it has been one week! Can I survive????

[channa1]

So it has been one week today or 7 days since my daughter has left, I got the box, but no letter yet. I peruse every single photo posted in the hopes of seeing her. Just a glimpse into what she is doing. She told me not to call her recruiter, which I did not until yesterday (Broke my promise)...Thank, heaven he did not answer. This baby of mine (20 year old baby) has left for two weeks to Paraguay and it did not upset me as bad. Some days are better than others. There are a lot of Mom’s and Dad’s that help a lot. I just want to know she is doing OK. That is all. I know I have to cut the Apron Strings at some time, though being my last child at home this is about the hardest thing I have had to do. For the last 32 years, it has been my kids and I through the good and bad...Yes, there have been a couple of men in there…however, when things got bad, I could always count on the kids being there. I just never thought she would be the one to leave. Now, don’t get me wrong! I am so Darn Proud of her...I know every member of my family who has been a member of the service since the War of 1812, is looking down on her with Pride. Her Grandpa who has passed would be so proud to know she has joined up. He rest at The National Cemetery in Grand Prairie Texas overlooking the Flag.

A Couple of days before she left, she came into my office to have a “Talk”...She told me, Mom, if something happens to me, bury me where Grandpa is, I want to be close to him. Then preceded a massive amount of tears!

I think her Brother said it so well on a post he made I would like to share:

"It follows then as certain as that night succeeds the day, that without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious." - George Washington.

Sarah, the journey you are about to embark upon is going to be tough, it’s going to be hard...you’re probably going to want to quit, but WHEN YOU MAKE IT you will be so proud. And I personally cannot wait for that day to come, the day that you could get to be cal a Sailor. A member of the Navy, fighting for this country and being all you can be (yes that was Army, but it fits here too: p)

I love you to pieces and hate to see you go, but I know it is for the better. Just remember that I am always here for you.

God Speed and God Bless! Love You: D Your Big Brother

[channa1]

Thank you all so much for the comments! YES...She has a bunch of support..people she knows well and some she has never met...Thank you all for the support!

[Proud mom of 2 sailors]

Channa1...you can do it...I am a single mom of four. My SR was in college second semester trying to decide what to major in. He came home one day said " Mom I have been praying for guidance in determining where I belong, God is leading me to the Navy" I said seriously Ricky, what is you major??? ( he is first generation to join) He has PIR June 22 the guys call him Brother (and his last name). He is second in charge of Chaplain services. You are right to be proud of your daughter. and you will make. I agree it's different for them to be away at BC. Hang in there !!!

[Navy Kare Bear]

I can completely understand - This has been the longest week of my life.  I have one child and he left a week ago.  I got the minute phone call to say - I'm here and safe" and now I'm waiting on the letter. And receiving the box of his stuff was extremely difficult. I know this was the right thing for him and I'm so proud of him however if I could just hear his voice to say I'm okay it would wonders.  My entire life was built around being mom - I guess we are all starting new phases in life.  Stay strong and know you are not alone. 

[SandraJ]

That was the longest two months of my life, Channa.  Andre' is now on the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf.  Only ten months ago he was starting boot camp.  I waited anxiously for any word.  Then the box came and it was like my son's spirit had been ripped away and only his shell was mailed to me.   He is our youngest (and only son).  Now he has graduated, passed advanced training, and is serving on one of the finest ships in the Navy.  Graduation was WONDERFUL.  I loved it.  Don't miss that.  Seeing him for the first time in two months was beyond wonderful.  Hang in there.   This too shall pass away.....and the sun will shine and you will see them in their uniforms and your heart will burst with pride.  

[llkampert]

I can say, it does get easier.. Your daughter is doing a good thing for herself.  The worst day of my life was letting my son drive off with his recruiter the day he left for Recruit Training.  He's been in for 5 years now, deployments are still tough, I still cry when I say goodbye.  We can only support them in all their endeavors.  Be sure to make it to her graduation, it's the coolest darn thing :))  Take care.

[mompinon]

hi , It does get a little easier ... It help`s a lot to keep busy and this site is pretty good too ..Keep your head up and if you need to talk to recruiter then you just go on ahead and do it. I did not get my box to this day and my Daughter graduates on June 28th already ...Wow!!  22 Days left till I may see her and hug her...  Hey you Pray, cry , scream,feel sad,or what ever helps you get threw it just hang on...! I feel we are in for a ride of a life time with our children..above all we must support them at all time at all cost.!

[Barbara]

I havent been on here in quite awhile. Just skimmed over a few of the comments. To all the New Navy Moms... It does get easier. My daughter has been in for 11 years next month. She is on the USS Enterprise CVN 65 right now. Good Byes are hard. Looking forward to the Holidays this year. She will be back by then. We have been very blessed she has been only 4 hours away until she was stationed in Norfolk last year. Now it is a half days ride by car. =0/ 

Reading your posts, bring back so many memories. Hang in there! It will get easier. I guess you just learn how to handle it really.