Calimom... amen and amen.... hurry up and wait for sure... thats what makes it such a roller coaster ride ..
Jackflash... this hurry up and wait is good for your son, because this is going to be the case during this RSS pipeline.. and it is very mental which can make or break him. he will have to learn to take advantage of the down or wait times and use them to his advantage... he can not swim too much or work out too much... run, swim, work out, flutter kicks, holding breath, clearning mask at various pool depths etc. ...
Jack..... yes kewl You Tube... great movie... Ill bet my son watched tht movie a dozen times before he went in... hoooyaaa to our Coast Guard... they do for our civilians what our navy Rescue Swimmers do for their commrades (and more of course.)
Jodi-Josh's Mom, Praying for you and your son, he will be heading to Pensacola in 9 weeks, no doubt. This is about the same time my son left for Great Lakes (and Lydia's son) He left July 7, 2010. It has been an emotional roller coaster, but I would not change a thing. PIR was the Friday of Labor Day weekend.
Jackflash, Lydia and Calimom are right hurry up and wait will be the story for the next few years. And taking that time to get in better shape will be time well spent.
Had a great weekend with my son. He did an admirable job of dividing his 36 hours between his parents, his girlfriend and her family, and his high school friends home from college. Don't know if he slept at all, however. And now we are just waiting too. He thinks his A School will not start until August. That old saying has meaning now - "patience is a virtue."
Roxanne, thanks for the PIR information. I was trying to figure out about when it would happen cuz both my boss and the foreman will be gone the following week and it may cause a problem if it goes into that week. However, I told them that no matter what, I wouldn't be here whatever day he has PIR!!! I wouldn't miss that for the world. I'm handling this week fairly well, but then again, I haven't seen much of him-he's cramming all he can do into this last week, but it sure is flying by fast. I hope the next 9 weeks go as quickly.
Lydia, just a quick question about the Navy Federal Credit Union. When I google that, it shows local banks as branches. Do I have the right Credit Union? I would hate to have him set up an account then find out it wasn't at the right place or maybe it just is for the ATM (it says Moneypass Network).
Hello all! Haven't been on in eons but read your comments often. We are at the airport getting ready to fly to SD to see our son.
Roxanne- getting ready to lay a big hug on T for ya!!
Ann- my son knows C so we'll look in on him for you.
Hang in there, I know a few of you are planning visits in Sept. and you'll be feeling our excitement. Added bonus our son was able to get us half price tickets for the SD Zoo. Just talked to him last night and they are doing some kind of ocean swim right in front of our hotel tomorrow morning.
Take care all and know your sons are prayed for!!
MamaB SO excited for you! Make sure you find my son too!! And enjoy the zoo. I would take the boys there every week when they were young and just stay for a little while. Take a bus tour first or you will miss a lot of it.
JodiJosh... you dont have to worry about setting his account up with the Navy CU - they will do that IF he does not already have an account set up... During the first week of being at BC the do tons of paperwork including setting up an account. So if yall did not do it in advance... no worries... they will have him do it so he can receive that first paycheck... man do they love that!!!! They will set him up with a NEX card too or allow them the time later to get a NEX card.. there are Navy Credit unions in lots of Cities..
Ann1 - wooooow God Bless him and you!!!
MamaB - I have missed ya here lately...Oh man you are soooo lucky... wooo hoooo
Vita hi sis
kkr - good for that sweet boy (man) I know you are riding high!!!!!!!
So prayers for my Bman please.. he is on a helo from ----------- to ---------- for desert recon training.. ugggggggg. Then after he will get those wings.. Godspeed my boy safely on this journey.
Jackflash, Sounds like your son has the right stuff for making it through this program, just make sure he knows life will get better after bootcamp.
JodiJosh's Mom, You are welcome, you definitely have to go to PIR, he will need to see you. Praying for you and your Sailor.
MamaB, Thank you!!! So excited for you, let me know what things we should do, we will be visiting the end of July.
Ann1, Praying for C, hope he heals fast. I haven't heard back from T yet.
Lydia, Praying for the Bman and his Mama.
kkrHoosier, Definitely! Patience is a virtue, and if you don't have it now you will learn to have it or drive yourself crazy. Glad your son was able to have some quality time with everyone, hopefully he is getting some rest now.
