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Dear moms of deppers - My son left MEPS in New Orleans one year ago tomorrow. I was like so many of you - proud of his decision so serve our country, but apprehensive at the same time. He had tried the college route, but just was not motivated. I have a great nephew the same age as my son currently in the Air Force, but have had no real knowledge of military/Navy life. This was the best thing my son has ever done. The first couple weeks of boot camp are rough, even if they are in shape and think they are prepared. It is rougher on us moms, the not knowing - wondering how and what they are doing. This site is wonderful - there were less than 400 people on this site when I joined last year. My son is in the nuke program - it is very intense - like going to college from 6:30 - 3:15 five days a week for six months at a time. It is so
nice to talk to him and have him be excited about what he is learning. Just hang in there - you will be soooo proud of your sailor when you see them at PIR. They are so proud of themselves. Keep your phones with you so you will not miss their phone calls. We were lucky - received several calls. You are on a high for a couple days after you hear from them. My heart swells with pride just thinking how far my son has come. I sent him a congratulations on your 1st anniversary card. He knows I'm a little crazed, so he'll understand. Just hang in there and know you can always come to this site for answers and support on those days when you are feeling blue. Melody

Jenny, I'll be praying for you and your son today. I know how you feel...went through it couple of weeks ago. When you get back home and are up to it just start writing him, send lots of positive re enforcement and you will get his address very soon. We are all here for you, stay strong. Your recruit has just started a wonderful adventure.

Thanks Gulf Coast Mom for what you said, yesterday I was having one of those down days and missed my recruit so much. I guess as you said it will better. Thanks again for sharing with us.

Hugs Jenny!! I know how you are feeling, I have sone this once and will do it again in July.

Kim my husband is a member of Navydads.com and also a member here....it helps him have information and support just like us moms, wives and girlfriends do. We are so lucky to have these sites to help us on our journey along with our Deepers, Recruits & Sailors.

Jor-Jean, Jenny and Angie, I want to thank all ya'll for the wonderful stories and advise. I know that Aug. sounds like a long time away, but I know that every moment I spend with my boys is treasured. I try not to cry as I realize that as the seasons go by, this will be the last we share together. I try not to cry in front of them, I just watch as they sit there doing what ever it is they do.
Again, thanks for all the support, and words of wisdom.

Ruthie is officially a recruit! Note: I found her picture taken with her recruiters last December....seems a lot longer ago. I got to speak with her while they were waiting for the bus @ O'Hare, then got "the call" (ya, I think she read from a card; someone else mentioned that too!) at 7:00 her time, 5 my time. Her group actually missed their bus & Ruthie said they got yelled at, then had to wait for 2 hrs. for the next one. oooops. Oh the stories we will be hearing about when they can call next!
Michelle....hope your computer gets better & more importantly, your treatment goes well for your thyroid :-) I'll keep prayin' for ya re: your 15 y.o. driving!

Lynn make sure he takes his social security card and any banking information he has. He will be able to keep his wallet so anything you can fit in there, like book of stamps, small address book with family and friends addresses and tel#s, if not you can print it and then fold the page and put it in the wallet, some spending money (not much, like $20-$25), very important get him a calling card and have him activate it before he leaves. If i think of anything else I'll let you know.

Glad to help, my son just left three weeks ago so I know what you are going through. We are all here for you.

Hi Michelle, sorry to hear about the computer problem I know how frustrating that can be. I will be praying for you that everything goes well and that you will feel better soon. I know how you feel, I was at the hospital yesterday with surgery for kidney stones and I too hate hospitals. Sending good wishes your way. God Bless.

Yes Angie, my husband goes in every single evening and is always thinking of ways to improve his page. I tell him its not fair, I'm not as computer savvy as he is....... but he enjoys showing his page off to me when ever he can, lol. He is so proud and gets a lot of questions and support from the site as well. I just had surgery for kidney stones but when I get a chance I tell him I'm going to outdo mines, lol.

