patsmom - Since he hasn't left yet, make sure he reads this post. Especially about standing up at the "Moment of Truth"... (look at the P-2 day section)
patsmom - I work with a lot of deppers (future sailors). I just hate it when I hear they have stood up at the Moment of Truth. When they do that, they will be coming home (ie they will be kicked out). The bottomline is DON'T STAND UP.... Everything should have long been solved before then.
I also would suggest he read this thread. It will show him the easy way of learning the 11 General Orders....
My only girl is leaving for boot camp December 3rd, 2013. She will be a hospital corpsman. She won't be home for the first time for Christmas. I am glad to have her until December though.
Delete Comment
Hello moms and loved ones! This is an invite to anyone who is in the East Tennessee area. Our group has posted an event on the right side of this page. Please join us at Fatz restaurant in Greeneville, TN, June 1st, at 1:00 pm for an "Eat and Greet" lunch! Lots of good food and fellowship! Even if you're not in East Tennessee but close enough to come, you are more than welcome!
My son Jonathan and my husband and I met with the recruiter today. We signed the papers to send him off to MEPS in a couple of weeks. He's still a Junior in high school, soon to be a Senior so he won't be going to BC til after he graduates in June 2014. He did quite well on his ASVAB test and he plans to go into the Nuclear Field.
We are pretty excited for him and can't wait for him to make this next step in his life. I still have a few concerns and worries, but overall this makes us so proud.
We really wanted to be able to go to MEPS, but it's about 6 hours away and we really can't afford to pay for a hotel right now. The recruiter made it seem like it wasn't worth it for us to be there either. At this point, since he's going to join the Nuclear Program, I'm not too worried about having to be there for him when he signs the real papers to join.
This last year is going to be so strange and go by so quickly! The weird part to think about now is that we might have to host a graduation and anchors aweigh party all at the same time. LOL
Sierrrascrapper, this next year will definatly be exciting. Our son signed up this past winter and he graduates next Friday, his open house is a high school congratulations and Bon voyage all in one lol. We have always been supportive of his decision to go into the military, but now that he is grad high school and leaving in October.. I'm having emotion overload!! I know it's normal but hard all the same. As far as meps, we live only 30 mins from meps office and we were not there, with exception Of watching him swear in. We were the only parents there, as many recruits were from far away.. we shook all their hands (there were only 6 at his "hour of swear in") and told them congrats as well.... (such a mom lol) But from what his recruiter says the "big swear in" is at grad from bc.. That's when it really is a celebration. Our son is going into nuke as well!! Congrats to your son and you as well! It's going to be a wonderful journey.
Thanks for your supportive comments Jenb. I'm definitely having a few emotional moments myself, and he hasn't even taken any HUGE steps yet. Jonathan isn't our only son as he is a twin, but the thought of him being gone for so long is tough to handle sometimes. I'm not a blubbering mess, but I tear up here and there. I think most of my tearful emotions are mostly due to the fact that I have a deep sense of pride in the military and our country. I tear up every time I hear the National Anthem or see the Color Guard. I was in NJROTC all four years of high school and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was even the CO of our our unit my senior year. Can't really explain why I didn't go in, but it's all water under the bridge now. My step-dad was in the Navy and the Army through WWII and Korea and my real dad was a Marine. So...it's just bred in my blood I guess. I'm sure these next couple days are going to be pretty difficult for you. Hang in there and remember how proud he is going to make you and how wonderful it will be when you get to see him again!
Best of luck to your recruit and his future. Awesome that he is also going NUKE. How EXCITING! I'm putting together a Pinterest board with ideas for a Bon Voyage party already. LOL I'm anal about planning like that. Either way, if you have any ideas for how you did your party, let me know. I would love to continue adding to my ideas, since I have about a year to plan.
Sierrascrapper, that is great that your son is following in the families footsteps. I agree with you on the overwhelming sense of pride, I get a little sad thinking about my son being gone, but I think my emotions are just that extreme sense of pride I have for him and all he has accomplished and will accomplish.