Vitamama, Thank you for the bus tour info, it will be the first thing we do when we get to SD. How is K doing?
Ann1 - I can imagine how you are feeling. Bless his heart. i dont know how it happened but man he must be going nuts wanting to get 100% which he will soon!
Jackflash - awesome...sounds like he is kicking butt........ flutter kicks... mask clearing at multiple depths... have a friend jump him from behind in the water under the water - rip off his mask and he recover it, clear it.... more flutter kicks.... total no fear of water.. and I think most all of us here whose kids have made it through this Pipeline would also suggest that he learn to meditate in some fashion so that when the mental agony hits him... he will be focused and not let it psych him... cause that will be the hardest.
MamaB - Is in the middle of hugs and love and cloud Nine!!!!
Okay to sweetpea and MamaB... plz send love and hugs to those SD boys... mine is in training elsewhere... but should yall run into some of my other adopted kids.... give em a BIG smooch from Mama Lydia... hahahah Godspeed and safe travels
just love being in here. K is doing great and loving SD because he bought wheels and is comfortable there because it's always been home for him. I booked our tickets for August. It would be nice to know when the next graduation is, but we all know better than than, don't we!!
Hi all-having a wonderful time!! We visited the USS Midway museum today. Its an aircraft carrier in SD Harbour, really neat. Remember when you visit to have your son get tickets to most all attractions half price from the NEX. J took us to Sunset Cliffs yesterday the place is absolutely breath-taking. This is where the boys will be boys jumping off into the ocean. I watched through the cracks as I covered my eyes.
Roxanne- saw T the 1st night we where there gave him a big hug and hung out in their room (all 4 of us) and as each of the boys in their quad came home they came in and introduced themselves and stayed awhile. Fun and lots of laughs!
Sweet pea- when are you getting here and where are you staying? Let's try to get together, we're here till Thur. morning.
Im sooooo jealous of my SD sistas hahahahah!!!! Glad yall are having fun! Vitamama - where are you going to be staying? I know someone said the hotels get booked up quickly. Not that Ill be able to go but just in case.. Im thinking B will get his wings long about August or Sept
I wish I were in SD NOW! Lydia, since we lived there for 30 years we have rooms in the homes of many friends. Keep us informed of when he is getting his wings. And I won't forget the promise of the cookies. Mama B: I wish you could see my K and give him a big hug. They can always use it. I'll message you his cell.
Y'all are making me proud to live here! San Diego is lovely, and I'm happy to see that so many think well of our fine city, and that your loved ones are enjoying their time here. I often look at those near Great Lakes, and/or Pensacola as "the lucky ones" because I can't stand the thought of not being around 'the boy' as he goes through training. I'm one of those parents that tried to never miss a basketball game or cross country meet, and having to go through the transition of watching my little boy vanish into the shadow of the man he's become... Didn't realize it could happen overnight like this.
Anways... for all those visiting --Enjoy San Diego. If you ever have a need while you are here, let me know.
Well, I've lost track of who is doing what these days but know that you're all in my thoughts and prayers as are your sailors. I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July wherever you are and whatever you do!! Take care and hugs!!
I've been without electricity here in Indiana for the last four days from the "land hurricane" we experienced. Just got our power back. Have a wonderful 4th of July everyone and always remember our "freedom isn't free"!
To the GREATEST country in the world... Happy Birthday America.. long may our banner wave ... Freedom is not Free... we know this!
hooooyaaaa to all heading to SD... jack... I envie you.. living there ... hahahah Im going to find a way to get there! OH I did get a quick text from Bman... said... "flying alot.. love you " hahahahah
kkrH - Im glad you are back to some norm... uggg..... gonna be a tough summer I think ... Happy Bday America...
Lydia, Amen, we are blessed to live in this great nation! Glad B is doing good.
Praying that you somehow will get to SD, the guys will be blessed to have such a good Mama visit them.
Jackflash, You are an excellent Dad and you will get to visit him in all of those great places. When you see what an awesome young man he becomes (or more awesome) - it will be worth the sacrifice of not seeing him everyday. Praying for you and your family!
kkrHoosier, So glad you have your power back, that was a very bad storm. Lots of people in Maryland still without power. Can't believe the number of states affected by that super storm. Praying for you and your family.
