Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Good afternoon Ladies!  I've come to the conclusion I can only post comments during my lunch break at work!  Last night I tried to individually thank all the ladies who reach out to me.  I wrote 3 long comments and they never got posted. Ghost in the machine!

Thank you so much to Phoenixmom, Chipmonk, Partyofseven, Shanny, belovedbyhim, vintagegal, and I'm probably missing someone!  Your insights and support are so appreciated!  Big hugs to all.

I tell you Northwoodsmom, I think you are spot on!  My 1st born is a geek that has a close knit group of friends and is very happy to hermit himself when not working. I think that he will find his second family with the Navy, where his geek expertise will help the fleet and his quiet, humorous and loyal personality will gain him a closeness with his shipmates.  Looking forward to seeing the new man he will become!

My husband saw a great idea on the closed FB page for RTC parents (I don't do social media). This mom created a "Road to becoming a Sailor" photo book with pictures, copies of letters to and from her son etc.  I'm going to start compiling, only draw back is that I cry when I look at pictures! Ha!

Just keep repeating to myself, silence is good! No news is good news!

NewMilMom so Happy you were able to speak to your Son, fingers crossed something good comes out of him and travel. sorry to hear about your Daughter, wishing her  well.

BelovedbyHim -- Thank you for the timeline information, my phone goes everywhere with me and I can assure you I will sprint out of Christmas services so fast they'll put my in the Olympics!  LOL!  His voice will be the dearest gift this year!  I've been writing letters, have a Christmas card for him and his Birthday card all getting sent the minute I get that form letter.  Have you used Monday Delivery (Christian based delivery service started by a Marine)?  Or do you think that is just as bad as Sandboxx?  Just curious!  Blessings!

Phoenixmom- Sweet. Thanks. I love how good you can see the ship. 

Anti M- I love playing secret santa. Nothing wrong with shopping that's for sure.  :)

NewMilMom- whoo hoo glad you got to speak to your son. Yay for phone calls. It's so great when they get to call. Prayers that your daughter starts feeling better soon. Allergies kill me at times.

warriorprotector- You are very welcome. We were all there where you are at some point. :) 

What a great idea. That sounds really neat as you go thru the pictures.  

Shanny haven't heard from you today, Hoping you and Son having a Great time!

PhoenixMom:  thanks for checking on me!  We are good here!  He went for a "quality" haircut today at his usual place and to pick up burgers. Sat around and played with his dog. Just a very low key day. 

Wow! I have missed a whole lot going on here.  I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. 

My husband ended up in the ER on Thanksgiving because of kidney stones, but my SR called home!  He is in the last leg of his boot camp journey.  I haven't heard anything from him since Thanksgiving, but that's ok, I know his division is doing well from other moms on the FB page.  They are scheduled to graduate next week on the 17th!  Battle Stations will probably start Sunday or Tuesday from what I hear...

Shanny - I'm so glad your Sailor will be home for a visit!  That is super exciting! 

I will try and keep up with the chats better.  I have been swamped with work.  

To all the new moms joining, it is a difficult journey, but so rewarding.  Hang in there.  No news is seriously good news. You may get 1 or 2 phone calls during the entire course of boot camp unless they get rewarded for something specific.  Hopefully they are into writing letters, my son is not.  It was difficult at first to accept, but I understand he has so much going on.  I write him almost everyday.  I have heard that letters get through just fine, but for some reason, cards are not.  They get held up or lost.

Anyways, hope you all are doing well!  

Hey Shanny sure thing! was hoping you two got some Quality time together! I know when Bud is home for the first few days it's all about his friends and them taking him out, but then It's MOM Time!

Hey Shortcake, Hope The Hubby is Ok, OUCH KIdney stones no FUN! Hope your Son is well also.

Have a Good Evening Folks, see you all tomorrow!

Hi Pheonixmom,

Everyone is doing fine thank you!  We usually manage the kidney stones at home when he has a round, but he could not keep anything down and I was afraid of dehydration.

