Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

mytidbitz- Hey,

Ah so you work in the school system to? That is awesome. I bet those girls keep you on your toes!!  Lol

High school is fun to but it is crazy busy as well!!   :)

Hi Everyone
we got our form letter today ! I know it’s just a form letter but it’s her handwriting on the envelope and the form !  

I had checked my usps informed delivery app this morning and it said I had 0 letters today - it lied! My husband FaceTimed me at work to give me the news. He was crying and hadn’t even opened the envelope yet .

If we’re this excited over a form letter imagine when we get her real letter. 

So I left work just a little early today so that I can get home, grab the letters and cards we had been writing and headed to the post office to send them as well as the completed form letter. Oh and her address is the same as the recruiter had given us so my two test letters should be arriving today or tomorrow Yea!

One question when sending letters - I read you can use any carrier but usps is preferred . Do you know if we can send priority mail letters so they get there faster instead of taking a week to get there ? I ask because for priority mail it goes in a slightly larger envelope and I wasn't sure if that was allowed.

oh and one more thing on the form letter it says if your recruit is leaving Great Lakes for A school then their liberty will just be that day But I’m hoping that won’t be the case since her PIR is the day before thanksgiving .

Lastly I just want to say how grateful I am for all of you here. After my immediate family you ladies were the next group I thought “oh I have to tell them I got my form letter today.” You helped me through the great silence and and are also here to share the good news with too and that’s very special to me.

Thank you!

P.S. Partyofseven - yes they sure keep me on my toes.  It's a private Catholic school, all girls, 500 of them!  Keeps me busy enough which came in handy these last two weeks.

To send letters just send regular mail it will be a waste of money doing anything other. and please know someone has to be trained to sort mail and all so dont be disappointed if they havent received the letter. here is the site that will explain more.

• Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit

mytidbitz -- Congratulations on the form letter.  Thanksgiving as I told you before is a total crap shoot.  You may only get Wednesday with her shipping out on Thursday, Or Wed & Th or W, TH, F or??? You will not know till your sailor tells you and that won't happen till closer to PIR (Like that week or even that day!)  SEMPER GUMBY!! Get ready to stretch because you'll NEED it!!!

Mytidbitz, I remember that first bit of communication from my son. I wasn't home either, kudos to your honey waiting for you to get home to open it. What a great man. I was out of town so mine opened it, I was so excited when I got home and held that form letter. Spent the entire night staring at his writing. We get your excitement, wait till that first phone call, your head will be in the clouds for a week. So happy for you!

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to our group. No question is ever dumb and someone will answer you!!

'Please come and post when you are ready as we love to celebrate, cry, vent with you. 

We've had some more I'm a Sailor calls come thru, so keep those phones on you at all times and that ringer on loud. You don't want to miss any calls.

mytidbitz- Whoo Hoo that's awesome!!! Now you can mail those letters off right away!!! 

It might get there faster to GL but it won't get any faster to your loved one. They still have to train someone to do the mail and that takes a couple of days. 

Also, remember no news is good news and BBH gave you good advice. Be flexible and your loved one will be the best bet on how long she'll be able to stay. With PIR being before Turkey day it's a whole new ball game.   :) If anything they might have them leave Friday or Saturday but we don't really know since this will be our first holiday that they've are having PIR with the families included since COVID.

You will have to share and let us know what happens when you get there. 

I remember when I got my form letter I was crying and yelling and was so happy!!!  Lol Now your first phone call should be coming soon after and wait until you get your loved one's first real letter!!!

Big hugs to you!!!

Ah I also went to catholic school all the way up unitl 9th grade. I loved it!!

Prays for everyone to recieve calls and letters today!!

mytidbitz - WooHOO!!! I saw your message yesterday but was not able to post a reply!! I am so happy for you!! The other ladies were able to answer your question about mailing your letters and the holiday PIR, which is great. I agree that you will have to stretch ---- be prepared to bend a lot and stay as flexible as possile. 

