a plain flat FedEx envelope) and it wouldn't fit in our carry-on bag (did not bring checked luggage). While grabbing a coffee in the terminal, we set it down and walked away. You should of seen me jump - I screamed "Oh Sh#@" and everyone turned around. I ran back to that stand and there it was! The envelope is white and blended with the wall. I'm lucky airport security didn't apprehend it thinking it was something dangerous! So, I did something rather smart for a change and wrote our name, cell & home phone numbers on the envelope - and wrote "Navy Portraits" on it too! If I lost it again, maybe someone would call me.

Thanks, DillonsMom! I hope our boys are together, too!

It makes me happy to be a part of this group... it makes the world seem not quite so big... and I feel less alone! Thanks for helping me get through this!! ;)

Sobe - you are so funny! Thanks for all the great tips! If I'm lucky, I'll remember them! ;)

Ok, so I wasn't going to log on today because I have been having a day. Left work upset, just because a sweet co-worker asked how Drew is doing. Came home to pull myself together, went to get the laundry and cried when I looked in his room and there was NO PILE OF CLOTHES. THANK YOU SO MUCH ALL OF YOU FOR SHARING. Not happy to hear that you too are having emotional days, but do feel again like its a comfort to have company. Tomorrow taking the young ones to see the Blue Angels, that ought to bring yet more tears. Sorry to bla bla bla.

If I'm lucky I will remember all the great tips on here too! Thanks Sobe and everyone else for helping us out!

I'm so blessed to be part of this group too. You ladies are so awesome and it does feel a little more manageable knowing we are all going through it together.

I need more stamps!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope the post office doesn't run out! heehee!

Cool Stuff to know:

E-1 = SR, Seaman Recruit
E-2 = SA, Seaman Apprentice
E-3 = SN, Seaman
E-4 = 3, Petty Officer Third Class
E-5 = 2, Petty Officer Second Class
E-6 = 1, Petty Officer First Class
E-7 = C, Chief Petty Officer
E-8 = CS, Senior Chief Petty Officer
E-9 = CM, Master Chief Petty Officer

Paygrades E1 through E3 can also have a rating abbreviation preceding their paygrade symbol IF they are graduates of Class "A" schools.
Once they finish A-School, they will be addressed by their rate first, then their paygrade. Using the example of a Sailor who has finished school and is now an IT (Information System Technician), it would read as follows:

E-1, ITSR

E-2, ITSA

E-3, ITSN

E-4, IT3

E-5, IT2

E-6, IT1

and so on.....

LOVEUDREW... {{HUGS!}}

Back at ya Dana!!

Ahhhhh Loveudrew, you made me cry : ( I hope you start feeling better soon!
and Dana, Bless your heart.......you are so busy helping us to feel better, and you need just as many hugs your way. Here is a big hug and kiss two both of you. X0X0X0. (ok, 3 hugs and kisses)

OHHH MY. Thank you so much!! I'm logging out for the day because I'm a mess today. Peace to you! May God Bless everyone of you and our Recruits!! Talk to you al on Sunday. HUGSS

DanaMN, it's true what everyone is saying. You are such a rock for us, and we want to be that for you. I send big hugs to you as well.You are such a kind and loving person. We can feel it through our communications with each other. Just think, when you cry we are probably crying with you as well. Hang in there. We are going to make it! (xxxxoooo)

HUGS to Loveudrew. hang in there!

WOOHOO!!! Nathan's mom!! You got your box!!! Did you cry?!

Yayyyyy Nathan's Mom!!!! I am soooo happy for you!! You should start getting some letters now. (at least the form letter) I'm happy to see that everyone is starting to get things now. I just got another letter today. I almost hate talking about it because I don't won't to upset anyone who hasn't gotten any yet. Just let me tell you that he is doing great! (Which means your SR is doing great!) He really sounded good. He said the food is EXCELLENT! So Mom, your kids are eating well. They get a choice between 3 entrees and how ever much salad, fruits, vegetables, cookies, poptart and cereal they can hold. He said "be careful though, you only have 15 minutes to eat everything and they WILL chew you out if you leave any leftovers on your plate" : ) He also said to me in all capital letters: DO NOT PAY ANY OF MY BILLS!!!!He said the first day they racked up a bill of $438.00. (Poor Baby) I guess they are realing learning about the real world really fast. : ). Hope this info helps you know that they are doing fine so far. I know it really helped me!!

Vincent'sMom - thanks for the encouragement! I haven't gotten any letters yet and I think I tend to think about all the hard stuff they have to do. It's good to hear your son is doing great!

