Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Just a heads up, if your Recruit goes to BC right after the holidays you might have to add another week. My son did not start until his division was filled. Also they did not have PIR every week because of the stand down . There were several weeks February and March with no graduations.  Just something to keep in mind.

TravelAddictedNavyMom -- Good luck tomorrow!!  (Oh and remind him... NO PRANKS at BC.  The Navy DOES NOT have a sense of humor!!! {at least not at bootcamp!}) It's unlikely he'll see or talk to his friend who is also going a week later. Just so you know.  Yes being a nervous wreck is normal for you both!!  Take deep breaths and take it one day..., hour..., minute..., second... at a time!  We are here for you.  Our kids have only themselves!!

Trey -- Actually the swearing in being live streamed IS new Post Covid!  They had photos before but not video at most every location.  It's awesome for those parents who cannot make it to MEPS for various reasons.

Angie -- I think this is in the "Phone call's" link above, but if your SR has a bad connection they can see if there is another phone available but usually if they push in on the cord that helps.  These are old pay phones that are used multiple times a day by SR's in various emotional states.  They are minimally maintained! (Yes we have asked back when MY SR was at GL to get them fixed!! Even had a bunch of us call the Phone company to service them!! That was 10 years ago!) hopefully pushing in on the cord slightly will improve the connection enough. 

Lisa -- So many possibilities for what that complication could be.  It could be paperwork missing or personalities clashing or Venus was in the wrong quadrant of Mars and Zeus was jealous!!
SO...He left on the 19th?  That puts your PIR Either Right before or after Thanksgiving.  Did he give you the "New" PIR date?  It's possible that you "Might" get to see him that week for Thanksgiving. 

Belovedbyhim. Nooo not at boot camp!  The friend they want to prank isn’t in the Navy. They were talking about when they get to A school since they will be at the same one that they get together and send him 2.4 metric tons of corn. My son actually left yesterday with 7 others. His friend gets there Tuesday, his recruiter said if their division isn’t full there is a chance he might get same division but it by no means is guaranteed. They are expecting to see each other at A school though. I’ve done OK. I am happy he did this and want him to start his own journey. I left home and moved 1/2 way across the US so I’m excited for him to get out and start his life.

Actually, talked to the youngest (16 yo) about him looking into being a Navy diver. He’s my scuba buddy and loves diving and is now considering that or looking into welding jobs (already has some experience) or mechanic jobs (he rebuilds motorcycle engines for fun now). 

Today though starts my new normal. Not having my oldest home sharing insta reels while I’m trying to work or ask me 100 times what’s for dinner or when we can go to Disney for Food & Wine. He’s already asked to go to Disney to ride Tron and do Festival of the Holidays when he is home for Christmas liberty. I’m sure I’ll start missing him in a few weeks. I’m used to not seeing them 2-3 weeks at a time when I travel. I know he’s in good hands. 

Trey, there was a way to see him swearing in at Meps? I didn't get to go to meps the local recruiters drove him down a day early and put him in a hotel. 

this may have been related to covid as there were still restrictions at MEPS where only the recruits could go in and such.. it was broadcast on youtube and I believe it was from the MEPS base itself,, which was Dallas for us. Not sure if still done by all but you could check the website for the meps station he used or contact them..

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links:

PIR DECEMBER 2023

PIR NOVEMBER 2023

PIR OCTOBER 2023

**REMINDER** BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

Moms whose sons have an S.O. Contract headed to BUD/S there is a group for you.

It is called, BUD/S and SQT (Stages of a S.E.A.L.)

Interested:

Send a friend request to NavyMom(J) for more information.

(Click on the highlighted links.)

Happy Monday evening to everyone!  
 
Those of us anticipating a PIR on 11/9, I received a phone call Saturday afternoon from my son, which lasted about 10-15 minutes. I am hoping you also had gotten a call too BabySharkMom & NucMomTami!! He said that he was anticipating the Confidence chamber today (Monday) and I am thinking he is on week 4, day 3 today. He stated he hadn’t started any firearm training yet, which would make sense based on the schedule above on this page! It was such a blessing to hear his voice. I miss him so much! He is my oldest and first to leave home. We are all missing him, but excited he is doing well and moving forward and closer to PIR! 

I am so glad you had a wonderful visit with your Sailor G’sNavyMom!! And congratulations!! The information you shared is so helpful!

