Sorry, didn't finish. I didn't find about this site until he graduated from EOD! I found about it when all the families went out to dinner the night of the graduation. I was in such bad shape, I needed a Xanax to get me through the graduation, I didn't want to be the only mother there crying uncontrollably!
I did feel better when I found out about this site. It has been a godsend for me!
I just needed to vent and to know I'm not alone. The most important thing to remember is as long as they are in training, they are well cared for and are safe! My son reports to his base next week for the first time. He is going down to find an apartment in the area. I dread his deployments, Xanax an EOD for Moms for me!!!
Hey brandonsmom, how are you doing? glad you found the website. I just wanted to talk to all the new moms. Today my son along with brandonsmom's son they graduated their LAST class, it is so exciting to know they made it. Two years ago, we were at your point he left for bootcamp on March 12. His PIR was in May and there have been so many ups and downs since then. He was almost dropped and it was so devastating when it was going on. He made it though. It is very hard, so be prepared for it. These guys become so close, they are family and today they are saying goodbye to each other as they are going to there assigned bases. He had 30 something people with him after PIR and he graduated with 7 so good luck to everyone. when you talk to them, let them know how tough it is. if they really want it, tell them not to give up but if they don't make it, it is ok. it is just very very tough. I am so proud of him and the man he has become. I hope your kids make it because even though it is hard for me and the other moms, you will be soooooo proud of them. I know it is a hard career for us to understand but they love it and he said it is the best thing he has ever done. so good luck, and i am here for any questions you might have.
My son left for MEPS on Sunday and I got "the box" today. Wow! That was fast. I wasn't expecting until next week. The ceremonial opening of the box was...well...ok. No trumpets went off or confetti popped out. On top was the jacket I gave him for Christmas and underneath was a pile of dirty clothes. I'm glad its here...truth be told, I'll probably wear his jacket, just to feel close to him. The rest of the clothes are going into the laundry...this weekend. I'll appreciate them more if they are clean and hanging on a hanger just the way that I saw him last before they swooped him out the door at the recruiters office.
Addy, what a wonderful contribution you made with your son's story. Thanks for sharing. Your encouragement is much appreciated.
Lupner, your box will be there soon! Take comfort in knowing that our sons are together.
D-hunter, when I dropped my son at the recruiters office on Sunday, they said that there were supposed to be three guys going, but one guy got delayed. That must have been the open spot that your son got. I'm sorry you didn't have much time to prepare for his departure. We feel your grief and loss.
Hang in there moms. Keep busy with your hobbies, that's what's keeping me sane.
Doxie... got my box! Like yours, jacket on top and dirty clothes on the bottom. Found his cell phone in a pocket. No shoes... so strange, but he wore the oldest ones he had so he prob threw them away. I didn't cry like I thought... just wished he would pop out of the box also! Prob do my routine cry in his room on his pillow tonight! lol
I feel so lucky by all the support y'all give me addy62, brandonsmom, lubner88, DoxieMom !!!! I can see it in my husbands face that he might be slightly worried or disturbed by my sadness - promise to save me if the white jackets come :) so posting here is better for me than if I try to get him to listen. DoxieMom I'm excited to hear mention of my kid or AKA The fill in :) I'm glad to hear he's with that group maybe . Can't wait to find out !
D-hunter, if your son is with my son, he is in good company. My son would help a stranded driver in a snow storm (in fact, he made me pull over one time in a snow storm to help a stranger!). He has the biggest heart and will have your son's back, no matter what. Don't be sad anymore. Be proud. Tell your husband that you got this! :)
Lupner! Congrats on the box! In my box, his hat was missing. I remember that he wore a grey hat when he left and it wasn't in the box. Maybe he lost it, maybe he threw it out.
I didn't cry either. It's a milestone. Now we wait for the form letter. Are you writing yet? I've written two so far, starting the third one tonight. I'm missing him but I don't feel as sad anymore. Maybe because of the posts from the veteran moms on here. Thank you moms! Your words mean more than you'll ever know.
My update is I'm at work - (clinic an elementary ) and no crying .... Hopefully it's slowing down - a little disappointed to find out the girlfriend got the call he made it there. He's 18 and in love I guess ....
We will always be their 1st best gal, but not the last. ;-)... Another sign we've raised them well. Kudos Mom! I am sure my boys still remember me asking them if they "were raised by wolves?"
DoxieMom - that really sucks -lol but text is awesome. I got zilch!!!! She probably got a text too (see how I can turn bitter quickly- it's a gift
Barbara Proud Mom - I know I'm his best gal and the only one since his birth that is at every big event of his life til now !!! I told myself the young girlfriend probably needed the call more than I did :/
Bonnie- Codysmom- I think having a date will really help my focus on planning something and to look forward to something ....
