7/2/13... Off to Boot Camp

[Tyler'sMom]

You never really completely understand how difficult this is going to be until it happens. You can read or hear other people's stories but until it's your own, it's never really REAL.

He left with 7 other guys and 1 girl. What a great group of kids! We got to the airport about 1pm and their flight didn't leave until 7:25pm. It was really nice to be able to spend that extra time with him. Once your son/daughter swears in they are active duty and you CAN go to the airport with them, all the way to the gate.

When the plane touched down he called me from the tarmac... Before he called, I kept telling myself... Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry... It didn't work, I cried, he cried... When we hung up he texted me, "I love you momma"... When he made it boot camp, his voice sounded ok... He called at 12:43... "Hi Mom this is a scripted call. I made it. I'm here. I'm fine. Look for a box in a few days and a letter in about a week. I will try to call in about 3 weeks. I love you Mom, I gotta go".... I didn't know this would be so difficult, I know he's going to be fine but I can't stop crying.

[danielcmom]

My son left June 5th and I received the same phone call, but the next 3 Saturdays he called me, my last call was last Thursday telling me "this is the last phone call til a week before graduation", I was disapointed but at the same time greatful for the calls I recevied and didn't expect. I cried for about a week everyday, but you will receive his box and and then after that you will get the letter with his address and graduation date and then you be able to start your count down. It is also nice to start looking forward to letters from you SR. Good luck, it does get better! :)

 

 

 

[Tyler'sMom]

Thank you very much danielcmom! Best of luck to your son as well!

[YooperMom]

I don't know if our kids will be in the same group or not...but I hear every word you typed.  Our daughter arrived at GL 7/2 and when I got that call, I told her "keep talking the script, I'm just going to keep saying I love you, Iove you..."  Stay strong.  From what everyone says it'll be over before we know it.  **HUGS**  And I can't wait to get the box!

[michelle71]

My son went 7/2 also - I can't wait to hear his voice again!

[Skeeter4A5 ( Ship 02 Div 936 )]

I know you are feeling bad right now. I felt horrible , too. It has been a roller coaster ride , but we are almost at the end - of boot camp , I mean. Hang in there, start writing him a letter everyday if you haven't already. When you get your form letter , send them all at once. Don't count days, count Fridays - you are only 9 away ! Once you get your box and your form letter , you will start to feel a little better. I am thinking of you and Tyler .

[Tyler'sMom]

Thank you all for your kind words... Just wondering, when they call, do they call collect or calling card. We were also told, SOME groups are able to keep their cell phones. They are locked up and then turned on when they are allowed to call home... That sounds a little far-fetched but since I haven't received "the box" yet, I thought it MAY be a possibility. Thanks!

[tiffw]

My son left on 7/2 also.  Got his box yesterday with phone included.  Stressing about calling card a bit because didn't consider that before he left-making sure he had one in his wallet.  That will be in the first letter I can send him, however, when I get the form letter with his address!  Don't know if this website gives me comfort or more tears...both I guess, some laughs and then empathy/tears!

[Tyler'sMom]

I'm right there with you tiffw... I got the box on Monday, I have an address from his recruiter but I've read that you can't really rely on that... The hardest part is now waiting for the letter. I wouldn't worry much about the calling card, I'm sure he can purchase one there if the one from you doesn't get there first. Good luck to your son!