Birdieir, Happy 4th of July. Praying for you and your sailor!!
Happy 4th of July everyone. Hope you are all enjoying the fireworks. J left for bc yesterday so hopefully in about 9 weeks I will be able to say he's on his way to Pensacola to start his training. I'm missing him but I'm handling it a lot better than I thought I would. He wrote his dad and me a letter the night he stayed at the hotel before he swore it. It had me in tears and made me so proud of the young man he is. I look forward to seeing all the changes that everyone says will happen when he leaves bc. Thanks for all the info I receive from you moms daily. It is helping me get through this separation. It is greatly appreciated.
JodiJ - awe you have me crying now!!! how sweet of him!!!! well, you just send him a letter a day... he will be too busy to read them all my son said of course I sent 2 a day hahahah.... but just getting them makes them feel good. And my son said they compete to see who gets the most mail.. of course unfortunately some of the kids get nothing. which reminds me, you can ask your son in a letter to let you know if there are any kids who are lonely and dont get any mail and you can write to them too.
My Bman is still in training far away... but I got texts from him that he is well! Thats all I care about!!! and he loves me... that was the best part! =)
You know your kids love you (or at least hope they do) but it's nice to see it written down in black and white. I intend to pull that letter out many times in the next few weeks just so I can have good reason to cry. If they compete for the most mail, J might do pretty well on that. He has 2 families (he had the same babysitter his whole life and even after he was old enough not to need one, he stayed very close with the family) plus everyone that he taught for Taekwondo will be staying in touch. Which reminds me, they asked if he can receive care packages once he gets down to Pensacola and I told them I thought so but I would let them know. Can they receive packages?
Glad to hear that you can stay in contact with your son. Praying that he remains safe and well.
Jodi-Josh's mom; I don't know about others, but in regards to Care packages in Pensacola or even SD....good luck. The cookies I sent were stale by the time they got them. Even when I sent important papers certified mail, they are still lost. I have learned to send packages through a friend who lives off base, if you want to make sure he gets it.
NOOOOO - no care packages to Pcola... not at first... Oh I made that mistake and my Bman paid for it hahaha... They go through them and take what they want... the instructors... then if there is one crumb left on the floor in their rooms.... they get triple PT... so... once they are through NACCS and RSS and into A school... no worries... my son horrified me with the care packages stories.. hahah
Oh also.... Jodi... when your boy PIRs... yes you can give him his cell phone (check to be sure the battery is in it... they take them out at BC) found that out the HARD way.... my son bought a new laptop after a few months at the NEX... rememeber they have to EARN their privs... they have to get to Phase 2 or 3 just to feel human again.. but be sure to take him his cell... to the airport... not before... must be at the airport...
JodiJosh'smom, You made me cry too. My son left July 7th, 2010 for bootcamp. From July to Dec, I would have lost it if it weren't for my 818 N4M sista's (Lydia is one of them), so much sure you either come here to talk or one of the other sites, I don't think anyone else understood what I was feeling. And remember it will get better, around Dec. Things will start looking up for him as soon as he gets some of his privileges back. Praying for you and your sailor!
Okay, I'll wait until he says its okay to receive care packages. Don't want him to get into any trouble. I had read in the forum above about the phases so I knew he had to earn privileges. His cell phone contract runs out on July 10 so I talked to his recruiter to see how easy it would be for him to get a phone down in Pcola and he said it would be easy for him to get a phone there. Since he wouldn't be able to use the phone for a while we were just going to let it run out instead of putting a hold on his service. Does it make sense to do that?
JodiJ.... well, actually they CAN use their cell phone but not until after 1600 I think it was... (evening) that is the one thing that they can do hahahah. However, you can get him a calling card to use and yes... the NEX has phones, puters etc... my B man got a new cell for PIR grad and I was sooo happy to hand it to him at the airport....cause then he was able to call and text me so I did not feel so cut off from him. I heard from B almost every day when he arrived in Pcola... sooo thats up to yall. He will be able to get to the NEX fairly soon after arriving in Pcola.. Id say let him keep the phone... give it to him at the airport... you will feel better having that communication with him... he can change the plan later if needs be.