I am not sure how I would have handled the "girlfriend" getting MY call Dhunter. I love her to pieces, but that may have ended my affections for her.. lol When it comes to future women in my sons life I gave him this very wise advice.. There are ALOT of young women out there without families, you need to seek them out and find them so you can spend all holidays and special occasions with US and she gains a family... Look, its a WIN WIN... lol I am not selfish at ALL... just looking out for all those ladies without families of their own... lol
Bonnie, I did the same thing. I put everything back in the box the exact same way that it came and set it on his bed. Today, I took them out to let the dogs sniff them. I put some of them in the wash and I'm wearing his north face jacket. Never realized how comfy these jackets really are, especially in this deep freeze.
I'm having terrible thoughts... What if the "Box" goes to the girlfriend ??????My son is 18 and thinks this is the one :( I hope not -but we can save that story for a day everyone has time to read a small novel. I just hope they send it to his home address.
My son's recruiter said that she would have their division number after one week. I will giver her a call on Monday to see if she has it and let you know Carolina Mom.
D, the address on my box was written by my son, not that that information helps you out at all. I'm sure your son had his box sent to you. Hang in there.
brandonsmom, zim is going with tyler to rota. i picked him up friday night and i have him for two whole weeks before he leaves for spain. he repacked all his equipment today and the movers are coming for his stuff on tuesday. it is getting very real, very quick. he is packing his life for the next 3-5 years. moving his motorcycle and bike, everything.... his closet is sooo empty. i will be checking in on y'all but i have also joined the rota spain group. it seems like just yesterday he left for bootcamp. now two years later, he has finished the EOD journey and is about to be an active tech on his job. he is so excited, i am proud and sad at the same time. take care, keep the questions coming and i will keep you informed. audrey
Addy we talked to Ben yesterday and I told him that Tyler would be there the end of this month or the beginning of March. Ben's team is going to Africa next month. Is Tyler flying out of Norfolk? Does he know where he is going to live? And did they tell him how long until his stuff will show up there? I am hoping when Ben comes back that they do not lose anything. The Navy paid for our dil to move things there but a skid was lost on the way and they have not located it yet- almost a year later. Best of luck to Tyler. The guys in Spain are a great group. Karenlee
can anyone tell me how their life is when all the traiing is complete? im just curious..i know its very hard and they all dont make it but i would like to know....also, 43 more days till PIR!!! whoohooooo
Bonnie, after school and training there is just more training. They go to their unit and work on training as a group. Jumping out of planes and diving and blowing things up. My son's group within the unit is underwater diving. They have 2 groups in their unit that do that. He is getting ready to go somewhere in Africa for a joint training excerise. Think he will be gone 2-3 weeks. Once they get to their unit things are laid back, so to speak. Hope the next 43 days go by fast and that spring is in the air when you go. Karenlee
I just wanted to pop in and say "hello." It's strange, yet somehow comforting, to read all of these posts and feel like I could have written any one of them. My son is in the 810 division and will graduate March 28. I am counting the days! :o)
Welcome Capstar. My son is 810 graduating on March 28 also. Have you received your box and form letter yet? I'm hoping for a phone call today or tomorrow. My phone is glued to me now.
Thank you! Yes, I received my letter on February 6. The box on the 11th, although I almost missed it. FedEx left notices on my front door - which I never use - and it just so happened that it was snowing & and I stepped out my front door to look at the snow when I saw the notices. There were three and the one on the 10th was the final one. So I called them immediately - of course, you can imagine my heart was racing thinking I had missed it. They held it for me and I picked it up on the 11th. I know what you mean about the phone. I actually dropped mine in water and I am waiting on the replacement. I hope he gets my letter and knows to call his phone when he gets to call if I haven't received mine yet.
I was having a very bad day today.. I starting crying at the store when I saw beef jerky...(my son's favorite snack), then I got on this site....after browsing other group comments, I decided to check out the EOD group. I was somewhat apprehensive, not sure why? OPSEC scared me a little I guess. I'm feeling much calmer, (I'm sure the wine is helping with that too...:)) from reading your posts... Thank you for sharing your experiences, advice, encouragement, and support. It means so much to know there are many moms going through exactly what I am, and they are being there for each other. Thanks!!
Annabel, My son said three weeks but some things I've read here, moms have already started getting calls. Today is a holiday so they may have time today to make a call. Keep your phone handy! I'm an empty nester now too. The house is quiet and the grocery bill is so much less. It's odd but I suppose we get used to it.