My son sounded so tired the last time we talked, but positive about his division.

I bet your Son is tired, up early and lights out at 10.  a long day! just 8-5 is long for me. Hope you have a Great Evening ShortCake.

Have a good evening Phoenixmom.

Be at peace ladies, good night.

"May peace their mission ever be. Protect each one we ask of thee. Bless those at home who wait and pray. For their return by night or day." Anonymous 

Thanks for the prayer warriorprotector, beautiful!

Shortcake, prayers for your hubby, I heard they are worst for men. I seen my sister several times having one and can't imagine them worse. Her body produces too much calcium and had glands in her thyroid removed but she still gets them.

C'smom praying for your son that they get him out of thru and to where he is heading. You have had quite the journey, a great role model for our newbies of course we never want anybody to live that nightmare. Prayers!

Northwoodsmom - thank you! What great information -- I know it was probably not your intent, but I would love to know more about your drive to the airport. I know you are right and this process is forming our kids into Sailors, but once he has completed this first stage, I sure would like a chance to see his face -- at least for a short time!

Northwoodsmom - thank you! What great information -- I know it was probably not your intent, but I would love to know more about your drive to the airport. I know you are right and this process is forming our kids into Sailors, but once he has completed this first stage, I sure would like a chance to see his face -- at least for a short time!

Northwoodsmom - thank you! What great information -- I know it was probably not your intent, but I would love to know more about your drive to the airport. I know you are right and this process is forming our kids into Sailors, but once he has completed this first stage, I sure would like a chance to see his face -- at least for a short time!

Northwoodsmom - thank you! What great information -- I know it was probably not your intent, but I would love to know more about your drive to the airport. I know you are right and this process is forming our kids into Sailors, but once he has completed this first stage, I sure would like a chance to see his face -- at least for a short time!

Northwoodsmom - thank you! What great information -- I know it was probably not your intent, but I would love to know more about your drive to the airport. I know you are right and this process is forming our kids into Sailors, but once he has completed this first stage, I sure would like a chance to see his face -- at least for a short time!

Leslie, my son's PIR was the first ceremony canceled for families to come. They were still being shipped as usual to their next station most flew out, mine flew the next morning out of O'Hare. It was so awesome watching them all get off the buses and head in through the big class doors with the military music playing in the background.  Now the sometime take buses so I don't know how you will know how they will be traveling. If your close though I would go for it. It gave me so much peace of mind it was well worth it. I live just 5 hours drive from Chicago. My son called and told us his flight info. It was pretty simple and at 1:30 in the morning there was no traffic. I will never regret going. Mom's need that reassurance and that hug.

NewMilmom I wonder if we are 'neighbors' because we are having horrible Santa Ana winds here....are these a thing outside of So Cal?  

I was able to talk to my son today, he called me from the plane as soon as they landed in Chicago. I was getting teary and I was at work so I let him go sooner than I would have liked but then texted him everything I wanted to tell him but couldn't without breaking down....and I was working at the microscope which is really difficult to do with blurry teary vision, UHG! I guess I'll hear his voice again some time tonight when he gets his official arrival phone call. I'm used to going several days without seeing him. He worked at the Fire Dept and they would do 96-108 hour shifts but I could text/call and knew where to find him if I needed him. I'd always be happily surprised if I drove around the corner and saw his car.....and that reflex is still there, I see his car and think, "Oh good he's home." but nope, he's not. Last night I opened the freezer and there were the Reeces he put in there from Halloween that he never ate and leaky eyes

Oh man! Just got the arrival phone call and it was so fast and I was trying not to cry because I didn't want him to feel badly but not knowing when I will hear his voice again was too much! I told him I love him and he said, "I love you, bye." I don't know if he was even supposed to say that and now I'm hoping he doesn't get in trouble for that. 

Mom2Blondies ~ Wrapping you up in a virtual hug! Here begins your Boot Camp journey and we'll be here with you every step of the way! 