Will your son stay at Great Lakes for A school?

Did I understand you correctly when you referenced that he was able to take items back with him that evening to his Ship after being on Liberty with you during the day? 

I am anticipating that we may get into town too late the evening before to get to Sarge’s, is it the type of experience that families come and go, or has a distinct program that has a start to finish? 

Were you able to connect with your Sailor the night before when their phone was given back? 

Good night to everyone and to our SRs, hoping for a quiet, restful night 🌙

G'sNavyMom -- WOW!!! It sounds like you had a Wonderful time!!!  The electronics info is new.  Is this for sailors staying in GL for A school or for those shipping out?

Lara -- We missed Sarge's Meet & Greet due to flight delays but it does have a specific "Program" portion.
We don't suggest giving specific points on where they are in training. You don't need to delete your message but it would not be OPSEC or PERSEC to be as specific as you were.  (This is a learning opportunity... NOT A SCOLD!!) A better way to have phrased it would have been "He's anticipating the Confidence Chamber this week (or Soon)" instead of "On Monday" or instead of "Training week 4 day 3" Say "He's been gone just over a month".  (***Takes off her Navy Mom  Helper Hat)
I'm so glad you got a phone call and that your SR is doing well!!!  I hope that he enjoys this next phase and gets to call you soon and share all his adventures with you!!

Oh my goodness,  I don't know what happened to my post! I'm having computer issues, so I don't know if that was a contributing factor...ugh!

To answer your questions,  my sailor is not staying in GL for A School. He has not shipped out yet. He is waiting for them to be ready for him. He said he could take non-perishables back too, but no clothes or toiletries after PIR Liberty. Many other sailors had shopping bags in their hands as we watched others go back in. I was hesitant because this was different information than what I was told in my research prior to leaving for PIR. 

Lara - i'm happy you received a phone call from your SR. There’s nothing like hearing their voices and knowing they're doing well. I hope he enjoys the upcoming phases and you receive more calls in the next few weeks. My sailor called a total of 5 times while at BC. That being said,  keep your phone close by and the ringer on and loud :)

As far as Sarge's meet and greet, you'll want to RSVP because he orders food depending on head count. It is a sit down dinner/event. You can always call him and discuss it with him. He's very receptive, helpful and accommodating. It's a patriotic, family oriented evening. He acknowledges veterans and gives helpful hints and information for PIR.  

My sailor chose to not contact us the night before PIR when they received their phones back because he wanted to make the whole experience a surprise.  It was nice he had his phone after PIR to communicate with him. 

Hope this info helps.  Enjoy your day everyone 💙⚓️

Thank you G’sNavyMom, that is good to know!

BelovedbyHim, Thank you! That is helpful to me! I will be more aware! 

Take care everyone and Have a wonderful Tuesday! 

G'sNavyMom - So happy for you! It truly is one of the best days ever.

G"sNavyMom - I am still mostly out of pocket & hard for me to reply. But I glanced at your note. Is your sailor in THU? I thought I had information about that in my discussion"PIR" for those flying out but maybe not. I will try to connect with you soon. We may need to update some info. THU is common, just not the "norm". I am sorry you did not have mor info. 

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Lara - glad you got a call on Saturday!  Made the weekend a bit easier, I bet.  We did receive a call on Saturday as well. I bet you agree that it is so good to hear our kids voices! Div 347 seems to be doing well.  Cheering all of them on for a successful “confidence chamber” day!  Sounds like maybe pictures this week also?

I do not recall who posted the “Mom questionnaires” but our SR is loving them.  He said send more!  Once again this site has proved incredibly resourceful!

Have a great day, everyone!

G'sNavyMom -- Your info is New information!! That's why you didn't see much about it.  As Chipmunk asked... is he in THU (Temporary Holding Unit)? Was this the case for his whole DIV? We know the way things have been before but as COVID taught us.... Semper Gumby Extremeis!! If this is a REGULAR Change That's Awesome and we will update our information but we need confirmation from you all, Our Boot Camp Moms!! You are the ones who can tell us when these changes happen and as always... Trust your Sailors!! They KNOW what their orders are and what is allowed or not (We only know what once was but may not now be...)
Yes... On TIME is LATE!!! So be Early!! Again , I'm so happy that you got to spend time together!!