Rox... I soo agree... what would we have done without each other... I nearly went insane! and here we are all these years later.. still alive but a lot more grey hair for me hahahahahahah
JodiJ....Wasn't easy for my son to get around in Pensacola without a car, specially at first. He will want a phone in the worst way at PIR-calling all of their good friends is like a life line to normal life. I'm with Lydia, you will want to hear from him as often as he is able to contact you.
Roxanne -----Yea, it was only about two months later in Pcola that B bought a pickup truck.. he then drove it to SD when he got his orders. They take cabs but they are really expensive..
I saw what I thought was an odd conversation on the Navy Air Rescue Swimmer Facebook page.... Someone was asking for info on a new mask the Navy was introducing for RS and was trying to confirm the make/model before "spending the money." ---- wouldn't the Navy supply the needed equipment? They don't have to purchase their own gear, do they? This person was in the Navy and heading to Pensacola for training. I can't imagine the Navy requiring students to buy their own masks and such.
JackFlash
I know it's Coast Guard and not Navy.... but y'all seen this one?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6VVneOXhnc
Jun 25, 2012
CaliMom (Maryann)
JackFlash-I'm sure you've it here often, in this pipeline there is alot of hurry up and wait. Best get used to it now :)
Jun 26, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Calimom... amen and amen.... hurry up and wait for sure... thats what makes it such a roller coaster ride ..
Jackflash... this hurry up and wait is good for your son, because this is going to be the case during this RSS pipeline.. and it is very mental which can make or break him. he will have to learn to take advantage of the down or wait times and use them to his advantage... he can not swim too much or work out too much... run, swim, work out, flutter kicks, holding breath, clearning mask at various pool depths etc. ...
Jun 26, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Jack..... yes kewl You Tube... great movie... Ill bet my son watched tht movie a dozen times before he went in... hoooyaaa to our Coast Guard... they do for our civilians what our navy Rescue Swimmers do for their commrades (and more of course.)
Jun 26, 2012
roxanne
Jodi-Josh's Mom, Praying for you and your son, he will be heading to Pensacola in 9 weeks, no doubt. This is about the same time my son left for Great Lakes (and Lydia's son) He left July 7, 2010. It has been an emotional roller coaster, but I would not change a thing. PIR was the Friday of Labor Day weekend.
Jackflash, Lydia and Calimom are right hurry up and wait will be the story for the next few years. And taking that time to get in better shape will be time well spent.
Jun 26, 2012
kkrHoosier
Had a great weekend with my son. He did an admirable job of dividing his 36 hours between his parents, his girlfriend and her family, and his high school friends home from college. Don't know if he slept at all, however. And now we are just waiting too. He thinks his A School will not start until August. That old saying has meaning now - "patience is a virtue."
Have a great week everyone!
Jun 26, 2012
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Roxanne, thanks for the PIR information. I was trying to figure out about when it would happen cuz both my boss and the foreman will be gone the following week and it may cause a problem if it goes into that week. However, I told them that no matter what, I wouldn't be here whatever day he has PIR!!! I wouldn't miss that for the world. I'm handling this week fairly well, but then again, I haven't seen much of him-he's cramming all he can do into this last week, but it sure is flying by fast. I hope the next 9 weeks go as quickly.
Jun 27, 2012
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Lydia, just a quick question about the Navy Federal Credit Union. When I google that, it shows local banks as branches. Do I have the right Credit Union? I would hate to have him set up an account then find out it wasn't at the right place or maybe it just is for the ATM (it says Moneypass Network).
Jun 27, 2012
Mama B
Roxanne- getting ready to lay a big hug on T for ya!!
Ann- my son knows C so we'll look in on him for you.
Hang in there, I know a few of you are planning visits in Sept. and you'll be feeling our excitement. Added bonus our son was able to get us half price tickets for the SD Zoo. Just talked to him last night and they are doing some kind of ocean swim right in front of our hotel tomorrow morning.
Take care all and know your sons are prayed for!!
Jun 28, 2012
Vitamama
MamaB SO excited for you! Make sure you find my son too!! And enjoy the zoo. I would take the boys there every week when they were young and just stay for a little while. Take a bus tour first or you will miss a lot of it.
