900's division sailors

I appreciate what you said Terry'saproudmom(Ship02-Div936)  about how when it is over, we will realize we had nothing to worry about.  But like AutumnSunset sats it is hard when it is the first child to leave.  Mydaughter and I are so close we talked all the time, she would text me almost hourly and so on, so to go from that to nothing is hard.  In the long run I know how good this all is for her and how great she will be in the Navy.  I had a very hard time the first few days, but when I got that surprise call from her on Saturday it has truly helped.  I still miss her terribly, but it is getting easier.  I am anxiously awaiting all the next steps, like the box, the form letter, and of course letters from her.  Thanks for all the communication on this website, it is great to hear all of your stories and advice.  God bless you all and your amazing children.

Oh I know I worried so much.  My husband and older son threatened to do a N4M's intervention and thought I had grown a new laptop from my thighs.  I was online all the time and couldn't have survived without my N4M's PIR group.  I look back now and realize what a great experience it was for me as well as my son.  He is now a Seabee and I can't believe how much he has matured and I could not be any prouder of him.  He was my baby so it was really hard letting go.  I think it was hard because I knew how much he wanted this and I wanted it to be easy for him, and knew it would be such hard work.  It feels horrible at the time but once on the other side....you won't believe how exciting it is.  Hey everyone when you go to PIR go to the Meet N Greet at the Ramada if you can....it was so much fun meeting the people who had shared so much with you for two months.

LOL, Terry, (grown a laptop from my thighs!) I did not want to really be on N4M, just because it made me think more about missing my son. It was my husband who was obsessed BUT NOW, I am so happy I have joined and am making new friends. I have learned so much. And it feels good that I can tell my hubby things even he hasn't learned on N4M! Hahahaha.

Thank you all!!!  My daughter is my oldest, but has been away (out of the country) 3 of her last 4 summers.  She is so independent and all we seemed to do was argue all the time before she left.  I am continually amazed at all the wonderful things she can do.  She graduated in May and just finished 30 credit hours of college this semester before going to bc.  She has won art awards, paintings like you can't believe (including people), flute/piccolo, choir for all 4 years of HS.  Any form of military was the LAST thing I expected from her-but like I told the recruiters, the Navy will be glad to have her.

My husband decided last night that I may need to be committed.  He can't understand why I'm crying at the drop of a hat (me either) with Christmas this close.  Our box came yesterday.  Nothing surprising (except the few coins in the bottom) and I was a basket case.  If it wasn't for reading all the posts from other N4M's, I don't know what I would do.

I would also like to make a public apology.  I posted some misinformation that my recruiters provided.  Aparently there IS a 911Division and I was told they had skipped it.  My sincerest apologies to those moms for my previous post.

Thank you all for the support-may your Christmas be filled with the Peace that passes all understanding during this time without your loved ones at home.

Joyb, I too am surprised at how emotional I am. Not so much tears with me, but moody and emotional. I think it is just that, it is an emotional time and sometimes we don't understand ourselves. Let alone some one else understanding us. We love our children and it is certainly a different situation. Unlike college where we would be able to talk or text or send packages we are cut off for a time and that is difficult.

I find it funny that our recruiters seem to hand out a variety of information that we later find out is not the case. Oh well. No harm, no foul.

God bless you.

I cried for four days pretty much non stop... it has been so hard, especially because my daughter and I were so close.  I am doing much better now, thankfully, still have my moments. It is just so hard to believe, she isn't coming home and that I won't have her in my daily life anymore.  I know i keep repeating myself on here, but i too find so much comfort in reading your posts and talking with all you ladies.  I worry about my younger children, as they too were so close to my daughter.  Does anyone have any advice on how to help the?  My son who is 12, idolizes his big sister and they did so much together, he just seems so sad now. I found him just sitting in her room yesterday.  Breaks my heart.