Thanks, winniesam!!! :) :) :) I'm feeling better... just had one of those weak moments!!! I'm all cried out now... so I should be good for a bit. ;)

Yay NathansMom - it's those milestones we so look forward to! Have fun doing laundry!!! LOL! ;)

Vincent'sMom... WOW! Good for you! Don't feel bad for sharing your good news with us!! It also good news for us because we are a team! Right? A division of our own! ;)

Stevie... I'm in the same boat as you. My mail came already and NOTHING. I ran out there like a crazy woman to find only a bill. Not what I was hoping for by a long shot! Eventually we will get some good news, too! hang in there!!

I love this group. ♥

Stevie - well said! The waiting is driving me crazy too!

It does help so much when others share their letters. Please keep doing it!

Dana - I like it - a division of our own! Go team! We can do this if we stick together!

I only have a moment, but wanted to direct all of you to go on to Facebook. Then look up "U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command" under the friend search - then click 'like". They just posted photos of today's graduating sailors!!!! You'll see my comment on their main page, but I'm not Sobe on facebook! Real name is Lisa Marie. Back to work I go!!!!!!

Thanks, Nathan's Mom. I really appreciate that!

I love how women can pull together to support each other. We are a special breed for sure! ;)

I'm loving that FB page. Sobe, I friended you.

I posted a comment on the Photo of the Day post they put up... I'm hoping they'll post a pic of our divisions soon... and that someone will see their Recruit!

Thanks for sharing Vincen'ts Mom. At least I know he's eating well. I, like all the other Moms am so anxious to hear from him. Today is such a "weepy" day for me and from reading all the comments I guess I'm not alone. One consolation is that by the time PIR comes along he should be very familiar and comfortable there because he is going to A School in GL. training for Medical Corpsman. Sometimes I can't even type a note I get so emotional. I know this will pass. Thanks for letting me share! Love to you all!

Does anyone know who to contact about handicap seating for the graduation? (It's for the grandparents.)

stevie- my box took 12 days to arrive. I actually had a real letter before I got my box. I am in NC if that helps. You should get it soon. :)

Not sure if this will be my son's PIR, but we will see

Hello to all.

I ran to the mail box and nothing...but I was able to send some letters and I will just wait like we all will.

merchantvillesteve - what day did your recruit leave?

Dillons MoM... I bet your recruits place is with mine! Hang in there!!

Rebecca - my heart aches for you! I know you are having a hard time, too! Hang in there! Try to stay busy and take care of yourself!! Your boy will be fine and he'll come out of this experience an even more special young man! :)

GJS NavyMom - I would contact the RTC Public Affairs Office. Click on this link. I bet they can help you.

Steve left on the 23rd got a call around midnight est

merchantvillesteve - My guess is you'll be part of this PIR group. My son left on the 18th and I haven't received the form letter yet. Each day I hope that will be the day it comes! LOL... :)

Thank you for the help DanaMn, I will check there first. If I find out anything I will post it!

DillonsMom -I know... we are growing! It's so cool! My son is an M - so I don't think it's alphabetical. Maybe tomorrow will be our form letter day!!! I say that every single day... LOL!

Yay, Stevie! That's really awesome! Now you can check off that milestone!

GJS - no problem! I'm happy to try to help.

A round of hugs to all the 10/15's! ;)

Patty- I am here to pay it forward. My daughter had PIR on July 23rd. If you or anyone else has any questions please let em know. And I am from NC :) I live in Brevard (WNC)

hey everyone! i got my form letter today. no letters, but i know his grandma and grandpa got some letters today as well.

DanaMN: My son's last name begins with N and I received the form letter Wednesday so I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say you will probably get it tomorrow or Monday the latest. Now I'm getting greedy. I can't wait to get a real letter or a phone call. I am really down in the dumps today.

Happy Saturday 10/15ers! We are another day closer to PIR! Yippeee!!!

PattyV - Our boys are in the same division. You are the only other one I know of so far! My boy left on the 18th and I have the box, but no form letter. Maybe it will come today! I sent you a friend request.

winniesam - it'll be ok... as I told my recruit before he left, just keep putting one foot in front of the other and take it hour by hour... it'll be over with before you know it!

I'm good a giving advice... just not taking it though! ;) LOL... so I know how you feel.

Together we will get through this right along with our recruits. We will all learn some valuable lessons along the way, too!

Cyber hugs to all!

Jessica,

No I don't. If no letter today I will breakdown and call the recruiter on Monday.

Any ideas on Hotels? Residence Inn seems to have good ratings

How far in advance do you have to book the hotel/motel? We will be driving out there from New York. (we are lucky, we won't have to rent a car)

Dillons Mom.