Jun 28, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
JodiJosh... you dont have to worry about setting his account up with the Navy CU - they will do that IF he does not already have an account set up... During the first week of being at BC the do tons of paperwork including setting up an account. So if yall did not do it in advance... no worries... they will have him do it so he can receive that first paycheck... man do they love that!!!! They will set him up with a NEX card too or allow them the time later to get a NEX card.. there are Navy Credit unions in lots of Cities..
Ann1 - wooooow God Bless him and you!!!
MamaB - I have missed ya here lately...Oh man you are soooo lucky... wooo hoooo
Vita hi sis
kkr - good for that sweet boy (man) I know you are riding high!!!!!!!
So prayers for my Bman please.. he is on a helo from ----------- to ---------- for desert recon training.. ugggggggg. Then after he will get those wings.. Godspeed my boy safely on this journey.
Jun 28, 2012
JackFlash
Jun 28, 2012
roxanne
Jackflash, Sounds like your son has the right stuff for making it through this program, just make sure he knows life will get better after bootcamp.
JodiJosh's Mom, You are welcome, you definitely have to go to PIR, he will need to see you. Praying for you and your Sailor.
MamaB, Thank you!!! So excited for you, let me know what things we should do, we will be visiting the end of July.
Ann1, Praying for C, hope he heals fast. I haven't heard back from T yet.
Lydia, Praying for the Bman and his Mama.
kkrHoosier, Definitely! Patience is a virtue, and if you don't have it now you will learn to have it or drive yourself crazy. Glad your son was able to have some quality time with everyone, hopefully he is getting some rest now.
Vitamama, Thank you for the bus tour info, it will be the first thing we do when we get to SD. How is K doing?
Jun 28, 2012
CaliMom (Maryann)
Ann1-prayers going up for your sailor
MamaB-safe travels and enjoy your trip to SD
Jun 29, 2012
roxanne
Ann1, Praying for C
Jun 30, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Happy Sonday everyone!
Ann1 - I can imagine how you are feeling. Bless his heart. i dont know how it happened but man he must be going nuts wanting to get 100% which he will soon!
Jackflash - awesome...sounds like he is kicking butt........ flutter kicks... mask clearing at multiple depths... have a friend jump him from behind in the water under the water - rip off his mask and he recover it, clear it.... more flutter kicks.... total no fear of water.. and I think most all of us here whose kids have made it through this Pipeline would also suggest that he learn to meditate in some fashion so that when the mental agony hits him... he will be focused and not let it psych him... cause that will be the hardest.
MamaB - Is in the middle of hugs and love and cloud Nine!!!!
Jul 1, 2012
JackFlash
Thank you Lydia.... He's hoping for that first chance to PST tomorrow morning... We'll find out if he cleared to test.
Jul 1, 2012
sweetpea4
JackFlash good luck for your Son tomorrow, saying prayers for him!
Ann1 hoping your Son is healing well and quickly! No fun to have your mouth wired!
MamaB I'm headed to SD also this week!
Jul 1, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Okay to sweetpea and MamaB... plz send love and hugs to those SD boys... mine is in training elsewhere... but should yall run into some of my other adopted kids.... give em a BIG smooch from Mama Lydia... hahahah Godspeed and safe travels
jackflsh.... keep us posted!!!!! =)
Jul 1, 2012
Vitamama
just love being in here. K is doing great and loving SD because he bought wheels and is comfortable there because it's always been home for him. I booked our tickets for August. It would be nice to know when the next graduation is, but we all know better than than, don't we!!
Jul 1, 2012
Mama B
Roxanne- saw T the 1st night we where there gave him a big hug and hung out in their room (all 4 of us) and as each of the boys in their quad came home they came in and introduced themselves and stayed awhile. Fun and lots of laughs!
Sweet pea- when are you getting here and where are you staying? Let's try to get together, we're here till Thur. morning.
Jul 1, 2012
sweetpea4
Mama B i'm flying in on Thurs. Staying with my Son and his wife. We will just miss each other!
Jul 1, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Im sooooo jealous of my SD sistas hahahahah!!!! Glad yall are having fun! Vitamama - where are you going to be staying? I know someone said the hotels get booked up quickly. Not that Ill be able to go but just in case.. Im thinking B will get his wings long about August or Sept
Jul 2, 2012
Vitamama
I wish I were in SD NOW! Lydia, since we lived there for 30 years we have rooms in the homes of many friends. Keep us informed of when he is getting his wings. And I won't forget the promise of the cookies. Mama B: I wish you could see my K and give him a big hug. They can always use it. I'll message you his cell.