Shortcake ~ I was wondering how you were. So sorry to hear that your husband had kidney stones. Prayers to him and your family. How far away is you SRs PIR? 

Northwoodsmom ~ What a blessing that you were able to see your Sailor that morning. Sounds like you had quite the beautiful adventure! Have a good night! 

Leslie, Warriorprotector, and all of our beautiful mamas ~ have a good night <3 

That arrival phone call was pretty awful....so fast and just rattling it off and I was just trying to tell him I love him and lost it knowing that dry, fast reading was the last time I'll hear his voice for who knows how long. I am so upset with myself because that is not the last thing I wanted him to hear from me is me crying. I feel like it just left him feeling terrible instead of loved. And I really hope he doesn't get in trouble for going off script and saying "I love you" back because that would be my fault. 

mom2blondies - think the Santa Ana's are just So.CA...I had not heard of them or had them until we moved here.

Just relish the fact that your SR arrived safely & I know he felt your love in that call too.  And I am sure he will be fine.  I didn't get the scripted call as at work & he called dh at home.  Now is the time to practice telling yourself, "no new is good  news"... the Mom's on here taught me that when I started out & I tell it to myself daily several times.  Doesn't make the empty ache less  but, it does remind me that me is OK & safe where he is.

Our sailor division never earned a phone call home so when others were getting 1 we never did. My son in his letters was most upset as many in his division couldn't/wouldn't get their acts together.  It was heartbreaking to read those letters knowing he was trying so hard & others were not doing the same & it bringing the whole division down but, he survived & they managed to get to PIR (& from what I gathered that was even in doubt for a bit).  

We are all here to support each other & that is what this wonderful group does the best!  I personally would not have made it thus far except for the understanding & support of these amazing Navy Mom's.  Feel free to cry, vent, seek answers & advice as many have come before us & are always happy to help & give understanding & support.  

Hugs and prayers for you & your SR as you begin the ROM & Boot Camp journey.  And prayers your SR doesn't get caught in the Co-Vid ROM loop as many have.  

Write and once you have his address you can send off your letters.  Mine were just normal day to day tidbits plus inspirational thoughts/quotes & lots and lots of supportive messages.  Keep it always upbeat, positive & supportive no matter if you feel like you are falling apart don't let them know that... They need to concentrate on their tasks at hand & not worry about us on the home front.  Many of my letters were just a mix of quotes &affirmative messages with a picture taken of one of the pets, local places we hike and what not...I just printed on xerox paper and put in the envelope to mail.  I was always conscious of Not making the envelope be a flag so kept it to the standard letter size white business envelope with the address typed and 2 pieces of paper.

Just make sure you never send anything that would make the RDC notice (ie...stickers, drawings, or such) on the outside of  the envelope.  NO glitter/sparkles or color envelopes.. NO cards that make music/sounds or such either.

I was advised to keep it simple & plain... his birthday I just sent a simple birthday card in a plain white card envelope so it didn't look like a birthday card just a general card. 

So many things I know to remember but, if in doubt Ask... the wonderful admins. and other moms will be glad to help you.

Take care and now I must drop into bed...4am arrives early & I am running on less than 5 hours sleep already. 

mom2blondies- Hey,  I know it is. And it was ok that he said I love you back. Cry and let it out and know that you will hear from him again in a few weeks pending no getting caught in the Co-Vid Rom loop. 

Keeping busy is key and start writing now that will help you as well. When you get that form letter you can mail those letters right away.

I am sending you big hugs and we are here with you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to ask any questions, someone will answer.

try to get some rest and tomorrow is a new day.

NewMilmom- That was beautiful what you wrote to mom2blondies. Thank you for posting and sharing that with her. I'm sure it will help her to feel better.

Good Night.   :)

VintageGal- Hey, Hope your day was good. Mine was busy but good.