Good morning everyone we have a Sailor on Board Hooyah!!!and thank God I could trust and believe. I thank God for all of you and the support and information. My son just called this morning and I got here yesterday morning. 

Here are the links to the October and November PIR groups.  Be sure to join your group:  

 PIR NOVEMBER 2021

 PIR OCTOBER 2021

LilDsmom HOOYAH! Bravo Zulu! Congratulations to you and your Family! What an exciting feeling for sure!

I'm still waiting to see when my Bud will be able to come for the Holidays. well I began my christmas shopping hoping to have it done really soon and no shopping at the stores thanks to Amazon!!!!

Good Morning folks, Have a great day!

LilDsmom - WooHOO!! Congratulations!!

LiLDsmom-

Whoo Hoo that is so awesome!!! Congratulations to you and your loved one!!!

Enjoy the time there and give your loved one a big hug from all of us!!!

Bravo Hooyah!!!

Phoenixmom- Good Morning. I will be thinking of you as you go back to have your tests done.

I have also started on my shopping since there is so much back up from the ship yards. As long as I'm able to get some gifts for my family I will be thankful. I have never started shopping this early so it's definitely a switch for me!! lol

Have a wonderful day!! 

LilDsmom, I am so very happy for you, congratulations. You can breathe now and grin from ear to ear.  Safe travels to Chicago and give that brand new Sailor a hug from all of us. God Bless

LilDsmom -- WHOOP! WHOOP! WHOOP!!! ATTENTION ON DECK!!  SAILOR IN THE HOUSE!!!
Congratulations to you and your Sailor!! Enjoy every second of your time together!!

Hi Party everything should be fine have to do another mammogram and another visit to oncologist. Being very hopeful as things are starting to look up.

Awww Christmas, I Put in my first order Have one more order to put in and I'm done. this Amazon thing I'm liking it!!!! no pushing or shoving in the stores or the Long lines either!!!!! Yes love it. I am usually done by now but I was slacking this year!!! Glad to know you started as well.

This thing with the oil spill and all the barges is a nightmare! and oil tanker had no where to move with the ocean being so crowded. poor fishes and all in the ocean what a mess, Beaches are closed No Bueno!!!!!

Hi, everyone!  I am so happy for those of you who got the call that you have a SAILOR!  I have cried happy tears for you!  Congrats to all!!!  <3

I am grateful for this group because it's really helpful to know that other moms are going through the same thing.  Honestly, I thought I might be weird because I miss my son so much, but it's nice to know that y'all miss your babies, too!  :-)

I've been doing a lot of crying lately.  (Yesterday - day 9 - has been the hardest day so far.)  Part of it is because I don't know if my son had to quarantine (he took his vaccination card with him, but was it verified?), part of it is I don't know if he was assigned to a division (or is he having to wait for it to form?), part of it is because I didn't send him with a phone card (I saw it on the list, but I thought those didn't exist anymore), and part of it is because of things going on at home (my dad is in hospice care, and my mother-in-law begins hospice care tomorrow).  I'm basically a puddle of emotions.

Thank you to all of you for posting.  If it's good news, I cry because I'm happy for you.  If it's bad news, I cry because I hurt for you.  But I'm glad to have something NEW to cry about.  LOL  

LilDsmom - Congratulations!  Hooyah!  I'm so happy for you and your new Sailor!  

MomofJoseph - Your post made me shed happy tears.  I'm like you, I cry when I'm happy, touched by a generous action, and of course when I'm sad.  But like you, this group has helped make the last 13 days a little better while I miss my baby, although she's 24.  It really helps when other's can totally understand and empathize with what I'm going through.

Also Christmas shopping!  Oh my, I'm the one who's always out the week of Christmas buying last minute gifts.  This is why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it's all about spending time with family and eating!  And if God answers my prayers, it will be extra favorite this year if we get to spend it with our Sailor.