Jul 2, 2012
roxanne
MamaB, Thanks for giving T a hug, hanging out in their room sounds like a lot of fun. Can't wait to visit can't believe it is less then 30 days away.
Jul 2, 2012
roxanne
Sweetpea, Have a safe and great visit.
Lydia, Hope their is some way you can get out to SD when B gets his wings. Praying for you, D and B.
Jul 2, 2012
sweetpea4
Thanks Roxanne!
Jul 2, 2012
JackFlash
Y'all are making me proud to live here! San Diego is lovely, and I'm happy to see that so many think well of our fine city, and that your loved ones are enjoying their time here. I often look at those near Great Lakes, and/or Pensacola as "the lucky ones" because I can't stand the thought of not being around 'the boy' as he goes through training. I'm one of those parents that tried to never miss a basketball game or cross country meet, and having to go through the transition of watching my little boy vanish into the shadow of the man he's become... Didn't realize it could happen overnight like this.
Anways... for all those visiting --Enjoy San Diego. If you ever have a need while you are here, let me know.
Jul 2, 2012
Birdiejr
Well, I've lost track of who is doing what these days but know that you're all in my thoughts and prayers as are your sailors. I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July wherever you are and whatever you do!! Take care and hugs!!
Jul 3, 2012
kkrHoosier
I've been without electricity here in Indiana for the last four days from the "land hurricane" we experienced. Just got our power back. Have a wonderful 4th of July everyone and always remember our "freedom isn't free"!
Jul 3, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
To the GREATEST country in the world... Happy Birthday America.. long may our banner wave ... Freedom is not Free... we know this!
hooooyaaaa to all heading to SD... jack... I envie you.. living there ... hahahah Im going to find a way to get there! OH I did get a quick text from Bman... said... "flying alot.. love you " hahahahah
kkrH - Im glad you are back to some norm... uggg..... gonna be a tough summer I think ... Happy Bday America...
Jul 3, 2012
roxanne
Lydia, Amen, we are blessed to live in this great nation! Glad B is doing good.
Praying that you somehow will get to SD, the guys will be blessed to have such a good Mama visit them.
Jackflash, You are an excellent Dad and you will get to visit him in all of those great places. When you see what an awesome young man he becomes (or more awesome) - it will be worth the sacrifice of not seeing him everyday. Praying for you and your family!
kkrHoosier, So glad you have your power back, that was a very bad storm. Lots of people in Maryland still without power. Can't believe the number of states affected by that super storm. Praying for you and your family.
Birdieir, Happy 4th of July. Praying for you and your sailor!!
sweetpea, Welcome, Happy 4th of July!
Jul 4, 2012
Vitamama
We have so much to be thankful for, don't we!!! And you and your sons/daughters are on my list today as we celebrate.
Jul 4, 2012
roxanne
Vitamama, Yes we are blessed! Praying for K, hope he is doing well!
Jul 4, 2012
Vitamama
thank's for asking Roxanne. he's doing great! Celebrating with longtime friends this weekend from church. Makes mama happy!!
Jul 4, 2012
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Happy 4th of July everyone. Hope you are all enjoying the fireworks. J left for bc yesterday so hopefully in about 9 weeks I will be able to say he's on his way to Pensacola to start his training. I'm missing him but I'm handling it a lot better than I thought I would. He wrote his dad and me a letter the night he stayed at the hotel before he swore it. It had me in tears and made me so proud of the young man he is. I look forward to seeing all the changes that everyone says will happen when he leaves bc. Thanks for all the info I receive from you moms daily. It is helping me get through this separation. It is greatly appreciated.
Jul 4, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
JodiJ - awe you have me crying now!!! how sweet of him!!!! well, you just send him a letter a day... he will be too busy to read them all my son said of course I sent 2 a day hahahah.... but just getting them makes them feel good. And my son said they compete to see who gets the most mail.. of course unfortunately some of the kids get nothing. which reminds me, you can ask your son in a letter to let you know if there are any kids who are lonely and dont get any mail and you can write to them too.