My younger kids are 15 and 14 and I think they are handling her absence, but I've noticed them being a bit "distant", especially when I'm crying and trying to cook or clean house.  I tried to get them to write in her Christmas card and little sis just wrote "Love ya sis, see you at grad".  Brother wrote 'Proud of you sis, be honest the house is too quiet without you.  Love you and hope to see you soon.  ps Mom is loosing it.  How's that for brotherly/sisterly love?  I do think it made them feel better to have some communication with her.  We are all making plans to go to PIR.  Also making plans for a trip to A-school.  Anyone else have insight into the younger siblings feeling "left behind"?

joyb, sorry to hear how tough it is. You too mreed with your 12 year old. On this end my SR's two brothers seem to care less. I feel for my SR. The older brother can not go to PIR because of college and the younger brother could care less and I haven't even been able to get him to sign the Christmas card. My SR is all about family and friends. I am concerned he will be disappointed with their lack of presence or support.

my son has already written my SR three letters plus a letter from our dog. :)  My ex husband and I are trying to figure it out, to get the two kids a plane ticket to see their sister at PIR.  They are both so worried they won't see her for a very long time. AutumnSunset, i bet your kids care more than they let on. How old are they?  A lot of times they don't know how to express themselves as children.

A letter from the dog?!!  How novel!  Can't wait to write that one tonight!

I love the letter from the dog.  The letter we sent to our SR I did sign the dog's name; since he is part of the family!  Our two younger sons will not be able to go to the PIR either.  The 2nd son will be attending EMT school and the youngest is in his final semester in college.  I certainly hope our SR is not too disappointed when they are not there.  We are hoping my sister in law and her husband are able to join us. 

thank you Kathy(Momof'IT'Marshall), it helps to know what I am feeling is normal. I just don't get why it is so hard, when I know I will see her again.  I just got "the box" today, made me miss her even more. 

Well, Kathy, I needed to hear that. I logged on and I can't stop crying. Even though earlier I said I had been emotional yet not teary eyed. Ha! 

You see, my youngest seems to hate me. He is 16 and this has gone on for about 4 years. Maybe more. I don't understand it. I have been a stay at home mom. My hubby and I are happily married. I am not an alcoholic, drug addict, abusive, or anything else which should cause such resentment in him. And it is tearing me up. So, in combination with my middle son~SR away and it being an emotional time of year and my dying dog..........I feel like my chest is going to explode! I tried to pray (writing in my prayer journal) but I was crying so hard I couldn't breathe or see the page. I tried to text my girlfriend to see if she was awake and wanted to go get coffee (yes, it is quarter to eleven at night but....) but she must be asleep. I would go grocery shopping but the commissary and Aldi's is closed! So I sit here on N4M, with the Hallmark channel on, sobbing. As was posted earlier: "this too shall pass" but it is going to be a long night.

I remember "the box" and how it felt to get it.  I called it "My kid in a box...without the kid".  It smelled of his cologne and I couldn't bear to wash the clothes.  I'd go to the box and smell them.  I was finally able to wash them during the fifth week of BC.  You get a form letter shortly after the box.  It has a couple lines for the kids to write what they want.  Mine said "Love you guys. Bring my Ipod and cell phone that are in the backpack in "the box", when you come to graduation."  I thought Boy he is having "texting withdrawal". I was so jealous when one of the other mom's posted that she found the paper tag that must have been on the Navy issue socks in the box and her son had scribbled "I love and miss you".  It has been five months since PIR and I still haven't figured out why I was such a mess during BC, maybe because he is my youngest...but he's 24 not as young as many of your kids.  I really think it is the lack of communication.  Someone told me BC for the parents helps prepare us for deployments when they can't always communicate with us.  I'm not looking forward to that time at all.  Just know that all the pain and sorrow you feel is common between us all.  If the general public only realized at it isn't only our kids who serve....we that worry about and love them are also serving...So to all of you...THANK YOU FOR SERVING, from one who also serves.  May God Bless You Always!!!

Thank you SO much Kathy.

thank you so much Kathy(Momof'IT'Marshall), it helps so much to know I am ok in my feelings. You are so correct about the 5 minutes of peace and then it starts over.  I wake up each mornng wanting to check to make sure she is home and then it starts all over.  It has been a week now, it is getting a tiny bit easier. A tiny bit. 

I heard the SRs in the 900 division don't get as much time to write or call, is this true?  Also, I didn't send her with a calling card, should i have?

Mail the calling card for Christmas. It will fit in an envelope. 

Kathy:  THANK YOU!!!   I have not suffered a major loss in my life.  I'm 43 and have my parents and my in-laws.  I was very young when my grandparents passed and what you described is what I'm feeling.  I'm a week out and the crying has really already dropped to a minimum.  I keep busy (even if its just writing the letters), doing dished, cleaning, laundry, etc.  I avoid quiet and try to get sleep and not get stressed.  I'm already making arrangements for PIR to help keep busy too.