One idea we were looking at is a naval ship for the cake, however we are running out of time and just going to have to get one made. But there are so many cool ideas on Pinterest!!
Its nice to have someone to talk to about this all! Everyone else around me seems clueless to the process, as most of our friends have small children. One day... Have a great afternoon!
A ship cake would be FUN! Maybe you can bring in a photo of a ship you want and they can do one of those edible prints to put on top. We did that one year when we did a Veggie Tales party and wanted the cake decorated that way. The bakery had a special machine that scanned the photo and then printed it on an edible icing sheet.
I can totally understand about having nobody to talk to. I have a good friend at work whose son is deployed in the Army in Afghanistan right now and had a son in the AF, so she can relate. Other than that, a good chunk of my friends look at me funny when I tell them my son is joining the Navy. They just don't get it. So, it will be comforting to have a group of people to share the joys and heartache with.
Today Sean gave up trying to work with the Navy recruiter (who has been all but ignoring him for nearly a year), and is now working with the Army recruiter, who has been falling all over Sean's 93 ASVAB score for a while now. They're giving him LISTS of tech jobs open for him, and have invited him to their events.
I must admit this makes me a bit sad. The Navy is so ingrained in our family culture, it will be hard to have Army in the family. But I guess we have to have someone to beat up on during the annual Army-Navy game.
SAMs club has a nice Naval symbol they are putting on cake. Wish there were more hours in a day to be able to do the fun stuff! I was joking with my parents this weekend, my husband and I are officially done raising kids!! Wow! That's doesn't even sound right! But l
How exciting and scary at the same time Jenb. I'm looking forward to the day my boys step out on their own. Only a year to go! I'm sure I'll have my sad moments too, but at least I can feel good that I raised my boys well.
Heyusonia, I hope u get that phone call soon. Reading ur post really hit home,my son leaves 6 weeks from today.. Your son will be almost finished bc when mine leaves.. ; ) Take care, thinking of you... Keep us posted!!!
Hi everyone, my son left for BC on 7/13/11. I will never forget that day and so much has happened since then. The best coping method that I had and continue to have is the support of all Navy Moms from this site. I am still close with the first Mom I ever met and others too. The BC group is the best I always had a notebook and kept notes on everything that I learned from everyone. The sad thing for me still is that most friends and even some family can't relate to us and that is why we are here for each other!
thank you cody"s mom. I finally received my phone call @ 1:45 am so relieved to hear his voice yet in his voice you can tell it was one hell of a journey and this is only the beginning for them. cody's mom will be praying for you and your son. it is very difficult for you mom to let them go and grow up but it has to be done. I think the worst part is that no one understands when you start crying for no reason like if your crazy am so great for this website because i see i'm not the only one who feels this way.
I think for any parent it is exciting and scary to see their child graduate and go out into the world, whether to work, go to college or military. I think the reason it is especially overwhelming to us parents who's children are going into the military is that extra sence of pride (not to discount any other parents feelings, or sound like we have more pride) but that our children are doing something not only for themselves, but for thier country. My son told me the other night that he really thought about his life and that just getting a job and going to school would only benefit himself, but going into the Navy he would be serving a purpose not only for himself but his country. I thought that was pretty cool. I never thought like that as a young adult. I think thats why I am so "lost" right now, my boy is a man, his decisions are his own, his mistakes he must deal with himself and all I can do now is love him and hope we gave him the skills he needs to go out in the world, and the fact that he will be away from home makes me proud, but aprehensive at the same time. As we get ready for my sons open house this weekend, I am not stressed about the party, but feel lost, the parent / child relationship has changed overnight it seems.
My son turned 18 today. Tomorrow starts his 60 days out. Graduation and Party set for next weekend. Its hard. Birthday,Graduation and Farewell/So Proud Party all in one. I just wish I could slow down time just a tiny bit.