DoxieMom, I check my phone all of the time to make sure I still have a signal. I take it to the bathroom with me.. When it rings I get so disappointed when it's not him. Nearly broke my neck one time, and it was someone trying to sell something..I can't even remember what ... I answer all unusual numbers now..
annabel i do the same thing...I freak out if i walk off and leave my p hone somewhere...hoping we get a call this weekend...are you ordereing the ribbons? they are so cute!! im glad you got your flights changed...where are you staying? im at navy lodge...
I just found out about the ribbons Bonnie, thanks! We're staying at Ramada. Booked it for another night Got all the arrangements made yesterday. :) Sarge is getting me back to the airport Sunday.
Hi EOD Moms - my Sailor graduated on 2/7/14. We received 2 calls and then the one on Tuesday before PIR. I think the 800 divisions are held at a higher standard than the others. It's tougher for sure. But these guys are STRONG and can do it. So the "no news is good news" is true. If something is wrong, someone will contact you. This is what I've learned so far on this Navy Mom journey. Hang in there! PIR is worth the wait & it could be worse Marines have 13 weeks of Boot Camp vs. Navy only 8 weeks. :)
Congrats, Annabel! I am waiting still. How are things there? I had to attend a business lunch and didn't have my phone out. When I got back to my office, there was a missed call from out of state. My heart sunk... Oh, I thought I had missed his call. And if you are like me, you are taking your phone EVERYWHERE with you, all the time. It was a telemarketer. For once in my life, I was happy to have a telemarketer call. :) Hope you all are doing well...
Thanks! He said it wasn't a normal call, they were asking the name of his dermatologist... After I answered his questions, he said he was hanging in there, but it was very difficult. He sounded like he had a cold..he said he gets an hour long phone call Saturday, he would talk to me then.. :)
I got a brief call Tuesday and mine needed his bank information but he couldn't really talk. I asked a couple of yes or no questions . On my cell phone it said Waukegan, IL
NJNavyMom
Sorry, didn't finish. I didn't find about this site until he graduated from EOD! I found about it when all the families went out to dinner the night of the graduation. I was in such bad shape, I needed a Xanax to get me through the graduation, I didn't want to be the only mother there crying uncontrollably!
I did feel better when I found out about this site. It has been a godsend for me!
I just needed to vent and to know I'm not alone. The most important thing to remember is as long as they are in training, they are well cared for and are safe! My son reports to his base next week for the first time. He is going down to find an apartment in the area. I dread his deployments, Xanax an EOD for Moms for me!!!
Feb 6, 2014
addy62
Hey brandonsmom, how are you doing? glad you found the website. I just wanted to talk to all the new moms. Today my son along with brandonsmom's son they graduated their LAST class, it is so exciting to know they made it. Two years ago, we were at your point he left for bootcamp on March 12. His PIR was in May and there have been so many ups and downs since then. He was almost dropped and it was so devastating when it was going on. He made it though. It is very hard, so be prepared for it. These guys become so close, they are family and today they are saying goodbye to each other as they are going to there assigned bases. He had 30 something people with him after PIR and he graduated with 7 so good luck to everyone. when you talk to them, let them know how tough it is. if they really want it, tell them not to give up but if they don't make it, it is ok. it is just very very tough. I am so proud of him and the man he has become. I hope your kids make it because even though it is hard for me and the other moms, you will be soooooo proud of them. I know it is a hard career for us to understand but they love it and he said it is the best thing he has ever done. so good luck, and i am here for any questions you might have.
audrey
Feb 6, 2014
NJNavyMom
Hi Addy! Congratulations!!! Where is your son going? Mine to VB.
Feb 6, 2014
addy62
tyler is leaving for Rota, Spain at the end of the month. he is very happy about his assignment
Feb 6, 2014
DoxieMom
Hi mommas!
My son left for MEPS on Sunday and I got "the box" today. Wow! That was fast. I wasn't expecting until next week. The ceremonial opening of the box was...well...ok. No trumpets went off or confetti popped out. On top was the jacket I gave him for Christmas and underneath was a pile of dirty clothes. I'm glad its here...truth be told, I'll probably wear his jacket, just to feel close to him. The rest of the clothes are going into the laundry...this weekend. I'll appreciate them more if they are clean and hanging on a hanger just the way that I saw him last before they swooped him out the door at the recruiters office.
Addy, what a wonderful contribution you made with your son's story. Thanks for sharing. Your encouragement is much appreciated.
Lupner, your box will be there soon! Take comfort in knowing that our sons are together.
