Hi Jen, How are you doing?  Got the (very stinky!) box yesterday.  Am feeling a little more melancholy this week, but still hanging on.  Think I need to get more exercise!  I agree 100% with your comments about who "gets it."  We were with old friends last Saturday night, and I was really looking forward to it as it was just 2 days after our son left.  But they had no clue ... And like you, I'm astounded at how other Navy moms have reached out thru N4M.  I guess it's just that they get it, and we'll reach out to others when their turns come up.  I found that when we had twins, I desperately needed to connect with others who got it, and got involved in my local mothers of twins club, and I think this is just like that.  But it made me feel good to hear that you had the same experience!  Will you be able to go to PIR?  Do you know your date yet?  I'm thinking it will be 12/13 or 12/20 for us.  Have a good weekend.  Husband and I are off to Maine for a few days -- he's been wanting to do this for over a year -- finally getting to go!  Take care.

Hi Jen, how are you doing?  We're enjoying the serenity around here!  I suspect the emotions will hit me harder next week, but so far, so good.  Haven't gotten the infamous box, yet, though.  I suspect that will trigger some stuff.  It's great to be able to connect with others who get it.  Is your house quiet now?  Are you getting to do some stuff just for yourself?  I'm enjoying not being on the "youth schedule" and having the freedom to drive my own car whenever I want to!  Take care, Helen

I see you have joined NUKE moms and Nuke School Charleston; you may also want to check out Nuke A School FAQ. The Rating Information Card for NF can be found at https://www.cool.navy.mil/enlisted/rating_info_cards/nukepower.pdf. Your Sailor will most likely fly out to "A" School the day after PIR. See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend to help you know how to plan your weekend.

Join the group, Leavin' for bootcamp in October.  You will meet others with loved ones leaving that day/week who may be in the same TG and have PIR together. Be sure to check out the discussion, Things to Do in the Last Month Before Your Future Sailor Leaves for the RTC. I also suggest you to join Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) and begin checking out the Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) and Discussions there.

Your future Sailor may want to join http://www.navydep.com to learn the ins and outs from the DEP point of view. Craig runs that and will steer him to some good links on there.

Hi Jen, my son left for BC this morning.  I did fine at the swearing-in -- just got emotional in the car on the way in when we made a wrong turn and ended up heading towards home rather than the MEPS office!  He left with 3 other Nukes and they seemed to have really clicked, so it was much easier to say goodbye.  I do feel melancholy, but I will also be very glad if he really finds his place in the world!  How are you holding up?  I suspect that this all will hit me harder next week!  Take care.

Hi Jen, just wanted to say good luck on Monday and Tuesday.  We're on deck for Wednesday and Thursday -- UGH!  I don't think there's any way to predict how we'll react.  I'm hoping I don't get too teary at MEPS.  It's good to know that thousands before us have survived, but I think we each feel like we're the first mom ever to sent their kid off!  Try to get some sleep tonight! 

Hi Jen, Is your son leaving next week?  My son goes to the hotel on Wednesday and to Great Lakes on Thursday.  We all seem to have Swiss-cheese brains around here right now!  How are you holding up? 

Hi Jen, yes, my son qualified for Nuke and as of right now, is still committed to doing it.  But it seems like a very challenging program, so we have encouraged him to have both a Plan B and a Plan C in mind if he needs to look at other options.  He seems pretty excited about it.  How about your son?  Did his recruiters recommend it or did he want it?  I have to admit, I still have some big reservations about it, but he's got to try it for himself -- I'm not the one who has to go in the subs!!  BTW, how old is your son?  What made him look at the Navy?  Helen

jenb, thinking of you.  My son is going on the 16th.  Those moving departure dates are very difficult to absorb.  Hope you can relax enough to enjoy the next 2 weeks.  My son just wants as much "normal" life as he can get in before he goes.  Just read your profile, though -- looks like you'll be a busy gal this winter!  Best to you and your family.