I am right there with you, jenb. My sons party is tomorrow night. With his dad gone suddenly a few months ago I have felt our relationship change, but not as dramatically as In the last few days. I asked him if he wanted me to go to the airport with him next week and he said it was something he wanted to do on his own. He is almost 21 but has acted a little immature in the past. He is finally growing up in many ways! I sometimes miss the cute blond little boy that made me laugh all the time, while at the same time I am so proud of the man he has become and the sailor he will be.
Jenb you have captured so many feelings and put it all into one nutshell !! Almost 2 years later I can still feel all of those raw emotions leading up to the day my son left for BC. Even though it is a life changing experience for all if us I can reassure you that BC is just a few short weeks in the scheme of life. I wrote a letter everyday waited for the fed ex guy to deliver the kid in a box, the thursday mail delivery and the 2 phone calls in 8 weeks. PIR makes it all worthwhile. You will never be so happy and so proud on thst day and then things will feel more normal when cells and laptops are returned and you can call and text again! Hang in there wr al, will stick together through this experience!
My son just called me and told me his date for his MEPS is 6/24/13. Then he'll be DEPing in for his Senior year of HS. I'm anxious about this next step, but excited too!
Yes the sad thing is that friends and family do not understand. Just got another letter today and read it twice. Hoping the extractions of teeth go good. I feel that getting a job is easier, because at least they can see their family. Hopefully boot camp will go faster for them.
Julieb1019, I think that some of my apprehension is that knowing the feelings of emptiness will still be there like u said in two years from now.. But I so keep focusing on the fact that after bc I can text or call anytime.. Jake is even getting more mushy, hugging me more and telling me he loves me more. I thnk it's getting real for him too! And as proud of him as I am as he grads tonight from high school, I know that PIR will be even more exciting!!!!
I understand jenb but it will be a different feeling down the road because as you go through the stages there is a reality to the situation that our kids will be leaving or have left home to join the Navy. But no matter what the bond is always there. My son came home after a year and a 6 month deployment back in March and it was wonderful. It is never easy to let go again and again but there is a comfort in knowing that the connection is stronger than ever. My son left right after high school graduation. He is a middle child and my other boys are still home. I think about my Seabee all the time. We are Moms who become Navy Moms just as our children become Sailors! We are stronger than we realize and thank goodness for the support that always is found here.
Cody's Mom, when does you son leave? Mine leaves on June 17th.......not doning so well, have my good days and bad days.....more bad than good the closer it gets :(
I joined this website a few days ago. I remember explaining that my son, Franco, is just thinking about joining and he started preparing for the AVSAB.
I am soooo happy I came across navyformoms.com
Being from Argentina and having lived in Michigan for almost 23 years now, I still feel that sometimes I don't fit in. But not here. I love the way you all share your feelings, all full of love and concern with your children. I have very few good friends and since I work full-time I don't have much time to talk. This is a wonderful place to relate with my own feelings as I read all your posts. Thank you for being so honest and open. After all, we all have a lot of things in common when it comes to our babies growing into men...
Oops, I didn't get to finish my comment. Olga, there are lots of us at different stages of this AWESOME opportunity in front of our children. I'm sure you will find lots of members you can relate to and there is quite a bit of encouragement too.
L dietze
I am praying for you. Be strong for your son. If you haven't done this yet have him leave you a message on your phone either under voice mail or voice recorder if you have a smart phone. That way when you need to just hear his voice to make it through the day you will have it on there to listen to. Then as soon as you get home from dropping him off start writing to him. Even though you can't mail them yet it will help you feel more connected to him and when you get his address mail them all to him. He will be ready for news from home by time he can get the letters. Write him uplifting letters every day. That is one thing my son said helped make bc doable. Stayed plugged into this site as it is your lifeline to keep your sanity. If I can help you or you need to vent send me a message.
