Just got home from graduation.....

[Maria(MikeRoe'sMom)]

It is Monday April 12, 2010. My son graduated on Friday! It was an amazing day (an amazing weekend). When my son left for boot camp I was devastated and panicked...He was 20 and had done many things in his life but lived at home still knowing for a year he was going into the navy.I had never been away from him...Going into his rrom when he left and having it be empty was horror for me. So final....I cried alot in the beginning. Everyone talks about THE BOX...(which contains all the recruits belongings) When I got that, my heart sank. It was so devasating! I found this web site and read alot of the posts. I am not so sure that was a good thing at all times. One person talked about legal papers power of atty..I about had a panic attack when I read that because your son is gone and it's all unknown and the mention of that...oh boy. The experience is different for everyone (moms and recruits!) My son knew he was going to Great Lakes but just did what he was assigned to do and did not ask a million questions....that made me crazy!!! I was able to speak to him several times through out bootcamp and that was awesome! It was not until I was at the graduation and saw for myself where he was (so when I go to sleep at night I can visualize) now I feel a little more at ease. Friday he moved up the street for his next phase. Pre-buds. He is on his way to becoming a Navy Seal. I rode home on the plane with a million thoughts in my head but one very apparent thought keeps playing in my head...My son is a Seaman. Property of the US Government. He chose this. I will never really have a heads up on his whereabouts ahead of time anymore...Everyday will be a surprise and I will sit by the phone from now....forever! Waiting for any new update from him! Every sailor is at different stages and ranks and they are all in for different branches. I just suggest to any new moms to book at least the hotel asap...they fill up fast. Arrive at the Naval gate the day of graduation at 6:30am. (the sooner you get in the hall you can be front and center to see your seaman recruit! They will have the divisions posted so you will know where to sit to see your Seaman Recruit! Use the restroom before you sit because you will soon be sandwiched in!!! They sell drinks and snacks...good luck to you and your sons and daughters!!!!