Angie thank you for the good wishes they are so appreciated.

Yes, its true what you said, we do follow each other stories and become close. I feel blessed to be part of this extended family. Everyone on this site is so supportive and always willing to help each other.....its wonderful.

I'm suppose to be in bed rest so better get back to that ;) being away yesterday well I just had to catch up with my N4M's, lol.

Hi Lynn, once they arrive at boot camp they usually make a very short call just to say I've arrived and I'm okay. They are given time on Sundays to write home which usually we receive their mail on Wednesdays or Thursdays and during the time at boot camp most get about two phone calls home but that depends on the RDC's...they decide when they can call....it depends on how their division is doing as a team and all. They do not have the option of email while at boot camp. They can only write and the calls allowed them. I just received my first call this evening, and my son has been gone for three weeks. Keep your phone with you at all times and if you need to forward your home phone to cell phone which is something I forgot to do today and so it took him a while to reach us on the cell. Let me know if you have any other questions I can help you with..

Hey Jorj-Jean we've missed you. You're right though, I was suppose to be in bed yesterday.... but I've been sick for two weeks now had first part of surgery last week and this Thursday the second half and so hubby thought he would take me for a little drive and bite to eat to get me out of the house and would you believe it that's when my son called. I can't believe, I who should know better, lol forgot to forward phone to my cell. Well by the time he reached us he only had two minutes......I was still so happy to hear his voice and know that he is alright. Stayed in bed today all morning but just had to get up for a bit and see how all the moms here are doing, lol. Hard to stay away from this extended family. You everyone is having a wonderful weekend.

Lynn enjoy your time with your son now and we will be here for you when he starts his journey. My son just started his fourth week. That BBque sounds delicious, lol. Take care.

Michelle sending prayers your way, that you will feel better soon and that the Lord will bless you with a good job. I know its hard feeling sick and not working but like the others said the Lord is watching over you and has good things ahead for you. We are here for you and sending all our good wishes your way.

Angie F, so sorry to hear that you weren't well this week. Hope you are feeling better and that everyone has recovered at home. Have a great weekend.

Hi Lynn, I see you are at the same place I was a little over a month ago. I got most of my decorations from Party City. They have a section that is all patriotic. We decorated everything red, white & blue and had a cake made with the Navy seal in the middle. I don't know if you have one of these stores close to your area but if you do you might want to check there. Good luck with the party and best wishes to your son.

Lynn you are making so hungry right now, lol. What time came I come over? Just kidding, hope you have a wonderful time with your son before he leaves.....I know he will very touched by all the hard work you have to done to make it special for him. Have a wonderful weekend.

It's so bittersweet when they actually leave, Barbara. But so worth it. I hope you will check out our Pre BUD/S Moms and SEAL Moms groups when the time comes. After a while, someone will most likely start a group for your son's BUD/S class number, that way you will all get to know each other and keep each other going. Our son is in 273 and loves it.

Molly, I'm proud for you and your son. It must be hard for him to go to a DEP meeting teh same day he swore into DEP! Both of my sons went home and slept! They said that they were awakened at 3:45 and taken to MEPS and waited and waited and waited some more. Both of them finished late afternoon. Good Luck! My sons love going to their DEP meetings!

38 days and counting before my second sailor leaves for BC

Hello to all you DEP Moms, I'm just dropping in to pass on some information I think you all might need. By way of introduction, My youngest son is a ET on the USS Miami (a Nuke) and my oldest is a CTN in Norfolk. So here is some advice for you all. First, If you have dental insurance. Please have your son's or daughters wisdom teeth taken out before they enter the Navy. Even if you need to fight with your family dentist. Once in the Navy, usually at BC, they will take them out. It is a miserable process to go through with no family to look after them. They also miss time in the BC process. My son (who had his out while in DEP) said it was a pain having to clean up the blood trails from the bathroom. You get the picture. Also, when they leave for basic, don't drop them from your family health insurance until graduate from basic. If they are given a medical discharge from basic for any reason, the Navy will not pay for any treatment they will need when they get home. I come from a Navy family that goes back 3 generations. So if you all think you might need me I'll stick around. If not, best wishes to all your future sailors.