OMG! I just got home from work and my son told me that the recruiter was coming over to have him sign more paperwork because my son is now going to MEPS this Sunday instead of June 24th. He will be getting his physical and swearing into the DEP. Originally we were told we had to get a waiver for him to go sooner because he had to wait til 2 weeks after school let out to be considered a Senior. It turns out he didn't need a waiver afterall. Crazy how fast things can change! Its a good thing they can't ship him out to BC before he graduates HS.
Sierrascrapper, wow. When they decide to do something I guess they are serious! Hope everything goes smoothly. Reality is setting in for me. Last dinner tonight with my son. I am feeling sorry for myself, I know. Trying notmto tear up in front of him. He is worried about me since I will be alone now. Hope his dad is watching over both of us.
Thank you so much Proudmomofanewsailor. I can only imagine how all those emotions are building up inside of you. You can do this! Remember, this is just another step in your son's new adventure. I'm sure your husband is smiling down from above. Prayers going up for you both. Start that countdown to PIR!
Thank you, sierrascrapper. This journey has been a lot of looking forward to the next step. It is a giant step for pat, his sisters and I. We can't wait for PIR.
Looks like my son has to go take the NAPT test tomorrow. The recruiter said his line scores didn't quite auto-qualify him for NF, even though he got a 93 on the ASVAB. He didn't score as well on the mechanical/electrical sections since he hasn't had much exposure to that yet. So another hurdle to jump. We're supposed to ask how high right? LOL
How are you holding up today proudmomofasailor? Hope you get to hear from your son real soon. Thanks for your best wishes. My son feels pretty confident, glad I'm not taking it! This is going to be quite an interesting year.
Things are good. Got a text from my son while he waited for the plane and the call came in at 1 this morning. Very straightforward and to the point but told me he loved me. I feel like I am pat the first BC hurdle and now on to getting the box! So happy for this journey he is taking.
Good to hear proudmomofanewsailor. First hurdle jumped, next milestone coming up. I can only imagine how crazy you must have been feeling until he called. Keep your chin up! Looking forward to hearing more about your son's progress.
proudmom of PH
My son leaves in June. Getting excited for him and a little nervous for me. He is my last one at home. It will be just me and the new pup.
May 20, 2013
Craig
patsmom - Since he hasn't left yet, make sure he reads this post.
Especially about standing up at the "Moment of Truth"... (look at the P-2 day section)
http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433
May 21, 2013
proudmom of PH
Thanks for the information, Craig. I passed it on to my son. Lots of very helpful info!!
May 21, 2013
Craig
patsmom - I work with a lot of deppers (future sailors). I just hate it when I hear they have stood up at the Moment of Truth. When they do that, they will be coming home (ie they will be kicked out). The bottomline is DON'T STAND UP.... Everything should have long been solved before then.
I also would suggest he read this thread. It will show him the easy way of learning the 11 General Orders....
(click to make bigger)
May 22, 2013
Dmaeship12div410
My son leaves for boot camp September 3rd, 2013. I am having a difficult time dealing with telling him good bye.
May 22, 2013
Mom-NavyGirl
My only girl is leaving for boot camp December 3rd, 2013. She will be a hospital corpsman. She won't be home for the first time for Christmas. I am glad to have her until December though.
May 22, 2013
proudmom of PH
May 24, 2013
Winski
Hello moms and loved ones! This is an invite to anyone who is in the East Tennessee area. Our group has posted an event on the right side of this page. Please join us at Fatz restaurant in Greeneville, TN, June 1st, at 1:00 pm for an "Eat and Greet" lunch! Lots of good food and fellowship! Even if you're not in East Tennessee but close enough to come, you are more than welcome!
May 25, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
My son Jonathan and my husband and I met with the recruiter today. We signed the papers to send him off to MEPS in a couple of weeks. He's still a Junior in high school, soon to be a Senior so he won't be going to BC til after he graduates in June 2014. He did quite well on his ASVAB test and he plans to go into the Nuclear Field.
