Day 1 of Son being gone

[MHunter]

Thankfully yesterday my son had his cell phone and was able to keep me updated from the time he left MEPS, to when he arrived at the airport. He was able to give me his flight number and times of departure. He even texted me when he landed. I was very happy to know he landed safely. Then around 1 am central time I received a phone call from him, telling me had arrived and I would receive his personnel items in about 2 weeks along with his mailing address. Even though the phone call was just like the recruiter told us it would be and it was very short, it was still so nice to hear his voice. Now the hard part begins going weeks without hearing his voice :( He use to go with his father in the Summer but at least I talked to him every night and he told me about his day, now I will have to wait till he sends a letter (he is not much on writting).

 

I am thankful I have many friends who called & sent me text messages on Wed & Thurs to see how I was doing. Even though I did not feel like talking they all understood. His girlfriends father even called last night to make sure he landed okay and to see if I was okay and to tell me his family is here for our family. Today a coworker bought me a gift to cheer me up and my husband went and bought me a Navy hat and a Navy coffee mug. It really helps to have such wonderful family and friends who care and love us so much.

 

It is also nice to have this site for mom's who give their support because they have gone through the same experiences as us "new" moms and they give such great support and advise. And it is great to see I am not the only mommy out here going through the missing their baby boys and girls just like I am.

 

I pray all of your sons and daughters stay safe and strong while in bootcamp. And I pray for the men and woman who are fighting for our freedom.

[mom2five]

So my son left a day earlier than yours. He flew out on the 19th. He had waffled over whether to bring his cell phone, but we are both so glad he did. It was wonderful to hear his voice for 20 seconds. I am dreading the "box" coming next week. I have been weepy and *off* all week, hope it evens out soon. You are lucky to have so much support. No one around me seems to get it. We will all get through this, and all be the better for it. Hugs, and sleep well.

[Hm-in-the-Fam-Mom]

 My son left Wed, April 18th. Got a text at 11:30pm but no phone call :( I wonder why he didn't call? Probably as another mom stated it was 1am? These kids and their texting, think it can take the place of a voice on the phone. I'm kinda hurt but Richard's always hated talking on the phone. I hope by the time 3 weeks rolls around he'll be missing MY voice. At least he said I love you too.

[Anna Aviation Mom]

I think some times their super nervous. My daughter wrote the wrong address on the box, She said she was super nervous.

[Hm-in-the-Fam-Mom]

Wellll, I just got around to checking my messages, and lo and behold there is a voice message from Richard at 1:18 am April 19th.The call was from a different area code from San Benito Tx.???. I remember getting that call but didn't pick up because of the area code! I was expecting an 847 area code. Is this because of the calling card I got him??? He was clearly nervous and I could hear "you have 15 seconds" in the background. He said he was  sending his box and will send a letter in 2 weeks and will call again in 3 weeks. I could hear load instructions from the "lovely" man in the background barking orders at the other recruits. I don't know if I feel better now or worse. I'm glad I got THE phone call, upset I missed it, confused about the area code and now worried about how they are treating these kids. There is a difference between authority and intimidation. I feel like crying now

[mom2five]

Ah, Richard"s Mom, that stinks you missed it. I could hear the *barking* in the background as well. I never pick up either the land line or my cell phone unless I recognize the number, but I guess I will have to change that habit soon. We need to figure out the area code/calling card issue. Is it only 847 if they are calling collect?

[TXMom30]

You will probably get your "kid in a box" next week, mine came 4 days after he left.  If you EVER get a call that says blocked or private caller, answer it. My son received his first liberty call this past Friday from the 847 area code, but during week 2, he was filling out his direct deposit stuff and needed the routing number and they allowed him to call. I suppose it was from someones desk because he first tried my cell, which I missed, but as I grabbed the cell, I saw "private caller". Than my home phone range and it said "blocked". This call I answered and we spoke for about 2 minutes. He was not able to say much as I rooted through his belongings to retrieve the info he needed, but it was good to hear his voice and ended with "I love you mom". When he made his liberty call on Friday, we spoke for 23 minutes and prior to calling me, he called his girlfriend and gave her 7 minutes of the 30 minutes they were allowed. I would advise you to write some things you want to ask and have your questions because you will get nervous during his liberty call as you can hear others in the backgrdound and the rushed feeling will block your brain from thinking.  My son said the first week was really tough, but it has gotten better with each week....he did beg for some candy. Told me to mail flat pieces of something in a white envelope....LOL....good luck to all of you and prayers for all the recruits and their families!!!!

 

[Hm-in-the-Fam-Mom]

Thanks everyone for all your support and information. I'm so grateful for this site! Waiting and praying now for the letter and the box. This is truly harder than I ever expected.

[MHunter]

Thanks for the information. I have actually kept my cell phone on my at all times. I usually leave it on the counter when I shower or on my desk when I walk away, but not any more. It is always with me, just in case I get a call.