My Bman is still in training far away... but I got texts from him that he is well! Thats all I care about!!! and he loves me... that was the best part! =)
Jul 5, 2012
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
You know your kids love you (or at least hope they do) but it's nice to see it written down in black and white. I intend to pull that letter out many times in the next few weeks just so I can have good reason to cry. If they compete for the most mail, J might do pretty well on that. He has 2 families (he had the same babysitter his whole life and even after he was old enough not to need one, he stayed very close with the family) plus everyone that he taught for Taekwondo will be staying in touch. Which reminds me, they asked if he can receive care packages once he gets down to Pensacola and I told them I thought so but I would let them know. Can they receive packages?
Glad to hear that you can stay in contact with your son. Praying that he remains safe and well.
Jul 5, 2012
Vitamama
Jodi-Josh's mom; I don't know about others, but in regards to Care packages in Pensacola or even SD....good luck. The cookies I sent were stale by the time they got them. Even when I sent important papers certified mail, they are still lost. I have learned to send packages through a friend who lives off base, if you want to make sure he gets it.
Jul 5, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
NOOOOO - no care packages to Pcola... not at first... Oh I made that mistake and my Bman paid for it hahaha... They go through them and take what they want... the instructors... then if there is one crumb left on the floor in their rooms.... they get triple PT... so... once they are through NACCS and RSS and into A school... no worries... my son horrified me with the care packages stories.. hahah
Jul 5, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Oh also.... Jodi... when your boy PIRs... yes you can give him his cell phone (check to be sure the battery is in it... they take them out at BC) found that out the HARD way.... my son bought a new laptop after a few months at the NEX... rememeber they have to EARN their privs... they have to get to Phase 2 or 3 just to feel human again.. but be sure to take him his cell... to the airport... not before... must be at the airport...
Jul 5, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
clarify... cell phone after PIR at the airport.. laptop in Pcola after they phase up....
Jul 5, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Well at least that was Bs experience and three other of my adopted kids as well
Jul 5, 2012
roxanne
JodiJosh'smom, You made me cry too. My son left July 7th, 2010 for bootcamp. From July to Dec, I would have lost it if it weren't for my 818 N4M sista's (Lydia is one of them), so much sure you either come here to talk or one of the other sites, I don't think anyone else understood what I was feeling. And remember it will get better, around Dec. Things will start looking up for him as soon as he gets some of his privileges back. Praying for you and your sailor!
Jul 5, 2012
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Okay, I'll wait until he says its okay to receive care packages. Don't want him to get into any trouble. I had read in the forum above about the phases so I knew he had to earn privileges. His cell phone contract runs out on July 10 so I talked to his recruiter to see how easy it would be for him to get a phone down in Pcola and he said it would be easy for him to get a phone there. Since he wouldn't be able to use the phone for a while we were just going to let it run out instead of putting a hold on his service. Does it make sense to do that?
Jul 6, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
JodiJ.... well, actually they CAN use their cell phone but not until after 1600 I think it was... (evening) that is the one thing that they can do hahahah. However, you can get him a calling card to use and yes... the NEX has phones, puters etc... my B man got a new cell for PIR grad and I was sooo happy to hand it to him at the airport....cause then he was able to call and text me so I did not feel so cut off from him. I heard from B almost every day when he arrived in Pcola... sooo thats up to yall. He will be able to get to the NEX fairly soon after arriving in Pcola.. Id say let him keep the phone... give it to him at the airport... you will feel better having that communication with him... he can change the plan later if needs be.
Jul 6, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Rox... I soo agree... what would we have done without each other... I nearly went insane! and here we are all these years later.. still alive but a lot more grey hair for me hahahahahahah
Jul 6, 2012
roxanne
Lydia, gray hair for me too.
JodiJ....Wasn't easy for my son to get around in Pensacola without a car, specially at first. He will want a phone in the worst way at PIR-calling all of their good friends is like a life line to normal life. I'm with Lydia, you will want to hear from him as often as he is able to contact you.
Jul 6, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Roxanne -----Yea, it was only about two months later in Pcola that B bought a pickup truck.. he then drove it to SD when he got his orders. They take cabs but they are really expensive..
Jul 7, 2012
JackFlash
Jul 9, 2012