First of many holidays to come alone. I did ok. This weekend I allowed myself to sleep in and not feel guilty. I did turn down a couple of invites because after a dinner with the girls I could feel I need alone time. Saw the video of recruits running and can assume my son was a part of that which filled my soul. Told someone it feels like he’s away at camp and I just can’t talk to him. Then I realize this is the beginning of him being gone. Being a single mom this makes it weird and hard.…

i got the box. That was quick. Funny as he must have undressed in a hurry as everything was wadded up.  Now he just needs to do that run... the letter will be a relief.

In the days surrounding my son's departure to boot camp, an alphabet soup of emotions swirled around me as I imagine it does for everyone with a loved one embarking on this great adventure.  To process my way through it, I began writing a poem the night he left and continued adding to it through the first few weeks as I researched what happens during BC and incorporated snippets gleaned from his letters.  I wrote it for several reasons:  1) to honor him and all recruits, as well as the RDCs…

short call done (check). He sounded so calm and confident. It lasted all of 3 seconds lol.  Someone at work sent me flowers. Feeling loved and strong.

My son is sitting at the USO room waiting for the bus. Last night I got to spend time at the airport thanks to a very cool boss to have me a ticket so I could clear TSA. He needed a tim to Just talk it all out. He was ready to bolt. Saying goodbye was bittersweet but I’m so proud.

He worries something will happen and he will get bounced but no idea what that would be for (I have not told him I worry about that too). I think it’s the fitness test he’s stressing about. Lol he said “…

Hi,

Does anybody have the address for sending packages? 

thanks!

Janie

Well we are days away from the big farewell to RTC.  What a process this is. I’ve seen my son grow in confidence and independence already but last night was his last hoorah with the boys and when I saw him after he said it had just hit him he was leaving.

What a wild ride for me. As we get closer the the leaving date I was feeling ok. Then after his DEP meeting he did a fitness test and passed he informed me he was leaving home Monday not the Tuesday Morning we were told originally…

After several months and two private consultations, they gave our son a waiver. He is set to leave April 25th for Great Lakes. This journey has been a hurry up and wait process and hopefully all will go well from here forward. I told him all in God's timing not ours... He did get to spend more time with his Grandfather (my Dad) whom he knows he will not see again this side of Heaven. My dad is terminally ill and my son is his youngest Grandchild. We pray he will be able to see our recruit…

Our son left for bootcamp Wednesday.   We got the call just after midnight.  He has arrived, he is safe, I will get a box.  Just like everyone said, it was an awful phone call. Very short, very scripted.  Yet I also heard in his voice determination, let it go mom I really am okay, and then he hung up and their was silence.  Of course I am proud, and I am only sad for me and how I will miss him.  However, I am more excited for his journey, and all the stories from him to come. 

I'm…

So one more week and I will be in Great Lakes with my other 2 daughters for graduation!!!

News? Well no news is good news I keep telling myself. Last phone call she was doing well and enjoying it all. She said she hadn't written and apologized, but I understand. I write to  her often enough. All she had to do was get through the initial run and swim to set her mind at ease, after that she wouldn't let anything get in the way. I am pretty blessed with a daughter that will push herself…

I found out from the Navy Operations Security Support Team on Facebook that there is a new edition of the Navy Social Media Handbook for 2019. It is long, and for a varied audience: Leaders, "Navy Communicators", Sailors, Families, Ombudsmen, and Navy Civilians. It informative, and worth the…

As a former commander of a unit in the Army, I see that my son isn't given the counsel he needs. Temporary hold is no joke. This is their chosen career and they should be able to seek advice from JAG officer. I fear that he will be out processed soon, separated from his goal. It isn't all happy for these kids. Some need direction. Some need a skill. Many, so many are there to serve, serve their nation with pride in their hearts.

Not all get to stay Navy. 

Some will be turned…

The Navy has specific things they will waiver. Some they will not. My son's asthma is not bad. He has had very few problems with it over the years. During the Gulf Wars more people were MedEvac'ed for asthma than anything else. I understand the Navy's concern. 

He made it. He improved so much through the recruit training. He made it through graduation. He is so proud of himself. We were proud of him. I have tried to guide him to the Chaplains, to JAG, to maybe find that one doctor who…

My son, his dream, his plans. They are going away. He is still fighting to stay in, but they found he has asthma. I know as a former military commander, these things are not the best to have in a unit. Still he made his way through recruit training. 

Now he sits. He is fighting, but his spirit is broken. This was his dream. It may be lost

I received his scripted call at 2033 Cali time.  His "Kid Box" came in exactly 1 week later. I am now waiting on his letter that he said would follow in about a week after the box. I am super excited for him as I know this is something he has always wanted to do. I am waiting to find out his PIR date so I can start looking into arrangements and our options. Trying to find out as much as I can on Graduation. I am reading everything and loving this site! Thank you so much!!!! :)

My son left on Monday Feb 25. Very proud of him. Received our phone call at 945p in Michigan. Long day today for me as well as for him, thinking of him.