Shortcake- Hey, it was good to see you post on here. How are you and your SR? His PIR is getting close right? Prayers for hubby to recover quickly.

Good Night Ladies.

mom2blondies, don't worry about crying when talking to your son. I didn't find this site till way into Boot Camp and when my son left I bawled like a baby. Infact Everytime but the I'm a Sailor call I cried. I did get to ask him if that bothered him and he said ( heck no, if you wouldn't of cried then I would of been worried). Our children know us as well as we know them, if your a crier and very sensitive they have excepted that's who you are. I wear my heart on my sleeve, anything sentimental will cause the tears to flow. What could be more sentimental than the Love between a mother and her child. I say kudos to you for keeping it real, he will survive,  just keep writing and telling him how proud you are of him and how many wonderful new friends you have made because of this journey he is on. That will bring a smile to his face. Prayers!

Good Morning ladies and welcome to all of our new moms,

We are glad you are here. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions as someone will answer you.

Keep your phones with you at all times and those ringers on loud as you never know if you will get a call today or not.

Good morning ladies!

Vintage - I could have been clearer when telling the story but I do not like to differentiate which kids I birthed. I mother them all. You are right - this site is different to talk to than just our husbands/family. My dh would just say “they’re fine” “don’t worry” etc...I’d cry when I talked to them, I’d cry when I couldn’t, lol.

Phoenix - thanks for the heads up on the webcam info. The soup is yummy! Last night we had another one of my meals that I just melt over - barbacoa beef tacos (in the instapot), not sure if it is the old bay seasoning or the chipotle in adobo sauce - or the combo of both but Oh My Goodness!

Proud - SLEP is “Service Life Extension Program” - where they do any repairs/upgrades to the ship. Right now the Lincoln is covered in white sheets on the upper half.

NewMilMom - praying no more fires! Awww, I feel ya on the random I love yous from our less cuddly sailors.

Warrior - Monday Delivery is just as OPSEC as Sandboxx. So just keep it general and only while at RTC.

Shortcake - yay almost a sailor! Hope your hubby recovered from his kidney stones - the closest a man can get to giving birth I hear..

Shanny - low key days are great - just having them near is awesome!

Mom2blondes - it was ok he said I love you :) I had 4 go in this year and they all said it. I barely listened to 2-4 as I just kept saying I love them over and over, lol. I did not always keep my letters upbeat and positive - my kids know me as a realist with a tender heart..but always full of encouragement and love...

Hi to everyone else and welcome to all the newbies!

Off to do my thing, lol

MNNavyMom - Glad to hear you received your scripted call. - Just FYI - I don't think they have changed the scripted call much and if I am recollecting from some of the moms who have been through BC recently, those calls that use to come in at about 3-4 weeks may or may not happen. It just depends. It will be a good 4-5 weeks before you may receive the Form Letter with your SRs (seaman recruit's) mailing address.  So write every day - I wrote emails to my son - that way I saw his smiling face, and I just email my kids a lot. Then when I had an address, I printed out my emails, front and back, and put all of those messages in an envelope to mail. With the way things are currently, we suggest you make copies of your letters, number them, but also send in multiple envelopes so that if one letter gets lost, he is likely to receive the others. 

Everyone have a great day!! Started out busy and I must get back to it but I wanted to say Good Morning and welcome to our new members!!

Good Day Ladies!  Just embracing the Great Silence! I'll plant my 3rd week done flag tonight when I get home in my Flag Garden. 

mom2blondies:  I agree with all the other ladies, your son knows you and knows how much you love him. He understands the tears are out of deep love for him. During my son's call I was crying and saying "I love you" over and over. You are not alone!  Navy Mom HUGS! 

Warriorprotector - please check your inbox on your My Page, I sent you a PM (private message.) 

Hey, ladies!  I just got caught up from a couple days ago.  Too much to comment on, but welcome to all the newbies. 