Lara -- This is your training time... Mistakes happen... Just be glad we don't make you do 50 push ups every time!! ;0)  You can share your post as is within your PIR group page since that is "Private" (as much as anything on the internet is) and this page is Public.  It can get confusing remembering who posted what on which page and where you can and can't share. 

BabySharkMom -- YEAH!!! Phone calls are AWESOME!!! I know you and Lara and the same TG, are you all the same DIV's too?

Will the Lisa who wanted to join the Christian Navy Mom group please contact me.  (There are a TON of Lisa's on this group but not all are active) Thanks.

Is it normal to already get my SRs ship and division?  He left a week ago tomorrow. Today I got a Sandboxx invite with his ship and division. I know things can change but I was expecting this would take another week or 2??

Good Morning Everyone!! I have been "out to sea" so to speak and while I have a new phone that I could post occasionally, oh my, I honestly don't know how you all do it on your mobile devices, even in desktop mode!! 

I tried to post a message yesterday, but I did not have proper connections and it never went through. 

Just remember, this group and the Beyond BC group are our training grounds for being Navy Moms and Loved Ones. We are all here to learn and grow together. Sometimes those of us who have been around can come across as "No it alls" and it is not our intention, just the difficulties of social media. 

Last month, we had a member ask about sending thank yous to the RDCs or a gift or something after PIR and we stressed that while the thought was nice, it was not recommended, and definitely not without checking with your SR or sailor first. I had a chance to mention that to my sailor gal recently and she was in full agreement with us that would not have been the thing to do and your SR or sailor could get in trouble. 

Our primary goal is to be helpful, unfortunately it may not come across that way, so the best thing is to just keep talking or even private message us. 

Congrats to all of you getting phone calls. And please keep sharing with us new updates. G'sNavyMom - I wasn't able to read through everything you shared the other day, but do update us more. Thanks!

THU - Temporary Housing Unit - 

There is a group on this site if your sailor ends up in THU before heading to their A school. - My sailor was not in THU, but I was in contact a lot with the member who started the group, so I am a member of that group. - Hurry up and Wait-THU - Navy For Moms (ning.com)

If you have any newer information on THU, I recommend that you join that group and post a discussion with a very specific subject line, so that the information can be easily located. Some information on this site, sits as references, I know I occasionally go searching the site when I am asked a new question that I don't know the answer for. 

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links:

PIR DECEMBER 2023

PIR NOVEMBER 2023

PIR OCTOBER 2023

**REMINDER** BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

Reminder - this week starts the new Thursday PIR's.

hey Travel... from what I have read recently. that is not surprising you have his info already.. Sandboxx is faster.. I know info has been posted around somewhere lol.. 

Yes, the Sandboxx info happens rather quickly.  Just remember it is recommended to be used ONLY in boot camp.

Here's more info on it:

Sandboxx app while in BC

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 5, 2023: Enjoy LIBERTY (free time off base) with your NEW SAILOR!  

Sailors are allowed to spend time off base (Liberty) with their family following the graduation ceremony. The amount of time spent depends upon where your Sailor is going for follow-on training. The Navy is required to transport Sailors to their next command, so Sailors MAY NOT travel to their next command in your vehicle or with tickets purchased by themselves or by you.
 

• SAILORS REMAINING AT GREAT LAKES FOR SCHOOL: Sailors remaining at Great Lakes for “A” school Will have the following schedule:
  • DAY OF GRADUATION:  You will normally have free time off base (liberty) with your Sailor from the conclusion of graduation until about 8pm.  You will return your Sailor using the RTC main gate and drop your Sailor off at the RTC Chapel.  The Sailor MUST be in his or her barracks by 9 pm, so plan accordingly.
  • DAY AFTER GRADUATION:  The next day, your Sailor must check into his or her school before being granted more free time with you time off base (Liberty). You will pick-up your Sailor OFF BASE at the Great Lakes National Museum of the American Sailor between approximately 10am and noon and the Sailor can normally remain with you off base until Sunday evening.  For more information about liberty procedures, please contact the school house directly:  
  • Culinary Specialists (CS):   Although this “A” school is located in Virginia, these Sailors will remain in Great Lakes for up to one week to complete additional firefighting training.
  • Engineering:  For Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes:

GRLK_SWESC_PAO@navy.mil

• Combat:  For Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes:

scstc-gl_pao@navy.mil

• EOD:  For Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal, please call 847-688-6819 (EOD Sailors ONLY!)

