Hurry Up and Wait...

[Bluebonnet]

Our son left for bootcamp Wednesday.   We got the call just after midnight.  He has arrived, he is safe, I will get a box.  Just like everyone said, it was an awful phone call. Very short, very scripted.  Yet I also heard in his voice determination, let it go mom I really am okay, and then he hung up and their was silence.  Of course I am proud, and I am only sad for me and how I will miss him.  However, I am more excited for his journey, and all the stories from him to come. 

I'm waiting for the box and the form letter.  This has been the hardest part so far.  Goodbye was hard, but not being able to write and communicate with him is much worse.  Friends keep telling me its like he is going off to college.  Okay, kinda..but you can call your kid or go visit any time.  I have to wait until I get the green light.  That does make a little difference, and I have done both.  Hoping I find another mom who's child has gone off to boot camp recently.  It'd be nice to hear from you. 

[Susan_Proud Mom]

Bluebonnet....it gets easier. My son left 4 weeks ago Tuesday...(yeah 1/2 way). I haven't cried that much in a long time and at the drop of the hat, still do on occassion. He didn't have alot to say when he was living at home...but I could always get a hold of him when I wanted. Now I am at the mercy of the Navy and it is difficult at best. We missed the arrival at BC call...and the box was the first we heard from him (no messages tho ...just clothes). About a week later we got the form letter on Monday with a little note in the corner of a page. Then a really great 2 page letter on Wednesday the same week, that seemed very optimistic and positive. Then a week ago Sat am we got a call (from a pay phone 847 area code), we spoke for 40 mins but his tone was a little down - he was sick; rec'd a live virus...everyone is ill there, on top of all the other demands on them...he never said he was home sick, but he missed his bed and the dogs (and I am sure the comforts of home). So much for the parents, haha.
As soon as you get the form letter with the address, send him letters. Check out the Sandboxx app...I really like it and he seems to like it too. I send him a few thing via usps, but have been sending a letter or two via Sandboxx per week (there is a fee but the SRs are there for 8 weeks and to me it is nominal). Try and take a deep breath...I am crying less and trying to stay distracted, keep writing your lettters and stay positive and upbeat even if they are in tears...it does get easier....so I hear. Welcome to the club....it helps to hear others stories because they are relatable. Hope this helps...

[Terra]

My son left last week on Tuesday!! Tomorrow is one week and we are all hanging in. We received his box and that felt so sad and REAL! Now we are just anxiously waiting for his form letter and that first call!

[Bluebonnet]

Thank you to Proud mom and Terra. Sharing does make it better.  Somehow gives it a normalcy which I am hoping to find. Everyday does get better they say and I am finding new ways to stay Busy.  Getting better is a wide spectrum.so in the broadest sense yes, even a day or two later is better. 

[Susan_Proud Mom]

I know you can't believe it...but I think it gets a little better each week. It is difficult not to speak to him and to not know what is going on and what they are experiencing on a daily basis...but all I can say is, I was where you are a few weeks ago and now I hope and pray we are almost 1/2 way there....this is the start of the 4th week. Stay strong, stay busy and have faith. Think of how fast time goes normally...it just drags now cuz we have so little control. Let's face it we are moms and we can't control or guide anything...that's really the most difficult part.

We are here for all you newcomers....

[odalysdearmas]

 My son left last week on the 27th and I felt and feel the same exact way you do.  This was a last minute decision for him and I was not prepared to be away from him this way.  I am trying my best to stay positive and remember that this is a very good thing for him ... and like you I can't wait to hear the stories. I am sad but at the same time so soooooo proud !!! 

[buttercup]

Bluebonnet Hi my daughter left March 11. The phone call was really hard, but getting the box was harder. that really made it real. She is an only child so that part is hard too. I know this is the best thing for her. Just hard for mom. The Lord gives them to us on loan, we have to let them grow and go their own way. I guess the hardest thing is being about 14 hours away from her and not being able to be there for her when she got sick. Made it better knowing they have Awesome doctors. I have gotten one call from her since the I am here and safe call. It was so good to hear her voice. Actually got to talk for 53 min 11 sec. We are looking at PIR May 10 . So proud about to bust. It is so good to see the children still wanting to serve their country and protect our freedom.