Not much to update on my sailor.  I just counted!  It's been 99 days today since he left home to go to MEPS to ship out the next day.  And tomorrow will be 4 weeks of him sitting in THU.  He still doesn't know anything.  I asked him  how he's doing mentally and if he's making friends.  He said he's bored and tired of waiting . . . But doing good.  He said some of the guys there with him are from his original division.  That's good!  And it was also a reminder that others are going through the same thing or worse.  I'm just trusting God and trying to keep things in a proper perspective!  

Warriorprotector - I love the flag idea. I didn't do anything like that with my SR but I think it is neat. 

C'sMom - It does help to be reminded that they aren't the only one going through this but - goodness - this has to be getting old for a lot of these new sailors!!

Thank you ladies! I feel like those who have never experienced this would think I'm being dramatic about the whole thing (including some of my family members). My husband hates seeming me upset so I'm trying to stay strong for him too. I know he is missing him like crazy as he lost his jiu jitsu partner, haha. Who will beat him up now?? I'm not a huge crier unless it has to do with my kids and tend to just push through it. This feels bigger though and pushing through is proving harder than most other things. 

I got myself totally freaked out last night after he said, "I love you." because after watching the boot camp documentary I just envisioned him being screamed at, "Does it say I love you on that card you are reading!!!????" Not that he would care, he knows he is going to get screamed at and he can take it but the momma bear in me is fierce and knowing I can't protect him (even though I know he doesn't need it) made me feel very helpless. 

I've been busy cleaning his room today and doing better than I thought. He left me a bunch of dirty laundry, haha! I felt like I was at the beach there was so much sand in his room (he surfs and snorkels and his Navy work out group trains at the beach a couple days a week). Being in his room actually makes things feel a little 'normal' for the moment. I told him I wouldn't change his room at all so it was still 'his room' when he got back. I honestly have no idea when he might sleep in his bed again though. From what he has told me it could potentially be 2 years before he steps foot in this house again.

MNNavyMom- Hey, That is great. Now you need to start writing and keeping yourself busy as you are waiting on the next call and or letter. It does help. Big hugs to you!!!

warriorprotector- Hey, I love the flag idea. Other moms did it with the American Flags they would put one out for each Friday that passed while theirs was in boot camp. Pretty neat!! 

You did great not crying while talking to him and it's definitely ok to cry afterwards.

C'sMom- That is so long for him. I am glad thou that he is doing well and handling everything. Ugh Those poor Sailors you know they are so ready to get out of there. Big hugs to you!!! Tell him we are all pulling for him!!!

mom2blondies- Love it and no worries a lot of moms have kept their Sailor's room until they decided what they wanted to do. And remember no news is good news and it could change and you could see him sooner rather than later. Big hugs to you!!!

Good Evening Ladies!

Just wanted to share that I heard from my son a little while ago.  He finished ROM and is now on processing day 5 (I hope I am saying that correctly).   He gave me his division number and told me that he sent the form letter a couple of days ago.   Im guessing I will need that to have his full mailing address.  He sounded fine throughout our conversation its when he had to end the call I could tell he was getting choked up.  My husband happened to get home from work early so we both got to speak with him.  I asked him if he needed anything and all he said was "stamps".  I did let him know about this wonderful group of moms.  

DoriBry, so it was about 3 weeks since the 'arrival' phone call? I really hope I can get one of those in 3 weeks!! I bought my son a book of stamps but he didn't take them because they weren't on the 'approved items' list he was given of things he could take. 

Warriorprotector ~ Oh I’m so happy for you that you got an out of the blue call! How wonderful for you! What a wonderful thing to hear from you that you’re praying for him and that you’re rooting for him. That’ll go along way while he’s going through the process. We’re praying and rooting for you as well! The flag idea is awesome!! BNMH!! 

Mom2blondies ~ Hello! It really is different having this group as a second family during this time. We can really relate to each other and have felt the same feelings. It’s been really awesome having so many new mamas join at the same time that are on the same path. It’s something special when you can bond and comfort each other. 