Sue, I also teach. Aug. 25 is th second day back for the students. I have already asked for the day off. My principal understands. She was an rmy brat, and her brother was in the Navy. She also remembers Laurence when he wass a student there. I'm hoping that when my oldest son leaves n Nov., I'll be better prepared. 9 weeks wil go by faster than I want.

I have so many days at school, that I have decided,
"Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead!" They will do fine without me.
Son first, job second. I also will be at the swearing of my other son in Nov.
I was there when they were born, I will be there when they leave. I have told my sons, be prepared, I will be there and I will cry! I never thought that letting go be so hard.
Now my question is: How many days should I plan for their PIR? I have learned so much about DEP and the "kid in a box" that I have not thought about taking time off for the PIR.

I am soooooo glad to know that I am not alone on how I feel about my baby boys going off! I tell them that my emotions and wanting to see them off is a "Mom thing"
Sometimes I think they are looking forward to being in bootcamp. Then the random hugging, picture taking or just looking at them with that goofy mom grin will stop!

Thanks Marie. I guess I just need to enjoy the time this summer and worry about PIR later. I need to remember: One worry at a time!:-S

Kim, I'm glad all went well. I am still deciding on what do. My boys leave 2 1/2 months apart, so I don't know if I want to do something for both, or two seperate ones.

I am so glad to hear that others don't feel as worried about the older ones. My oldest is 20 and visiting a friend in Brazil right now. He leaves in Nov. My youngest just turned 18, and I worry about him the most.
I was amazed that before Richard left for Brazil, he had to sign a lot of papers. My other son, Laurence had to call his recruiter just to leave town. He had to let him know he was leaving, and when he got back. They keep a tight keep on their DEPPERS!

Good luck, Debbie! ((Hug))

Gayle, I hope your DEPPER recovers quickly. My son had to have three ingrown toe nails fixed before MEPS would let him swear into DEP. He would get one worked on, but before it would heal, another one would flair up. Once he went too soon. It turned out, his shoes were too small. He now wears a size 13. No more trying to get into a smaller size!

Marie, you don't have to leave so soon. At least come back and let know about "the call" and the "kid in a box" I like to hear experiences from mos. It lets me know what to expect.
Good Luck!

Rebecca, If you go to the discussion "Ship Out Dates" you can see others leaving in July. Start on page 4 to find the July dates.
My DEPPER leaves in Aug.

Michelle, I feel the same way about my son, Laurence. He wanted to get a job for the summer, but I have told him that he needs to enjoy his summer. This will be his last one to just goof off! He needs to work on his PT's. His brother gets back from Brazil next week and the next day they have their DEP meeting. He dosn't know it yet, but they will be doing PT's! His flight gets in around 10:30 PM, so he can at least get some sleep before the DEP meeting!

Me not wanting my son, Laurence, to work is pure selfishness on my part!!!! I want to keep him with me as long as I can. My older son, Richard, is a whole different story! The first year he was out of HS, he was a bum! He might say he was "Finding Himself", but all I did was find him on my sofa! lol When he gets back from Brazil, I want him to find a part time job. He ships out in Nov., so I have plenty of time with him.
Ah, the joys of Motherhood! No one knows a son or daughter better than Mom!

Kelly, I feel the same way. It feels good to know that there are other moms who feel the same. Saying "good-bye" to a child you watch grow up, is hard! I know that I will see my boys again, but not in the same way. We say good-bye to boys and girls and greet them later and men and women. I know the Navy will look after my boys, but I still get emotional! Leting go is hard. We may all be different, but we all have one thing in common: Our kid/s are soon leaving for BC. Thank you all for being here for each other! We all need it!