• SAILORS TRANSFERRING TO SCHOOL OUTSIDE OF GREAT LAKES:
  • DAY OF GRADUATION:  You will normally have free time off base (liberty) with your Sailor from the conclusion of graduation until about 8pm.  You will return your Sailor using the RTC main gate and drop your Sailor off at the RTC Chapel.  The Sailor MUST be in his or her barracks by 9 pm, so plan accordingly.
  • DAY AFTER GRADUATION:  The next day you may return through the main gate and pick your Sailor up at approximately 8am in the RTC Chapel parking lot.  Once again, the Sailor MUST return to his or her barracks by 9 pm that evening, so plan accordingly.
  • SATURDAY MORNING:  You may meet your departing Sailor at the airport to say good bye and to give the Sailor any small items he or she may want for “A” School (laptop, a few items of civilian clothing, etc.) but remember your Sailor is already carrying a seabag, garment bag, and back pack!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

• 6:30 am: RTC gate opens to guests.
• 7:00 am: Ceremonial drill hall doors open to guests.
• 8:45 am: All guests must be seated. Ceremonial drill hall doors close, no further entry for guests.
• 9:00 am: Pass-In-Review commences.
• 9:20 am: Divisions arrive.
• 10:30 am: Pass-In-Review concludes.

WALKING ON BASE: Pedestrians may walk onto the base using the gate adjacent to the METRA train station (Gate 8). Shuttles, taxis, and shared rides from hotels will drop you off in the parking lot adjacent to Gate 8. Once on base, approximately a quarter mile from the gate to the entrance of Recruit Training Command's Visitor Center (USS YORKTOWN).

DRIVING ON BASE: A driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance or rental car agreement and graduation ticket must be ready to present to security at all access points. Once on base, attendees will be directed to park in the parking structure adjacent to Recruit Training Command's Visitor Center (USS YORKTOWN). Please obey the following while driving on base:

• No cell phone usage while driving on base!
• Seat belts are required for all drivers/passengers at all times
• Motorcycle drivers/riders MUST have proper protective clothing/equipment such helmet, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and over the ankle hard-soled boots.
• Recent graduates are prohibited from operating motor vehicles, including motorcycles, and are NOT allowed to be a passenger on a motorcycle.

MULTIPLE SEARCHES POSSIBLE: All graduation attendees are required to enter through Recruit Training Command's Visitor Center, for security screening, prior to entering the ceremony itself. Every person, bag, and vehicle on the base is subject to search. Metal detectors and other security devices are in use onboard Recruit Training Command.

• ITEMS PERMITTED INTO GRADUATION CEREMONY: Small bag/personal item (purse, satchel, etc…), small diaper bag, small camera bag, and personal wheelchair or walker. Strollers and car seats are allowed but discouraged due to space limitations (you may leave them in your car).
• ITEMS NOT PERMITTED INTO GRADUATION CEREMONY:
  • Large bags, backpacks, luggage, posters, signs/banners, large tripods, gift bags of any size, and flowers.
  • Alcohol, illegal drugs, knives or weapons will be confiscated by security. Any person found with these items will NOT be permitted to enter the ceremony.

NO WEAPONS! Weapons possession on federal installations is highly regulated and those in violation are subject to arrest and prosecution.

TravelAddictedNavyMom -- Yep.  This is a more recent change and I think it makes it Easier for you all!! (a good thing!) It's up to you if you want to use Sandboxx since it is considerably more expensive than regular snail mail.  They do not start getting your letters right away (As best we know) so you have plenty of time to write and get letters there either way.

Good Morning Everyone - Please join me in welcoming Wiecki mom to our group!

Wiecki mom - We are glad you are here. This is the comment wall area where we do all of our daily chatting. 

My children keep saying they are going to get me into the 21st century with my technology and devices sooner or later, but I have to say - even with my new phone, such that I have enough storage again to read my emails and check into N4M from it - I still prefer to view this site on my computer. It is so much easier to navigate and type out my comments to you. 

But I realized why some of you may have difficulties navigating this site on your phones. I was totally lost until I put my phone back into desktop mode. Granted, the screen was tiny, but at least I could see everything. It also explains, why sometimes you miss links to other information that is on this group page. So, every so often, put your phone into desktop mode and scroll around our page, or the other group pages!