To everyone else, thank you for the nice notes regarding us receiving the form letter yesterday.  

MomofJoseph dont worry about the phone card it is better that they buy them, knowing the situations with the phone banks and all. here is a site to read on how they get paid and when they go to NEX to buy hygiene and all. dont worry your pretty head to much added stress is not good believe me I went thru the mourning part of missing my son it was ugly!!

• When Will the Recruits be Paid? and Information for Spouses

Thanksgiving Is My favorite time!!! although last year my Kids were very sad because dad Passed but I Know it will never be the same I Just hope we can move past and make even happier memories with who we have left. I'm hoping my Bud can be home for that, he Loves thanksgiving we already making our menu which actually stays the same but we let everyone try at a recipe and then we say whoever made it better has to make that dish its a good learning process to learn to cook, so they get a recipe they think we all would like. so far I'm the better cook of course but My girls need to learn so they have at it. so fun!!!!! football game is on all day My Daughter makes a mean (Best) Sangria ever. There is usually around 20 to 25 of us who are always together. those that dont cook bring paper goods, drinks, and PIES. I Cannot wait.

as far as Christmas I Have one more order to put in and I am DONE! No hassling at the stores all on Amazon! first year for this though, I May make it a Tradition.

MomofJoseph, you are not alone. I was quite the basket case myself. If it wasn't for Chipmunk, belovedbyHim, Phoenixmom and Partyofseven I would of definitely lost it. In the blog section I came across belovedbyHim's story about when her son left. I really thought I was going crazy until I read it. I thought to myself " hey I am really not any nuttier than this lady".  The  aching in our hearts are all the same, the drama might be a little more intense for many of us. I would cry over the littlest things, my family or friends couldn't stand to be around me, I became the Debbie downer. My hubby the weekend after my son left wanted to surprise me and tore apart my son's room, not a smart move on his part. I was so hurt and angry at what he did, thank the Lord I was crying so hard I couldn't do much else. My husband has left his room alone since then and it almost 2 years since he left. That is why everyone compares it to a rollercoaster, your emotions are all over the place. One second your filled with pride on top of the world and the next your in a heap, tears streaming from your eyes, a ugly cry.  Good news though, God gave you a whole bunch of compassionate, encouraging, loving and knowledgeable Ladies here and they are not about to loose you to Boot Camp. Prayers for better days ahead. Oh yah, on the phone card they will get money and purchase them at the NEX, mine did and he called home.

MomofJoseph -- {{{{{HUGS}}}}} "I will not say 'Do not Weep', for not all tears are an evil." - Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings)
What you are feeling is 100% NORMAL!!! You have the added stress of 2 beloved family members in hospice, please treat yourself with extra kindness!! I was a teary hot mess from about a week before my sailor left till about a month after!  My husband found this site for me the night we were at dinner with our sailor after he checked in at MEPS.  I stayed up all night devouring everything I could find.  I learned we could go to MEPS for the swearing in the next morning and how to get in at the airport to wait with him that day.  I wouldn't have known to do either if not for this site!  I was still a hot mess though!  I cried as if someone had died! In a way someone had.  My husband and family didn't get it.  They told me I was making my other kids feel bad and I needed to stop.  I tried but I couldn't.  Finally one day I went in my son's room I put his picture on his bed and I LET HIM HAVE IT!!! I yelled and screamed and ranted and raved! I Beat my fists on his pillow and screamed till I was hoarse! I Sobbed and cried and let it all out!!  What I Didn't do was make sure no one else was home!! I looked up to see my husband standing by the door, my pup was hiding downstairs and my youngest had come home and left quickly to go hang at a friends house till the coast was clear!  My Husband asked if he needed to take me to see a professional.  He was truly concerned that I was having a mental breakdown.  I Love him to this day for that.  I however was doing much better!  I had said all the ugly hurtful and hateful things that I was feeling. I had expended all my pain and anger and I was able to laugh for the first time in weeks!! It was HUGE!!  So I will tell others this cathartic release is Good.  You may need to "Put your SR in a chair" and talk to them. Or for others they may need to Write all the feelings out in a letter!! (DO NOT SEND THAT LETTER!!! Burn it once you get the "I'm a Sailor Call" In Celebration!) Some just need to sit in the shower and have a good cry and they are fine.  Do what you need to, to feel your feelings and express them!  (Just be sure to warn your family or Make 100% sure you are alone if you choose my method!  We don' need to traumatize our love ones or pets!)