Isn’t it so nice to be able to do some thing in their room? :) Even if it’s to clean, wash, and put away their clothes? And if the tears start flowing just let them. I loved what Belovedbyhim said about keeping the ocean filled with the tears of navy moms :) it’s true!! And sometimes we may feel dramatic when we’re typing it but honestly we’re all thinking and feeling the same things. So it’s totally fine! 

MNNAVYMom ~ welcome! We are all here for you. When I read your post this morning it had me in tears. Reminded me of the day that I dropped my son off at the recruiters office to say goodbye. Oh you never want that last hug for awhile to end. This is the best place to be on this journey! It has been an amazing support system for all of us with sons and daughters in Boot Camp. Feel free to ask as many questions as you want and share with us whenever you want to celebrate or you need a good cry and want to share what’s on your mind. Big navy mom hugs to you! <3

Csmom ~ Hello! Goodness gracious I think we need to get the Navy mom posse together and send it up to a great lakes! It’s time! WTH! 

New mamas ~ Back when a whole handful of us had our sailors in Boot Camp there were little things like letters never arriving or the post office losing mail or just about anything that needed attention we formed the “ Navy mom posse” that when we put our heads together and either prayed or screamed to hills somehow we got things done. Silly but sometimes you need silly on this roller coaster. :) sorry for the giant run-on sentence

Hello!! Chipmunk, Partyofseven Phoenixmom, Shanny Northwoodsmom, Belovedbyhim, LadyBlueFire and all of our dear moms ~ I hope you all had a wonderful day. It was busy!

DoriBry, if you go up on this page under the members pictures you will see information about ( ship and division how it works) you can find the address if you know the ship and division. Keep scrolling toward the bottom, they have the addresses there. Otherwise you can wait for the form letter. You can share the division, you might find someone in the same and share more information. Good luck.

DoriBri:  This will help!  Just follow the info here based on ship number!!!  You can send your mail now!

if you have any questions let someone know and we can help as long as you have division and ship number

They will be able to purchase stamps at the NEX the same time they take them for phone cards. But you can always put them in with your letters. When my son said he was long on envelopes, I bought a box of the shorter envelopes, put stamps on them, and added them into my standard sized envelopes with my letters. I would do like a one page letter front and back and add 2 envelopes. He was writing others as well as me. I told him if someone else needed one, to go ahead and share. 

mom2blondies:  i did the complete room clean up the day after my sailor left. Washed his clothes (well everything g his gf didn't steal that is...  oh the stories on that one) and stripped his bed to wash sheets and blankets....  deep cleaned everything... even his black out curtains. Made me feel better. 

mom2blondies-  My son texted me when he landed in Chicago 11/10 and then my husband said he got a call a few hours later and all our son said was "I guess I am starting bootcamp" so it was not anything scripted. But then again my husband said there was a lot of noise.  My next phone call was on 11/21 when he called to let me know he was put in isolation due to not feeling well and pending covid test results.  So up to this point I had no idea what the outcome was and how many additional days he had to do in ROM which now looks like an additional week. 

That's a great idea Shanny about the envelopes with stamps! I don't know that he will be a big writer....he told me not to expect any letters as he will be "busy", haha. But that won't stop me from writing to him and maybe some stamped envelopes will give him a hint that I want to hear something, anything from him. I would be happy with a stupid little doodle drawing even! I was so clueless when he first joined DEP that I was telling him to make sure he texted me once a week to let me know he was alive. 

He only gave me his division number, which is 086, but have no idea what the ship number is. Darn!  But thank you for the information on the mailing address.  Great idea Shanny about the envelopes.  Will definitely do that. He did tell me he was able to purchase a phone card.  

Leslie ~ It’s true sometimes we just need a good cry. Another mom on here had mentioned to write to your sailor and to get all your emotions out on paper and then burning it LOL Or you can tell us! BNMH to you <3