Today's PIR happening live now:

LIVE PIR OCT 5, 2023

Welcome all new mom's, I look forward to reading your stories. You will learn a lot from this group, always something or someone you can relate to.

Chipmunk, I don't mind sharing. My son's PIR was 9/22/23, he is in A school in San Antonio to be a corpsman. At the moment his classes have not started, he is in holding until spots free up. He may go on to C school just depending on which direction he chooses when that time comes. Its been very nice to be able to reach him, he's growing up but still my baby boy. 

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links:

PIR DECEMBER 2023

PIR NOVEMBER 2023

PIR OCTOBER 2023

**REMINDER** BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 2023, RECRUIT GRADUATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY THURSDAY (NO LONGER ON FRIDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, WHEN GRADUATION IS ON WEDNESDAY.

Well ladies, I am having a hard couple of days...I have held it together since he left on August 21 (my son, my heart) and look forward to seeing him at PIR at the end of the month, but for some reason the last two days have been hard!!  I am crying and have a heavy heart.  I think the realization that he isn't coming home again to LIVE in my house, where I can see his face everyday, for a long time is setting in and I am heart broken.  I tried to talk to my sister's about this but they do not understand...try as they do.  I am distracted at work and grouchy with my hubby.  Who knew it would be the end of this BC bulls*%t that would do me in LOL

Been there regularly and still go there EdsMomD... lol.. yeah, it's been surprising the things/events that will set me off in tears.. been two years now and better but still happens. We miss him being here in our every day lives so much sometimes, but we know it's for the best that he got out and is living life now on his own, except Navy..  We get it.. my sailor was my only one so really empty around here..

EdsMom- I read your post and could feel your pain, I'm so sorry you are struggling. You are right I don't think people really understand how hard it is unless you go through it. The last 5 wks were the hardest for me, thats when I had a little break down. That night was very tough for me, but I will tell you it gets so much better once you see your son. It is so hard to let go, to let them take care of themselves. We have always been there if and when they need us, now we have to just pray for guidance...for us and them. Its great now my son is in San Antonio, 4 hours by car from me. I can talk to him often, we facetime, and he still calls me for advice. Trust me that day is coming for you, until then tell us how you feel because it helps to get it out.

Eds Mom Danielle, {{{BNMHs}}} - Big Navy Mom Hugs!! I know they are virtual, but we do understand the pain. I don't know if your son had an email account with is picture on it, but I wrote my son emails while he was in BC. Granted, I still kept them positive and upbeat, then I copied and printed them to mail. But my son's smiling face was his profile picture. Just seeing him smile at me, helped me daily more than I probably realized back then. 

I also had other children still around and a wedding we were trying to get ready for, so I stayed busy. But it was really hard when I realized that my son would not be moving back home at all. It is not the same kind of transition that you have with a child that goes off to college. Your sisters love you, but your sea sisters understand you and your struggles! Keep sharing. 

Everyone, please join me in welcoming mtd311 - to our group.

mtd311 - this is the Comment Wall area and the best place to ask you questions. 

I'm with you, EdsMom. I still get a lump in my chest every time I drive by the hotel where we said goodbye to our son the night before he left for BC. That was the last time we saw him here, in his hometown. You'll have down days, but there will be MANY up days, starting with seeing him at PIR. He'll still be your boy, but he'll be changed and matured in ways you could not anticipate. Trey, Chipmunk and Sandra are right - he's chosen this path and (hopefully) living the life he wants to live, so we moms can pat ourselves on the back, knowing we raised these strong-minded, independent young men. Big hugs to you!

Eds mom Danielle- oh my I totally get it. I unfortunately am behind you and won’t have him home for Thanksgiving. I think that will be very difficult.i still have his younger brother but My son is just 18 fresh out of high school he will be in SC for his 19th birthday. I have two older ones but one in college still living at home and I e moved out with kids but I see everyday. It is hard. I am counting down the days. I was a marine wife and when he was deployed it was NEVER this difficult. The connection of a mother and and child is so strong. So glad you get to see him soon. Just think about that and all you want to do before you see him and the time will go by faster. Cause there is never enough time to do those things. 

