Breathtaking Ceremony...

[AJVNavyMom]

We just got back from our son's PIR graduation on Friday.  It was simply amazing and took my breath away!  They were all so focused and did an amazing job.  It was all I could do not to jump from my seat to go get my son. As soon as we heard, "Liberty Call" we rushed to him and I hugged him so hard and of course cried with pride!  Unfortunately, he was SO sick.  He had a migrane, Pink eye, and a temp of 104!  He pushed through, but he was shivering uncontrollably. Fortunatley, I take migrane meds for myself, so I gave him one of those and went directly to CVS and bought some Tylenol.  We went back to the hotel and he got into the clothes I brought and layed in bed shaking for what seemed to be hours.  Finally the meds kicked in and his fever seemed to have broken.  He pushed himself to go to the mall with us and we got some food.  He looked so beat, but didn't want to miss a moment with us.  We went back to the hotel until we had to drop him off at 7:30.  Needless to say, I gave him more meds before he left.  The good news was I could meet him at the airport the next day until his flight.  He was able to leave airport until his flight, so we picked him up at 10am and had him all day till 4:00!  We went to another mall and ate some civi food...he loved it.  Of course the time went by at lightening speed, and it was not nearly enough, but I felt so good that I was able to nurse him back to health.  He looked and felt so much better by the time he boarded...his spirits were up.  He went to Pensacola, Fl and will start school on the 14th.  He'll be doing Aviation Electronics.  We got him a BLACK (only color they are allowed) backpack so he could bring the i-phone we got him for graduation, his i-pad, and contacs. He was pretty happy about that!  Being in touch texting every step of the way was so uplifting for all of us.  I think we texted just for the sake of being in touch...finally!  When he got there, he sent pics of his room, the base, and his uniforms.  He said it was amazing right on the ocean, football field, volleyball, tennis, movies, and a bowling alley!  Someone had already bought a TV and an xbox, so now he wants us to ship his PS3 to him.  He really sounds like he is finally where he wants to be.  He worked hard to get there, and will continue to work hard, and he is amazed how nice they are and no one is yelling at them.  They had movie night last night and said they ALL were the same, none better than the other.  I feel so proud, elated, and a sense of relief for him.  I know he will do well and I can finally rest a bit more knowing he's on his way to building an amazing life for himself!   

[annafornavy]

Isnt it the most GLORIOUS feeling.... When I heard: NOW HEAR THIS..... NOW HEAR THIS... LIBERTY CALLS... LIBERTY CALLS... I wanted to put on my linebacker uniform and rush the floor to my Sailor.. It is amazing how sick they are in bootcamp with all the medications they pump through them. My son was sick the whole time.. I dont know how in the world he made it through.. but he did like so many others.. Your poor son.. I am so glad you could help nurse him back to health.. I bet the ceremony felt like it was endless for him with a migrane and a fever.. Just ahving the freedom to call or text him is so liberating isnt it.. My son said bootcamp was like prison and A-school was ahalf way house because you got a little freedom but not much and your next station is like LET FREEDOM RING.. : ) I am so happy for you and your Sailor.. God Bless you all on your travels... Enjoy every moment of the journey as I know you will....

[Anita MA Mom]

I know I will never forget that PIR Day it was AMAZING!! They really need to figure out how to treat the Pink Eye better!! When my son was there he got Pink eye along with a lot of others. While we were at the Mall I was checking out and a young sailor was by me and purchasing a phone , his eye looked terrible and he kept rubbing it so being the Mom and Nurse that I am I told him to get it checked and he said that he did and the base Dr. told him it was not Pink Eye (but it clearly was) . Just hate that they get so sick at Boot Camp!! So glad that your sailor is feeling better now. You can send him some meds to have with him at A school he can treat himself now. Blessings to you and your sailor!!