D-hunter, when I dropped my son at the recruiters office on Sunday, they said that there were supposed to be three guys going, but one guy got delayed. That must have been the open spot that your son got. I'm sorry you didn't have much time to prepare for his departure. We feel your grief and loss.
Hang in there moms. Keep busy with your hobbies, that's what's keeping me sane.
Feb 6, 2014
lupner88
Doxie... got my box! Like yours, jacket on top and dirty clothes on the bottom. Found his cell phone in a pocket. No shoes... so strange, but he wore the oldest ones he had so he prob threw them away. I didn't cry like I thought... just wished he would pop out of the box also! Prob do my routine cry in his room on his pillow tonight! lol
Feb 6, 2014
D-hunter
Feb 6, 2014
DoxieMom
D-hunter, if your son is with my son, he is in good company. My son would help a stranded driver in a snow storm (in fact, he made me pull over one time in a snow storm to help a stranger!). He has the biggest heart and will have your son's back, no matter what. Don't be sad anymore. Be proud. Tell your husband that you got this! :)
Feb 6, 2014
DoxieMom
Lupner! Congrats on the box! In my box, his hat was missing. I remember that he wore a grey hat when he left and it wasn't in the box. Maybe he lost it, maybe he threw it out.
I didn't cry either. It's a milestone. Now we wait for the form letter. Are you writing yet? I've written two so far, starting the third one tonight. I'm missing him but I don't feel as sad anymore. Maybe because of the posts from the veteran moms on here. Thank you moms! Your words mean more than you'll ever know.
Feb 6, 2014
Robsproudmom
Feb 6, 2014
Robsproudmom
Feb 6, 2014
NJNavyMom
addy62, Hi! is he the only one going to Spain?
Feb 7, 2014
sonofabeach
Curious if anyone's son started dive school in Destin this week?
Feb 7, 2014
D-hunter
Feb 7, 2014
DoxieMom
D-Hunter, I missed "the call", no cell phone reception. He called his father :(
However, we all got a mass text.
Hang in there.
Feb 7, 2014
B mom of S
We will always be their 1st best gal, but not the last. ;-)... Another sign we've raised them well. Kudos Mom! I am sure my boys still remember me asking them if they "were raised by wolves?"
Feb 7, 2014
D-hunter
Barbara Proud Mom - I know I'm his best gal and the only one since his birth that is at every big event of his life til now !!! I told myself the young girlfriend probably needed the call more than I did :/
Bonnie- Codysmom- I think having a date will really help my focus on planning something and to look forward to something ....
Feb 7, 2014
lupner88
I am not sure how I would have handled the "girlfriend" getting MY call Dhunter. I love her to pieces, but that may have ended my affections for her.. lol When it comes to future women in my sons life I gave him this very wise advice.. There are ALOT of young women out there without families, you need to seek them out and find them so you can spend all holidays and special occasions with US and she gains a family... Look, its a WIN WIN... lol I am not selfish at ALL... just looking out for all those ladies without families of their own... lol
Feb 7, 2014
DoxieMom
Bonnie, I did the same thing. I put everything back in the box the exact same way that it came and set it on his bed. Today, I took them out to let the dogs sniff them. I put some of them in the wash and I'm wearing his north face jacket. Never realized how comfy these jackets really are, especially in this deep freeze.
Feb 7, 2014
D-hunter
Feb 7, 2014
DoxieMom
My son's recruiter said that she would have their division number after one week. I will giver her a call on Monday to see if she has it and let you know Carolina Mom.
D, the address on my box was written by my son, not that that information helps you out at all. I'm sure your son had his box sent to you. Hang in there.
Feb 8, 2014
NJNavyMom
Funny, that's exactly what I did!
Feb 8, 2014
DoxieMom
Yay D! He sent it to YOU!
Lupner & brandonsmom, I did that same thing. And I'm still wearing his jacket. :)
Carolina, I plant to call the recruiter on Monday to find out if my son is in the same ship/division.
Have a good weekend moms!
