Dreading next week

[LindaGirl]

Hi everyone,

     I am new to this & just need some encourging words as my son leaves next Wed. Sept 26 for boot camp & I am dreading it.  Even, as I write this tears are coming to my eyes.  I just wish it were a year from now & all this would be behind us.  I know I have to stay positive for my son, but it is so hard knowing in a week he will no longer be around after having him at home 24/7 for his entire 23 years!

[Dudes for life]

My son left for bootcamp 8 days ago. I cried the days before, the day of, and the days after. We are mom's who love our kids. I think it is normal and healthy for us to be so emotional. Start writing him letters as soon as he leaves. I was lucky enough to recieve his mailing address yesterday. It does get easier. I miss him so much. I just keep telling myself how proud I am t hg at he has chosen this path. This site has also been helpful. Hope that helps. Message me if you ever need to talk. Best of luck to you and your son.

[kathleen]

My son graduated from boot camp last Friday, so clearly I am the expert!!!  (lol).. The only thing I can tell you is that I was a complete mess until the first time I talked to him.  From that point on it was just a count down to see him.  He was able to make more phonecalls than I expected (maybe 5?) so that was a gift.  And really, really, really...  enjoy every second of your time at Great Lakes for PIR..  It was truly one of the most emotional, moving experiences of our lives.  !!!

[BoxinatorMom Ship11 Div331]

I can suggest something?  Send him with an "upbeat, proud family" letter he can read when he is en route. My son was kind-of in shock when he left,  as those first few days are probably the most difficult for them. And this IS all about them, we get that as Moms. So I agree with SHIP 03! Even before you have an address, write encouraging letters. You will have an address soon, and can send them off. I have always written emails, but you'll be surprized how wonderful letters (in hand writing) are to receive and to get! I think it's wonderful that we get to see paper our kids have actually written on. It may sound silly now, but when you get that letter he wrote, you'll agree.

So DO write!!

And hang in there. Anything you don't say to your SR now, you wil be able to put in letters. And they will mean more because these men and women need to feel a connection to home. I am so honored to be a Navy Mom!

[tequilla (ship 11 div. 363)]

Im into my second week, my daughter is 20, the first week is hell on nerves!! But this week has been better! I saw her handwriting on the form letter, a little taste of her!! Also start writing to them right away and number yout letters on back of envelope so they open in order. Hope to get my letter from her soon! Miss my girl!!

[zette Ship 14 Div. 344]

My son left on 8/20 so we are counting down. I cried before he left and all the way home. It was 2 weeks before I could even open the door to his room. Even in week 4, I still tear up from time to time. When I got the "I am here" call that lasted about 15 seconds, it was a small relief. I cried again when I got the "kid in a box". To feel closer to my son, I started writing letters the day he left. When I got the form letter, I sent all of them. It will seem like forever before you get the first one back but it will happen. Just remember to send plenty of news from home. Mail is like gold and they live for each letter. They can have pictures but they have to be wallet size. This site has been so wonderful. Not only does it have so much information but I have made a lot of new friends who are going through the same thing I am. We are all in this together. In the last several weeks, we have laughed, cried, encouraged each other and celebrated letters and phone calls from our Sr's. Just remember that you are not alone. The first week or so is the hardest for both you and your Sr. but before you know it, you will making plans and counting the days to PIR.

[NavyTown ship 12 DIV 361]

wow u sound like me my son went in on sep6 i cryed so much i got sick! ~ i got the box n cryed a lil n smiled a lot its been a couple weeks now i got the form letter yes nice to see his handwrighting but wish it was a letter from him! write write write as i do ps if u can get pictures copied to regular paper stick in letter! ~ i cant wait for a phone call seems like forever! my son is also 23yrs old div 361 i can tell u it does get better reading navy mom stuff about bootcamp,just knowing we r not alone n all going through it helps some! ~ ps i looked up what navy bootcamp daily schedual lol it kinda helped me knowing oh 8am flag oh they eat at such n such they do pt at such n such training ect and lights out at 10 so i know that days past he cant call after ten my cell is on me at all times! we r moms lol stay strong ok! Take care!

[Jolene2Sailors]

One suggestion I saw on here too late to do myself:

Write a short note and stick it in his wallet. He will be able to keep his wallet and everything in it.

I had a much harder time the first two weeks than my son did, I think. :) They go through a lot, but they get stronger. I'm assuming we moms get stronger, too, but I'm still waiting for that...

[eljac913 (Ship 12 Div 053)]

Hi everyone,  I am 9 months in now and it does get easier.  Like all of you, I cried and cried when my son left.  He is 19 and my youngest so it was hard for me to let him go.  Boot Camp was the most difficult but I was so proud of him  the day I got my "I am a sailor" call.  Then to see graduation; I cannot even describe how awesome that entire event is.  The weeks leading up to graduation are certainly difficult for us as well as them but stay plugged into this site.  It really does help.  Best of luck to all of you.