Hi all.  Autumn, I read your message below and I understand COMPLETELY.  I just sent a friend request so I can email a more personal note.  If possible, try to remember that God gets to decide how things will work out, not us.  So, just hold on tight, enjoy the things you can, and do your best.  It WILL work out and everything will be fine.  I'll be thinking of you (especially when I reflect on my relationship with my kids).  

KidsLuvNavy, thanks so much! You are kind. I look forward to your email.

Is there a seperate group for division 912?

I have been a proud Navy Mom for the past 17 months (July 29th, 2010). I know and understand how each one of you feel. I can assure you that the pain gets better and after a while it transform into pride. Our children are members of the best and most powerful Navy of the world !!!  

newmom60 thanks for the reminder, I am a very proud mom that is for sure.. this initial stage is just so darn hard.  Got my first "note" from her on the back of the PIR letter.  She said she is miserable but ok.. I can't step thinking about the miserable part.  The rest of her letter was all about wanting to send messages to the rest of the family and friends,and asking for letters and pictures,  she never spoke of what she is going through or why she is miserable.  She knew what she was getting into and really wanted this very much, so I have to have faith in God and in my daughter that it WILL all work out.  Can't wait until her PIR when I can see her again.

mreed: I understand your feelings. The first time my daughter called me, all she could said was "Mommy, I missed you", over and over again. That call was one of only two calls plus the call with the announcement "I'm a sailor" that she was allowed to make. Pretty soon, you will be making plans to attend her P.I.R., and you won't believe how much your daughter would have changed/matured.  

I got the same message!!  "Miserable but ok!!"  How funny is that! 

I guess the "miserable" part is one more reason that we all worry. We as mom have always nurtured and protected our kids...It is what mom's do. One of my male friends who had been in the Navy told me while my son was in boot camp that it is all part of the process.  They break them down quickly, get them to start working as a team (remember what they are preparing for) and depending on each other, and then build them up to be exceptional, confident individuals and proud Sailors. You won't believe how much they will have changed. Especially eating way too fast (hee, hee).  BC is tough especially during the first month. The second month might be a little better but big challenges then too, there are just some fun things they get to do then.

I was getting frustrated with our son before he left as he was not participating with the daily chores at home.  I offered to give him a dose of what bootcamp would be like if he didn't start helping...he smiled and said... no mom.. that's okay.  -_-  We did clean his room after he left; but I imagine he would be able to do a better job now.

Terry~ my son always was a fast eater and I was always telling him to slow down. It probably comes in handy now, huh? lol

Kathyb, I told my son the same thing as he was slack on everything before he left. He did not clean his room or do laundry for weeks before he left. I couldn't believe it. Now to hear him talk about having to iron his clothes is hilarious. He said he can't make his bed good and they tell him it looks like bacon. I actually wish I could send all my sons to BC!

My older son has always been the slob and should have gone to bc.  I remember when my Seabee wrote home from bc and said he couldn't bounce a quarter on his rack but that it was tight and that he could see himself in his shoes.  But he still can't iron!

My daughter plays flute/piccolo, sings, and was in marching band for 4 years.  She was also in Concert/Select choir.  I'm sure that is how she got in this division, but she didn't tell me what she was going to be doing.  I didn't even know what 900 Division was to ask her what she would be doing.  I know that athletes are chosen, but what determines if they are going to play, be a flag, or be on the drill team?

Is there any easier way to keep track of all the groups on here other than just going to your email each time?  Just curious as it is getting a bit hectic.  Also I have had quite a few people warn me about my user name, it isn't my last name or my daughter's last name.  Should I change it anyway since it has caused a lot of concern? Which btw I am very thankful for, I don't want to cause any issues for my daughter.

mreed, if it is not you or your daughters name, I would not think it would be a problem. It is only if you can be identified by it. Can you?

Joyb~ I am a "newbie" too but what I know about division 900 is that you are asked these questions when you arrive to bootcamp and they put you in this division. It was mentioned by someone, if you know ahead of time about this question that you can say no, you do not play an instrument etc etc because it adds additional responsibility at an already stressful time.  My son mentioned to me the other day that he could have done rifle in div 900 but he chose to play the instrument he played in high school.

I don't think I can be identified by it, but I am going to change it just to be safe.

Nice to meet you Oceans3, lol.

thanks AutumnSunset..:)

Oceans~ our girls are in the same ship/div!!! 