We are pretty excited for him and can't wait for him to make this next step in his life. I still have a few concerns and worries, but overall this makes us so proud.
We really wanted to be able to go to MEPS, but it's about 6 hours away and we really can't afford to pay for a hotel right now. The recruiter made it seem like it wasn't worth it for us to be there either. At this point, since he's going to join the Nuclear Program, I'm not too worried about having to be there for him when he signs the real papers to join.
This last year is going to be so strange and go by so quickly! The weird part to think about now is that we might have to host a graduation and anchors aweigh party all at the same time. LOL
May 26, 2013
jenb
May 26, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Thanks for your supportive comments Jenb. I'm definitely having a few emotional moments myself, and he hasn't even taken any HUGE steps yet. Jonathan isn't our only son as he is a twin, but the thought of him being gone for so long is tough to handle sometimes. I'm not a blubbering mess, but I tear up here and there. I think most of my tearful emotions are mostly due to the fact that I have a deep sense of pride in the military and our country. I tear up every time I hear the National Anthem or see the Color Guard. I was in NJROTC all four years of high school and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was even the CO of our our unit my senior year. Can't really explain why I didn't go in, but it's all water under the bridge now. My step-dad was in the Navy and the Army through WWII and Korea and my real dad was a Marine. So...it's just bred in my blood I guess. I'm sure these next couple days are going to be pretty difficult for you. Hang in there and remember how proud he is going to make you and how wonderful it will be when you get to see him again!
Best of luck to your recruit and his future. Awesome that he is also going NUKE. How EXCITING! I'm putting together a Pinterest board with ideas for a Bon Voyage party already. LOL I'm anal about planning like that. Either way, if you have any ideas for how you did your party, let me know. I would love to continue adding to my ideas, since I have about a year to plan.
May 27, 2013
jenb
Sierrascrapper, that is great that your son is following in the families footsteps. I agree with you on the overwhelming sense of pride, I get a little sad thinking about my son being gone, but I think my emotions are just that extreme sense of pride I have for him and all he has accomplished and will accomplish.
One idea we were looking at is a naval ship for the cake, however we are running out of time and just going to have to get one made. But there are so many cool ideas on Pinterest!!
Its nice to have someone to talk to about this all! Everyone else around me seems clueless to the process, as most of our friends have small children. One day... Have a great afternoon!
May 28, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
May 28, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
May 28, 2013
Arwen
Today Sean gave up trying to work with the Navy recruiter (who has been all but ignoring him for nearly a year), and is now working with the Army recruiter, who has been falling all over Sean's 93 ASVAB score for a while now. They're giving him LISTS of tech jobs open for him, and have invited him to their events.
I must admit this makes me a bit sad. The Navy is so ingrained in our family culture, it will be hard to have Army in the family. But I guess we have to have someone to beat up on during the annual Army-Navy game.
May 28, 2013
jenb
May 29, 2013
jenb
May 29, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
May 29, 2013
heyusonia
my son left today for great lakes am waiting for my phone call. very sad day for me. I miss him so much.
May 29, 2013
Cody's Mom Ship11Div343
May 29, 2013
julieb1019
May 30, 2013
heyusonia
thank you cody"s mom. I finally received my phone call @ 1:45 am so relieved to hear his voice yet in his voice you can tell it was one hell of a journey and this is only the beginning for them. cody's mom will be praying for you and your son. it is very difficult for you mom to let them go and grow up but it has to be done. I think the worst part is that no one understands when you start crying for no reason like if your crazy am so great for this website because i see i'm not the only one who feels this way.