I feel for ya about the struggles with your son getting E2.
We had a similar situation. My son got his Eagle Scout which gets him E3.
He took his cert. with him to meps and they said that was not good enough he would have to go as E1. We were furious. He worked so hard for that.
My husband retired from the Navy so he was a recruiter and also worked at meps. He told them you make him E3 or he goes home. It
s not like we were trying to get rid of my son. i certainly was in no hurry to see him leave. Needless to say He swore in at 12 noon as an E3. It was very frustrating and my husband pissed off a lot of people but my baby made it.

Got a phone call this morning from my son he loves it and sounds great you can hear it in his voice. It lifted a weight off my chest to hear how happy he was. He confirmed ship 12 division 346 he told me the ship name but I forgot it already. He said they did a letter already, who knows when it will be sent out though.

I love the countdown clock!!!!!!! I just got my 'letter' and found that my son is Ship12 Div 344....I was so excited to see his little note at the bottom...can't wait to hear his voice...missing him like crazy!

stevie,

my dad sent me a a negative review about the Ramada, but who really knows.

I GOT MY FORM LETTER! Awe... I cried! He wrote so neatly... He said he's doing okay... just trying to stay positive. He said he wouldn't get to write a full letter for about 2 weeks. The letter was postmarked on 8/26. So... being the over-analyzing mom that I am... I'm wondering when he actually wrote the letter and if it was held before being sent since he got there on the 18th. So many questions and no answers.

Gees... there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to how each recruit is allowed to communicate. I want a call, too! Pretty, please? ;)

Woohoo!!! So happy u got your letter Dana!! I'm thinking it will cause more questions than provide answers but at least we know he's ok!! I hope my letter comes today too!!

Welcome to all the new moms! This site is growing! I love it! Have a good day ladies!

@GJS NavyMom - I would book a book now, since there is no fee to cancel (up to 48 hrs before). Rooms start filling up fast about 6 wks before, and that will be very soon for this group!

Anyone driving: Add a minimum of 2 hrs to your driving time, safer to add 3 hrs. Traffic is CRAZY in the Chicago area. Lots of people live outside the city towards Great Lakes, so you are sharing the tollways with commuters. I know hotels say check-in is at 3 or 4 (depends on hotel), but if your room is ready, they will always let you in early. And if not, at least you are in the area and can go get something to eat while you wait. Or do what every single mother does at least once, if not twice: Drive by RTC and stare into that huge fenced place - wondering where in the world your child is! Just don't climb the fence, we don't want any N4M moms arrested!

Dillons Mom! I knew it... I knew we'd be together! YAY!!! I'm sending you a message! Look for it in your inbox.

Pink - xoxo... did ya get it yet?

Sobe... thanks for the advice. I'm nervous to book a room for fear somethng will happen if I commit. Am I a crazy bundle of nerves or what? ;)

DanaMN and Dillons Mom! congratulations! I'm so happy you both got the letters! Hugs to both of you!

oh... winniesam... thanks, girl! What's your son's rate going to be?

I just can't wait to meet all of you! You're just all so special!

I think I saw somewhere that families of recruits in each division or ship or something wear a different ribbon to identify them at PIR???

Sobe, is that something you know about?

@Dana - several PIR groups have done that or planning too, but I have some thoughts on that. First, it's a great idea, but takes a lot of planning and it can cost too (someone makes it, they mail it to you, you mail them a check, etc.). But guess what, it really does not matter one bit what division your sailor is in when you get to the Meet & Greet, you are meeting the incredible moms/wives/gf's you meet on this site. So what my PIR group did was tried to identify ourselves as N4M members, because people will be there at the M&G who are not on this website. So we just agreed to wear red/white/blue ribbons, we made them ourselves - took 1 minute, and it only cost $2.99 cents for a roll of ribbon at Wal-Mart! And I only used about 10 inches of it!!! We also wore these ribbons to PIR the next day. We did one more thing, we made a simple name tag with our N4M user name on top and our real name on the bottom - and we all changed our profile pictures to one of ourselves those last few weeks before PIR - so we could recogonize each other! That's my 2 cents, since you asked!

There are Mom's on this website who offer to make some very nice ribbons, and some do different colors for each division. As a group, you need to decide. But I can tell you something that is not so good. One group (awesome ladies) made sashes - they were beautiful and they got very creative. But I had moms' sending me private messages that were considering NOT going to the Meet & Greet because they were not crafty enough to make one, or didn't have the time or money. That is the last thing you want to do is make the evening about what you are wearing instead of who you are meeting!