Boot Camp PIR....PRICELESS!

[KimT]

 

Yesterday I watched my son graduate from Navy Boot Camp. It was beautiful. I cannot describe the anticipation that filled us all and no amount of cold weather, long lines, or rain while waiting in those lines could steal our joy. When that door lifted, exposing those sailors in their dress whites, lined up and ready to graduate I felt the tears start to flow and my heart filled with so much pride and gratitude to all these young men and women who are sacrificing so much to stand up and fight for all of us. Honor, Courage, and Committment, the three Navy ideals, do not even fully capture the spirit of our US soldiers!

 

Anyhow, I wanted to share some of the highlights of the day, such as when the choir sang the Navy Hymn, when I made eye contact with Gage for the first time and I knew he saw me, when 800+ sailors sang Anchors Aweigh, when we were finally able to give Gage a big hug, and later when complete strangers walked up to Gage to thank him for his service.

 

8 weeks ago I sent my son off to Boot Camp as my little boy, and yesterday a young man stood in his place. I don't think anyone can understand what type of transformation takes place in such a short time, only 59 days, but I can assure you it is significant. He spoke with a sense of confidence, maturity, and motivation which took my breath away.

 

The entire day was simply amazing. Then the most cherished part was the time he spent with his little brother and sister. Sitting at Rainforest Cafe, my tough teenage son broke down. This is the little brother who said to me a few weeks ago, "You didn't think Gage would live here forever, did you Mom?" I think it finally hit him how much he had missed his brother. I watched as my sons hugged each other and cried. Then as we walked Gage back to the front gate of the base, I watched as all three of my children held each other and expressed how much they loved each other. It is a moment I will remember for as long as I live. (jordyn later said in the van, through tears, "I'm too young to have a brother in the Navy."

 

My friend texted me her favorite quote: "The older I get, the more beautfiul life becomes." I wonder is it that life is always beautiful, but we just take the time to drink it in when we are older? I know that my children have always loved each other and that our family has always been close, but what I learned through becoming a Navy Mom is that it is the simple things, the little moments, the mess that we call life and family that makes it all worthwhile.

 

I will forever cherish the memories from yesterday....simply priceless!

 

[Nan(Ship 9 Div 247)]

What a wonderful day - back to the store for more tissues.

[Michigan Cindy]

Wow.  Thanks, Kim, for sharing.  I think most of us have felt similar feelngs, but your words are inspiring!  I surely hope your Sailor moves forward to make you even more proud.

 

[pammyjs39]

Wow I just read your blog and want to thank you for sharing your experience with us.  My son left last monday for boot camp and to hear how wonderful your day was gives me something to really look forward too!  I miss him like crazy.  Could you tell me where you stayed while there we want to make plans.

[KimT]

We stayed at the Residence Inn. I had reservations at the Navy Lodge, but got scared because we couldn't find any pictures. However, I talked to another family that stayed there and they said that they would recommend the Navy Lodge. Good luck with your Boot Camp experience; as my son put it, it was surely "life changing."

 

[Victoria Steven's Mom]

 Kim felt the same way U did  HOOYAH   TO   ALL SAILORS FROM A VERY PROUD NAVY MOM

 

[dhwebb64 (ship 04 div 817)]

Thank you so much.. I needed to hear that.  I had tears in my eyes but a smile on my face.  I cant wait to see my son, he arrived in the Great Lakes Monday.  Thank you for sharing.

[alexh_sailor]

Thanks for sharing. My son just arrived in boot camp last week.  I pray that boot camp is all he anticipates that it will be and that he grows from the experience.  I am going through the emotions of having my first born leave home for the first time. I so look forward to experiencing his PIR ceremony.

[bekka2u2]

Thanks for sharing that. I am so glad to see the parents sharing their experience of the graduation and seeing their child again after the 8 weeks of training. It gives us all hope that our weekend will go as smooth as some of yours has. I will be flying in from NY with my sister coming in from another state and her father from another state and her boyfriend who is also in the Navy from yet another state. I just hope that all of us make it there safe and sound to see my young lady be presented as a Sailor.