The next two weeks can not pass by fast enough. I am counting days now and we are down to 18 1/2 until I see my baby. He sounded great when we had the last call, talking and nervous about the live rounds with the guns. We have a gun, but he has never even held one except for a BB Pistol. He must have done okay as we did not get a call that he didn't. Just the unknown of what to expect... I was a volunteer firefighter for 10 years, so I told him if his mom could master the different types of…

There are many struggles our children, our sailors, go through. Each step works to define them and to test their metal. I can only use my sailor as an example. 

First he enlisted about 3 years ago. He had a hold in the Dep because his security clearance was held up for 2.5 years! He still went to all the Dep meetings. He forged on. He saw fellow deppers go to basic and come back for recruiting. Still he waited. Still he did not give up. 

Last winter in mid November he finally…

My son graduates from Power School soon, fingers crossed. So many of the Prototype locations are being shut down for maintenance, he doesn't know where he will be stationed or even when. He told me he could be stationed anywhere as a janitor or other. That being said; I am having dreams that he is loaned out to the army and sent to Iran.

I was good with him joining the Navy because if he left the states he would be on a boat. I have had several family members that served in WWII,…

The very best advice I've received so far (and I'm sure there will be more to come) was to make sure and have your recruit call from the airport in Chicago before he has to turn in his phone.

When he was on the plane, I sent him a text telling him I miss him and I'm proud. You know, all those encouraging words. I also reminded him to call me when he arrives... and before he arrives. I texted that his big brother tells me that he will be the one to get the first phone call.

And,…

My first day off from work today and it has been pure h e double hockey sticks. I know we can't keep our children forever, but golly gee this is harder than I thought it was going to be and it has only been 3 days. I called my Dad this morning and he said now I understand why it is so important for him to see my face and just be able to get a hug.I never really thought about my parents missing me, but I have come to a realization that they did miss me, they do miss me and I have to do a…

As a former military member I was always able to take advantage of military specials. MWR is a great one! Your child can rent snow mobiles, skis, mountain bikes, go on roller coasters, get special concert passes. The opportunities are endless. In my area the Navy has beach cabins for rent at a low cost! There are so many great possibilities and it gets them out meeting new people. 

Don't be afraid to encourage the use of the MWR facilities. Each location has some very special things…

11:45 Hello this is G____ I arrived safe and am alive. You will receive a box with my personal belongings in approximately 10 days. I will call you in three weeks. I love you Momma! Click

We have all had that call. I was honored with being able to see him raise that right hand and swear to defend the United States of America yesterday.

He has big hopes and dreams for the future and wants to someday work in our Nation's Capitol in the field he has chosen to pursue.

My…

Tomorrow my son flies to South Carolina. Already he is starting to adult well. He knows he needs to research for a good vehicle to get around, even though he cannot drive for 4 weeks.... My son loves escape rooms. We did two of them after he graduated basic back in February. Yeah, temporary hold for almost 3 months. 

Let me tell you if I get a chance to go down and visit I will probably do some escape rooms with him again. So if anyone else has an MM starting in May, and you like…

Jesus has smiled on my son today. At about 9:30 pm his time, my son finally got the notice that his waiver has been given. He ships out in 2 days for South Carolina! Nuke Mom now! So excited. The power of prayer and the love of Jesus has set my son free to continue his journey.

Nukes! I cannot wait for the opportunity to see my son fulfill his goals. This has been his love. This will be his life!

My advice to other moms who are watching and waiting for their children to make it…

My son is set to leave for the Great Lakes this Thursday. He has had to jump through hoops and walk the tight rope to get this far. We are praying that all will go as planned and he will soon be on his life journey. I am off so I will get to see him swear in. I was there with my oldest when he went into the army, and am very excited to see my baby boy when he pledges to the Navy. Keep my husband and me in your thoughts and prayers and will try to update when we know how all is going. My dad…

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…

Hi,

Does anybody have the address for sending packages? 

thanks!

Janie

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…