@Eds mom, that's what bothers me the most.  Not having him here under my roof for more than visits going forward.  I still have his 16 year old brother (B) who pretty much only visits now (his grandparents live 3 miles away and he spends weekends over there helping and hanging out with friends that live in their neighborhood) but C was Always here and was my shadow.  Plus C and I had a lot more in common like music, entertainment, travel, B and I are mostly outdoor sports in common.  I feel you 100% on that realization.  

I got a call from my SR yesterday, very unexpected since it was his first full week of BC.  I tried to sneak questions in but he was only calling to get the list of countries we'd visited the last 7 years and how long in each for his clearance.  I was very happy to hear his voice though!

My son left for the Navy in 2012, we are from CA.  I always just assumed when his time was done he would come back to CA.  Boy was I wrong lol!  When he finished up he was in VA, he stayed there for a short time but he had met his now wife while in the Navy (both were nukes but different ships) and she got out right after him.  Home for her is MI so that's where she went.  They did the long distance thing for a minute and then finally he moved to Michigan.  So he never came back to CA!  Now don't get me wrong - he met his beautiful wife (whom we love!), they bought a brand new house in MI (thank you Navy/GI bill), got their college degrees (again thank you Navy/GI bill) and gave us our first grandbaby almost 5 months ago.  Life is good - and we've been to MI multiple times now - even bought a condo and plan on retiring there so we can spend more time with them and watch our grandson grow up.   But yeah, it's weird knowing he'll never be back home because now home is somewhere else! Crazy how life changes! Semper Gumby for sure ;-D

Eds Mom - I get it. My boy is in BC and the last of my 2 kids so now we're empty nesters. As homeschoolers and frequent travelers (followed hubs on a lot of work trips, home exchanged etc.), he was always my seatmate, my dive buddy, and my car conversationalist (just finished up all his driving lessons together as well!) It's not easy. You do get more used to it but the key is you now need to find interests that maybe you hadn't considered before. I took grantwriting courses online so I could help a local non profit. I run a home business also. And hubs and I found some new things to do together, too, when he's in town. So that all helps. Doesn't mean I don't miss my kid but it's key to recognize this new phase. And don't expect others to empathize outside of this group because unfortunately, that's rare and they'll say a lot of really unhelpful things, even if they were the ones who asked how you're doing! A lot of them can't understand your unique situation or relationship and it doesn't make your feelings any less valid.

TravelAddicted - yes I got that same call and I tried to sneak in all the questions/comments I could. I had already given all of this info prior to him shipping to RTC but should have consolidated that info - also for clearance. I knew since it was a US Govt desk phone that the call would be brief. We got a few of those for various questions, all brief. Anyway, probably will never need it again but I have it all written out  and rady, in case they ever ask again so I don't have to figure out the last 7 years. We travel a lot and passports rarely get stamped so I mostly had to rely upon old, slow Google Calendar, probably much to the chagrin of whomever's desk phone he was using! hehe Also hubs was born on US soil in another country due to his father's service so we got a call about that - even though we filled all that out in advance AND hubs was also in the Navy with clearances. I guess they are just required to do their due diligence no matter the situation.

Trey, Sandra, Chipmuck, Joe-mom, Lisa, TravelAddictedNavyMom, B'sNukeMoM, TravelinMom and everyone else out there THANK YOU!!!  Even though your messages made me cry again LOL I really appreciate you taking time to comfort me this week.  One of my sisters (I have 6) said "you sound like you are in the 7's of grief".  I didn't know that was a thing, apparently 7 days, 7 weeks and 7 years after a loss there are stronger grieving periods.  He is in week 6 so I was close...I was always an over achiever HAHA I Do Not mean to liken BC to a death by any means, just a loss.   A loss of time, loss of seeing his goofy face everyday. Loss of the priviledge of hearing his voice whenever I wanted, even the loss of the aggravation they can cause ;)  My dad was FDNY, my husband NYPD, I thought I was a little more ready than the general public for this and am finding out how wrong I was! LOL My family helps in their way but you lot get it on a deeper more profound way and I am so thankful to have you!  Happy Saturday everyone.  Hooya Navy!

B'sNukeMoM I had to look up Semper Gumby and now that I get it I Love It!!!

that is interesting about the 7s of grief.. going to look more into it, as I'm getting older grief is coming more often and harder to deal with.. 

glad we helped.. BNMHs.. to all of us doing this..