Hello everyone im new to this. My daughter just left for bootcamp on 8/21/12 and i cant stop crying.lol. anyone else feel this way. A friend said its like they're going away to college. I instantly …

[renie76]

Hello everyone im new to this. My daughter just left for bootcamp on 8/21/12 and i cant stop crying.lol. anyone else feel  this way. A friend said its like they're going away to college. I instantly let her know how wrong she was. My younger kids can't seem to adjust to her not being in the house. And wouldn't u know the little box arrives and we are all jumping and excited that its here. How sad that we are looking forward to seeing a plain brown box! My emotions are everywhere and i can't wait for her graduation. Im so very proud of my changa. 

[Aloha]

Idk what that is, Mother's something. You turn everywhere and your kid's things are there, the things they used to do. I would agree with you, college is not the same. In bootcamp, your kid has less contact with family. Get yelled at.  While on college, you will get to talk to them nearly everyday. I kept my sons box with the things he put inside, on top of his bed. Well the clothings were washed lol. He left last July and I still cryto this date. The other night I dreamed of him, he looked sad, and sure enough a mail came the next day, indeed he was sad because he couldnt call home, but he is still motivated. I kept his last Tshirt he wore at home, I just hanged it in his room. I lit a candle by his window and his room dimmer stays on at night. This helped me in a way, I don't think Im ready to let go yet, hes my only child. But I plan NOT to let him know. GL to your daughter, waiting is the hardest part. Hugs to you.

[Kylesmom (Ship 11 Div 339)]

Hi...I'm a newly too...my son Kyle just left for boot camp on the 21st also.  There are many of us newbies.  I haven't stopped crying either.  It is so incredibly hard and it is nothing at all like college, and I hate when people compare it to college.  I got my son's BOX yesterday, that was horrible, I was alone at home, I called my husband to tell him, I think he thought someone was killing me. lol  I haven't got the form letter everyone is talking about, and i didn't even know about that.  Well I guess we will learn all of this as we go.  As far as turning everywhere and seeing your child you can sure say that again.  Today i got a letter in the mail from the police department that I missed my court date.  HMMMM I told my husband i better go see what this is about...turns out I got a parking ticket on my car (his) in front off the girlfriends house...well at least they only made me pay the original amount of the ticket $60.00 instead of the new fees $200.  I really hope to chat with all of you ladies and pray together for our kids I know they will all be great.

[dband5Brandon's mom-ship11div339]

Hi! I'm Donna and my son Brandon left the 21st too..I will tell you I'm married to a retired Navy Chief so we spent most our life in the Navy..My oldest son joined 11 yrs ago however has since got out and this has got to be the hardest thing to do. Brandon is my baby of 5 and lord we all miss him so much! I really believe once we start getting letters we will start to feel better. I'm  so looking forward to Oct. I even booked our hotel I just booked for 2 different dates until I find out for sure.haha..Its so nice to have a place to go where people understand each others feelings :) Do any of you have facebook? If so I would love to be friends..https://www.facebook.com/donna.cropleybrown

[alexsmom(ship9/div342)]

hi i too am also new to this site. my oldest child Alex left for bootcamp on 8/21. it has been a long week at our house but we are all doing the best we can. i got my sons box today with was bitter sweet. we all should try to focus on the positive places are babies are at in their lives even if it comes with the tears. this site and all of you are helping me to stay strong during this hard time. we need each other right now just like are kids are needing each other as well. hang in there ladies we can do this and we have formed our own troop. ggood night and god bless our children

[momof4]

Welcome to all of you!!

I had one move for college. One move to NYC. (We're from a small town in Florida) When our daughter decided on the Navy it was so different, it hit so different. I miss her having her around. When my husband told me she was grown up and would only come home on visits, it was heart breaking. But he is right. She has done so much already since she left in February for bc and she's only 19. 

Once they have PIR, it is so much easier. I can call her and we can Facetime. Remember, you gave them the foundation to be the best they can be. Be proud and keep smiling!!

[garrett'smom(ship 11 div 339)]

My son left on the 21st as well.....and he is my second child that has gone into the military and it does not get any easier, I miss my son terribly and cried when his box came too.  But I also know that  this is the next chapter in their lives and they are all going to do great things in the Navy...explore and see the world.  I am wondering when graduation might be...I too have looked at hotels and flights but not sure where to stay or what the date might be.  Does anyone have any idea? 

[momof4]

We stayed at the Ramada in Waukegan. About 10-15 minutes from base. They had a meet and greet for families. The room was fine. They had breakfast included. Not fancy but it fit our needs. Our plane arrived early on Thursday and they let us check in at no additional cost. If you can afford it, stay until Sunday. As it worked out our daughter left on Sunday but my plans were to meet her at the airport on Saturday and stay with her until she left.

[Gie]

Good morning ladies.  I'm also new at this.  My daughter left for BC on 8/21 and I miss her terribly.  It has given me some comfort finding this site and reading all your post.  My request was just granted today, her 19th birthday was yesterday, and one of the things that got me through the day was reading all your post.  Before she left, she asked "why is everyone crying, I'm not dying - I'm going to the Navy and start a new chapter of my life."  My husband's side of the family is 95% military and my side is 0%.  She is the first female in my husband's side to join the military, most of them are in the Air Force, but she's following her great-grandfather in the Navy.  I truly believe our children will do awesome things and their future is bright.  Thank you again for all the support. Have a nice day everyone.