As for the calling card-- He will get one from the NEX, honestly it's easier than trying to find one elsewhere! The Vax card and waiting for enough SR's to arrive... No way to know till it's happened.  That's part of our Navy Mom Training!  We too must learn to Hurry up and Wait and No News is GOOD News and there will be many times when we just do not and cannot know what is happening with our sailor and he have to be able to release that worry and anxiety or it WILL Kill us!  You are good.  Breathe...... Release...... Deep breath in...... and Out...... Breathe......... and out..... And again........ and release........ Repeat as needed!!!

Northwoodsmom -- Gee... Thanks.... JK. I am sitting here laughing so hard tears are running down my leg at your comment! "I really thought I was going crazy until I read it. I thought to myself " hey I am really not any nuttier than this lady".  "
I'm glad I could help!!

I Have to admit that was a good one Beloved!! Mrs. NorthWoodsMom nailed it and you caught it! LOL!

MomofJoseph - This is your training ground for the future, so go with the flow! Tears and all!! My son left for BC on his father's birthday! Earlier that year, I had buried my mother (planned most of her memorial service from a distance) about 18 months after my father had passed, had another family death that I also became responsible for the estate, and helped with my eldest daughter's wedding which occurred on the 2nd year anniversary of my father's funeral. Graduated my sailor from high school. Then while he was in BC, we prepared for an outdoor garden wedding for our 2nd daughter which was the week before my son's PIR. Needless to say, I didn't have time to do much crying but I stayed busy and still thought about my son daily. I did not find this site until just before PIR, so I only knew what my son's recruiter had told me and scoured the BC website which was being revised. 

YOU will get through this and you will be stronger and you will be able to share your story with others and encourage them. Until then, give yourself grace and as BBH and Northwoodsmom have shared, be kind to yourself. Others may not understand you, but we get the emotional roller coaster. 

belovedbyHim, that story actually saved me. I truly still love hearing it. I don't think any of really know how much honesty can move mountains in other's lives. 

Oh man, you ladies are THE BEST!  I am crying, laughing and snotting all over.  Snotting is a word right? This is the one place I don’t feel nuts right about now.  Keep the stories coming, the good and the hard and everything in between.  Chatting helps and the support on this site is second to none!  

Jrdsmama - Yes - snotting is a word - even if you made it up!!

We do our best to help you through the highs and lows and in-between times!

 Jrdsmama if you stick with us you will be as good as the rest of the Navy Moms answering eveyone else's questions. it takes time but you will soon be an expert. I tell you if only our Sons/Daughters only knew what we go through when they are gone, and if only they knew how much we know they are missing us the same and crying.......LOL! i ALWAYS TELL MY KIDS NEVER SAY NEVER, IT MAY BITE YOU IN THE BEHIND ONE DAY!

Yes, Phoenixmom we should write a book and call it Secret confessions of Mom's of Sailors.

I'm with you on that Ladies!!!

Oh my - snotting! I love it. Our sailor asked me once what us Navy moms talk about on here. I think I'll tell him working on our vocabulary. 

Y'all are the BEST!  Thank you so much!  I'm doing much better today and I am grateful for the encouragement and the laughs!  

MomofJoseph -- One day at a time.  Every day will get better, just take it one day at a time.