May 30, 2013
jenb
I think for any parent it is exciting and scary to see their child graduate and go out into the world, whether to work, go to college or military. I think the reason it is especially overwhelming to us parents who's children are going into the military is that extra sence of pride (not to discount any other parents feelings, or sound like we have more pride) but that our children are doing something not only for themselves, but for thier country. My son told me the other night that he really thought about his life and that just getting a job and going to school would only benefit himself, but going into the Navy he would be serving a purpose not only for himself but his country. I thought that was pretty cool. I never thought like that as a young adult. I think thats why I am so "lost" right now, my boy is a man, his decisions are his own, his mistakes he must deal with himself and all I can do now is love him and hope we gave him the skills he needs to go out in the world, and the fact that he will be away from home makes me proud, but aprehensive at the same time. As we get ready for my sons open house this weekend, I am not stressed about the party, but feel lost, the parent / child relationship has changed overnight it seems.
May 30, 2013
Dorothea
My son turned 18 today. Tomorrow starts his 60 days out. Graduation and Party set for next weekend. Its hard. Birthday,Graduation and Farewell/So Proud Party all in one. I just wish I could slow down time just a tiny bit.
May 30, 2013
proudmom of PH
May 30, 2013
julieb1019
May 30, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
May 30, 2013
Ship 13 div249
Yes the sad thing is that friends and family do not understand. Just got another letter today and read it twice. Hoping the extractions of teeth go good. I feel that getting a job is easier, because at least they can see their family. Hopefully boot camp will go faster for them.
May 30, 2013
jenb
May 31, 2013
julieb1019
May 31, 2013
Jeannie
Cody's Mom, when does you son leave? Mine leaves on June 17th.......not doning so well, have my good days and bad days.....more bad than good the closer it gets :(
May 31, 2013
olga
I joined this website a few days ago. I remember explaining that my son, Franco, is just thinking about joining and he started preparing for the AVSAB.
I am soooo happy I came across navyformoms.com
Being from Argentina and having lived in Michigan for almost 23 years now, I still feel that sometimes I don't fit in. But not here. I love the way you all share your feelings, all full of love and concern with your children. I have very few good friends and since I work full-time I don't have much time to talk. This is a wonderful place to relate with my own feelings as I read all your posts. Thank you for being so honest and open. After all, we all have a lot of things in common when it comes to our babies growing into men...
Jun 1, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Jun 1, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Jun 1, 2013
Vanmom2013
My daughter ships JUne 17 for Great Lakes.
Jun 1, 2013
Beachmom (Ship 13, Div 281)
My son leaves for BC tomorrow (June 3rd) Very excited and proud of my son, but having mixed emotions about tomorrow
Jun 2, 2013
Irene(ship03 div 076)
I am praying for you. Be strong for your son. If you haven't done this yet have him leave you a message on your phone either under voice mail or voice recorder if you have a smart phone. That way when you need to just hear his voice to make it through the day you will have it on there to listen to. Then as soon as you get home from dropping him off start writing to him. Even though you can't mail them yet it will help you feel more connected to him and when you get his address mail them all to him. He will be ready for news from home by time he can get the letters. Write him uplifting letters every day. That is one thing my son said helped make bc doable. Stayed plugged into this site as it is your lifeline to keep your sanity. If I can help you or you need to vent send me a message.
Jun 2, 2013
olga
Thank you for your responses. Good luck to those moms whose sons are getting ready for BC. There you go, I started using acronyms too!
Jun 2, 2013
Beachmom (Ship 13, Div 281)
Thank you Irene for your encouraging words. Will stay plugged in to this site.
Jun 2, 2013
proudmom of PH
Jun 3, 2013
Beachmom (Ship 13, Div 281)
Thank you proudmomofanewsailer! Prayers for you and your son as well. Maybe our boys will be in the same group! Would be nice to connect if they are.
Jun 3, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Jun 3, 2013
proudmom of PH
Jun 3, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Jun 3, 2013
proudmom of PH
Jun 3, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Jun 5, 2013
proudmom of PH
Sierrascrapper, Praying that everything goes smoothly for your son.
Jun 5, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Jun 5, 2013
proudmom of PH
Jun 6, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Jun 6, 2013