Kathy(Momof'IT'Marshall) , thank you that helps a lot!

AutumnSunset; that is funny about the bed looking like bacon.  Our SR has been ironing his own clothes for a while now.  I tried to teach them how to do their own laundry and iron so we would not have the last minute Mom.... I need this today for school.... which is never a good way to start the day.  We still have 2 sons at home and they still do their own laundry... yeah!

I've only been on N4M for about 3 months and I've had to click the box "Stop Following" b/c my email was LOADED.  Now I just check my groups each day.

So by hitting stop following I am still a part of the group, just don't get the zillion emails?

Correct.  You do get new conversations that are started, but not totally bombarded with emails.  If you reply, I think it activates them again and you have to press the stop following again. 

Congratulations to all of the new "sailors"!  Our son is in 904 and we get to PIR in 7 days!

GARYMIMI: Congratulations...what a wonderful way to end the year and start anew!

Hi Fellow Navy Moms!  My daughter is in Ship 2/Div 910.  Just one more month...Wahoo!  It's interesting reading what other SR's are telling their Moms...my daughter really hasn't said too much, except that she said it's "intense" and they "yell" a lot :-)  She is loving it and is making friends...sounds like they team up pretty quick and are looking out for each other.  

Hi Kaitysmom, my son hasn't said much either. I did print the "questionarre" that is listed and I asked some questions but even then it isn't like some have mentioned. My son does not like the yelling so we have heard about that number of times. I thought it was funny because I had to yell to get his attention, I told him he should be used to that, lol. My son is also in Ship2/Div 910.

Good Morning!  I can't wait for January to roll around... never thought I'd say that!! 

Does anyone have information about the 'service division'?  My son is in division 911 and they are not a music division.  He mentioned something about being responsible for seating the 'higher ups' and 'watching the doors' during PIRs.  They clean up after events, etc.  I was told I wouldn't see him during PIR (except when they first march in) because they have jobs to do during PIR, out of our view.

My daughter just wrote and said she is in the drum line.  Will she do this for her own PIR?  Will she still go through the graduation like the rest of the Recruits

OCEANS3: Yes all 900'ers work the two PIR's before their own and their own. 

KIDS:  Yes they do work their own and you may or may not see them during PIR.  Some in the non-musical 900 divisions do riffle drill, carry the flags and do things during PIR where you will see them.  Others may escort handicapped visitors, greet visitors at the door (Imagine my surprise when the first thing I saw was my son greeting me and handing me the program :0) Some will work near the stairs at the restroom, work as "body snatchers" catching those Sailors that look as they may pass out....many jobs.  They will have the "working" 900 division pose about 15 minutes before the ceremony right in front of the stands so that you can grab some pictures then.  They do have to do some clean up after so you may have to get down to the floor quickly to spend a few minutes with them before they have to quickly get things done.  My son was so proud to be in the 936 and you will be too...although I did feel a little cheated that I didn't get to see him the whole time during PIR ceremonies! Unless staying in Great Lakes for A school they will ship out (bus) for their A schools very early the next morning and mine had to be back to RTC by 8pm the evening of PIR...left for the airport at 2:30am...you can meet them at the airport and spend time with them there before their flights, get pass from the airline at the time they check in to get you through TSA security and don't let them tell you only one can go through....I almost cried until the guy checked with someone else and let both my husband and I go through.  Some of the kids have late evening flights and will be sitting alone or with a few other Sailors until then...you will have fun joining them!  Enjoy the process everyone....believe it or not this two months and PIR weekend will become only memory far too quickly!

Terry: It is quite tough to expect to see your Sailor more and then not have that time. My sons A school is in GL but I still wonder how much we will see him.

AUTUMNSUNSET:  You will still get to have them after PIR.  Mine was very tired and wanted to eat and then go back to our hotel and soak in the bathtub.  Checked his email and texted...then back to RTC.  Just wanted to "chill"...others like to go shopping and do other activities with family.  If your sailor is going to stay at GL you will have to wait a little longer before they are released after PIR because they have to check in to A school, could take a few extra hours....but the good news is you will be able to have them Friday for a few hours...then they have to check back in (no over-night liberty) but then you can pick them up Saturday morning and have them all day and probably Sunday also.  Things change but this is the general procedure. So for the guys/gals staying in GL plan to spend the weekend with them except at night.