AgnesB - That is funny!! Ours is not as salty as theirs can be I am sure but we can be creative!! Tell your sailor that probably the # 1 thing we talk about on this site is how we don't here from our sailors as much as we would like! So to make sure that Momma is happy to always remember to keep you in the loop as much as possible, even if just a thumbs up and an occasional, "I love you!"  #2) How much we miss them. #3) How proud we are of them. #4) Wondering what they are doing. #5) Just chatting to remind ourselves that we still have real lives and others to take care of and stick around for besides just our sailors! - Maybe not in that order but close - And not to be forgotten, Prayers, for any of those times when we don't hear from them or we hear something going on that we have no news on yet. 

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to our group. We are glad that you are here.

Jrdsmamma- Yes snotting is a word. Lol Take it one day at a time. I also tell our new moms that crying is ok and boot camp is for us as much as for them. While they are getting stronger so are we!!

Big hugs to you!!

momofJoseph- Good Morning and sorry I wasn't able to post earlier. It is ok to cry when ever you want. I am so sorry to hear about your father and mil. I will be praying for you as you take care of your family.

The silence is hard the first couple of weeks. Writing is a good way to help with everything. Write to your loved one every day so when you get that form letter you can mail those letters off right away. I know I had those same thoughts we all do when they first go in. The unknowing is hard I won't lie but you will get thru it.

Try counting by Friday's instead of days that helps to. Another mom put out flags for all the Friday's her loved one was gone. So every Friday she would take down a flag. It's actually a pretty neat idea. 

Big Hugs to you!!!

mytidbitz- Hey and you are very welcome. I also used to do my shopping on Christmas Eve some years. Lol I remember those years. Lol

 ON FRIDAY'S WE WEAR RED TO REMEMBER EVERYONE DEPLOYED. BRING THEM ALL HOME SAFE AND SOUND.

IN JESUS'S NAME WE PRAY.

AMEN!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR BRAND NEW SAILORS ON A JOB WELL DONE.

MAY GOD PROTECT THEM TODAY AND EVERY DAY AS THEY BEGIN THEIR NEW JOURNEY!!!

Here are the links to the October and November PIR groups.  Be sure to join your group:  

 PIR NOVEMBER 2021

 PIR OCTOBER 2021

RTC still only has one PIR for December listed:

December 3, 2021 TG-01 

(001,002,003,004,005,006,007,008,009,901)

Agnes B- Our sailor wonders that too! Although once I was talking to him about orders and said, "Some of the moms were saying-" and he interrupted with a nervous-sounding "Uh-oh!" When I responded with (mock) indignation, he replied, "Well, how would you feel if Dad came and said 'The dads and I were talking...'? Fair enough. That would make me nervous too, lol.

Hello,

My niece is not going to make it to PIR next week. She got asmo’d 2x, she couldn’t pass her PFA (run) and chose to leave BC, when I talked to her yesterday, said she can try again after 6 months. But this morning her mom got another call that they moved her to Ship 5, not really sure why? She was just so tired and blood was low. I just rebooked the hotel, when I got the call, her PFA was Monday and not gotten a call til Wednesday- thought she made it arrgh. In God’s time and willingness…

Question: how long do they have to process her out? Is her phone and other belongings will be given to her in ship 5? (maybe not- she’s not back to radar yet) 

Gigi-- I'm so sorry to hear this and she was Sooooo Close too.  She was moved to Ship 5 because that is where they move everyone who is not staying.  Processing can take 2-4 weeks or longer.  She will NOT get her belongings until she departs GL. Once she gets home she will need to address the reason she couldn't pass her PFA.  She may also need a waiver.  I'm sure Anti- M will come on and she may have more insight into her options to try again.
Just be there and be supportive of her.  If she decides to go in a different direction that's ok too. 

Gigi, my heart hurts for your niece, sounds like she is not willing to give up on her dreams, and that is a good thing. Your right God's timing is everything. What we can't see right in front of our faces will eventually be known to us. She sounds like such a fighter and her determination is apparent. God Bless her as she tries to figure things out and let her keep the hope in her heart.