Tambo, thank you for your poem - I especially appreciate it right now because my son leaves July 6th - was supposed to be July 29th but he changed contracts which moved up the date. I wasn't prepared for the change....thanks again!

MY NEW BLUE STAR FLAG CAME IN !!!!! DANCING ON THE WALLS RIGHT NOW. (posted the edited version of course.... no last names, keep our kids safe)

I had an other big weekend with my DEPPER. I took him sea fishing. It was fun, but caught nothing. I now am going to enjoy my last 8 weeks with him. I know they will go fast. He wants to ask if he can leave early. He says that he is ready and tired of the wait. He enlisted in Sept., so by the time he leaves, he will have been in DEP for 11 months.
My other DEPPER comes home from his 6 week trip to Brazil. As much as I have missed him, Ithink it has prepared me for when he leaves.
Over the weekend, I did go to the Army Navy store and bought a Navy flag. I found a lot of other stuff, but I think I will wait until after BC.

Hi Moms, I ordered it from: www.serviceflags.com. AWESOME website covers all branches.
Thanks so much glad you liked the pic, and yes I am VERY proud of my boys.

FYI another great website is www.inourhearts.org, I have one of the bracelets that they make and have worn it EVERYDAY! NEVER take it off since May of 2006, still looks brand new. check it out.

Michelle, Thanks for the recruiter! She has provided us with some wonderful and helpful information. I love reading the questions and answers. So many quetions I have, someone asks first! lol
Have a great evening, and I'll be back tomorrow to read more.
PS. Navy mom of two, thanks for the great websites! I have visited them, but want to wait until after BC to order there!
Good night all :)

Dear Recruiter, I am so sorry I refered to you as "she". I am just so use to navy4moms and the amount of "shes" on this site. I hope you did not take offense! It was a simple oversite on my typing!
I do love you joining us!
Margaret, mom of two deppers.

I just asked my son if the book is needed in BC, and he said, all he can take are the clothes on his back.

Other than the clothes on his back, can he take a prayer book with him? He would rather have that than an addres book.

I like my sons' recruiter. He has been VERY patient with me! Now, I feel like I can get my questions answered, without calling the Navy office all the time.
Bill, thank you for all your time you have given this group of moms as we prepare to send our kids off!
My son returns from Brazil tonight. Now, I just hope he gets enough rest before his DEP meeting tomorrow! (PTs)

Susan, I feel the same way! I ask my boys if they have done something or asked about it, and I get, "don't worry!" I do worry! I wonder the same thing. How will they get things done if I'm not there to push? Or as they say "nag".
Bill, not only did my son tell his recruiter, he had to fill out a pile of paper work! He was also reminded NOT to get married until after BC! lol He is now working on paperwork to get her to move here. I guess with me lol :) Speaking of which, at what point can he get married? He leaves for BC in Nov.

Molly, Thanks for the video link. I watched with my son. He liked it as well.
Mr. Bill, Thanks again for wonderful insight and questions answered.
I talked to my son not long ago. He is stuck in Miami. His flight in Brazil was delayed and he missed his conecting flight back to Dallas. He will leave in the morning. I haven't told him that his DEP meeting time has been changed. It is at 3, not 5. So he comes home, puts his bag down and it's off to PTs! I am glad it is him not me!!! lol :)
Good Night Ladies and Gentleman!

I saw the video and I didn't know about all the hair cuts they get!!!! My son just cut his hair, and now I need to send it to Locks of Love. It was to the middle of his back. He wanted to donate it before BC, since he knew if he waited, he couldn't do it.
Now for the glasses! I know for BC, the get the BCGs. My son needs glasses, but has not worn them, and in fact has lost them. Should I get him some, so he will have something to wear after BC? Also, do they wear the BCGs for PIR?

Thanks Bill for spending your lunch with us!
I made an appt. for my son get get something worthy to wear for PIR. He hates waring glasses, so this will be hard for him, but he will survive! lol