Feb 8, 2014
addy62
brandonsmom, zim is going with tyler to rota. i picked him up friday night and i have him for two whole weeks before he leaves for spain. he repacked all his equipment today and the movers are coming for his stuff on tuesday. it is getting very real, very quick. he is packing his life for the next 3-5 years. moving his motorcycle and bike, everything.... his closet is sooo empty. i will be checking in on y'all but i have also joined the rota spain group. it seems like just yesterday he left for bootcamp. now two years later, he has finished the EOD journey and is about to be an active tech on his job. he is so excited, i am proud and sad at the same time. take care, keep the questions coming and i will keep you informed. audrey
Feb 9, 2014
Karenlee
Feb 9, 2014
Bonnie-Codysmom
can anyone tell me how their life is when all the traiing is complete? im just curious..i know its very hard and they all dont make it but i would like to know....also, 43 more days till PIR!!! whoohooooo
Feb 13, 2014
Karenlee
Feb 13, 2014
Capstar
I just wanted to pop in and say "hello." It's strange, yet somehow comforting, to read all of these posts and feel like I could have written any one of them. My son is in the 810 division and will graduate March 28. I am counting the days! :o)
Feb 16, 2014
DoxieMom
Welcome Capstar. My son is 810 graduating on March 28 also. Have you received your box and form letter yet? I'm hoping for a phone call today or tomorrow. My phone is glued to me now.
Feb 16, 2014
Capstar
Thank you! Yes, I received my letter on February 6. The box on the 11th, although I almost missed it. FedEx left notices on my front door - which I never use - and it just so happened that it was snowing & and I stepped out my front door to look at the snow when I saw the notices. There were three and the one on the 10th was the final one. So I called them immediately - of course, you can imagine my heart was racing thinking I had missed it. They held it for me and I picked it up on the 11th. I know what you mean about the phone. I actually dropped mine in water and I am waiting on the replacement. I hope he gets my letter and knows to call his phone when he gets to call if I haven't received mine yet.
Feb 16, 2014
Annabel Lee
Feb 16, 2014
DoxieMom
Annabel, that has happened to all of us. The S'mores pop-tarts go me. OPSEC still scares me but we all get through it.
When did your son go in? PIR date?
There is a whole world of information and support here. They have been my savior on my bad days too.
Feb 17, 2014
Annabel Lee
Feb 17, 2014
DoxieMom
Annabel, My son said three weeks but some things I've read here, moms have already started getting calls. Today is a holiday so they may have time today to make a call. Keep your phone handy! I'm an empty nester now too. The house is quiet and the grocery bill is so much less. It's odd but I suppose we get used to it.
Navy Mom On! :)
Feb 17, 2014
Annabel Lee
Feb 17, 2014
Bonnie-Codysmom
annabel i do the same thing...I freak out if i walk off and leave my p hone somewhere...hoping we get a call this weekend...are you ordereing the ribbons? they are so cute!! im glad you got your flights changed...where are you staying? im at navy lodge...
Feb 17, 2014
Capstar
Booked my rooms at the Navy Lodge! Still waiting for a phone call. Has anyone received any calls from 810?
Feb 17, 2014
Annabel Lee
Feb 17, 2014
KJTsMomma
Hi EOD Moms - my Sailor graduated on 2/7/14. We received 2 calls and then the one on Tuesday before PIR. I think the 800 divisions are held at a higher standard than the others. It's tougher for sure. But these guys are STRONG and can do it. So the "no news is good news" is true. If something is wrong, someone will contact you. This is what I've learned so far on this Navy Mom journey. Hang in there! PIR is worth the wait & it could be worse Marines have 13 weeks of Boot Camp vs. Navy only 8 weeks. :)
Feb 18, 2014
DoxieMom
Hi moms! Has anyone received a call yet from their SR? I'm still waiting for one.
The ribbons look awesome Bonnie!
Capstar, I'm at the Navy Lodge too. No phone call yet.
Annabel, are you going to Sarge's Meet and Greet? I'll be there. :)
Can't wait til PIR!!!
Feb 18, 2014
Annabel Lee
Feb 19, 2014
Bonnie-Codysmom
cant wait to meet everyone...and weat my ribbon proudly....
Feb 20, 2014
Annabel Lee
Feb 20, 2014
Annabel Lee
Feb 20, 2014
Capstar
Congrats, Annabel! I am waiting still. How are things there? I had to attend a business lunch and didn't have my phone out. When I got back to my office, there was a missed call from out of state. My heart sunk... Oh, I thought I had missed his call. And if you are like me, you are taking your phone EVERYWHERE with you, all the time. It was a telemarketer. For once in my life, I was happy to have a telemarketer call. :) Hope you all are doing well...
Feb 20, 2014
D-hunter
Feb 20, 2014
Annabel Lee
Feb 20, 2014
Capstar
I'm glad he's hanging in there. Thank you for sharing. :o)
Feb 20, 2014
D-hunter
Feb 20, 2014
narob01
Annabel Lee, they all get colds. 80 kids in one barracks, in the winter. Mine got sick when he was there in November/December. It's bound to happen.
Feb 20, 2014