Light at the end of the tunnel

[Voxtrot]

The hardest thing in life is to say goodbye to your child...we try to do it in baby steps starting at pre-school (oh how they cried) through high school, small trips here and there and then college.

Joining the military, however, is a completely different goodbye. It's almost like an abduction, no contact, only a quick call to confirm arrival and a box of their "proof of life" arriving, sometimes with no note.

This is tough,and feels foreign, against all parental instinct. I hear the pain in all the posts on this website. We have handed over our kids and they are gone.
But let's put this in perspective, they are 18 years of age or older, think back to when you were that age, you were more capable than your parents ever imagined, and so are our kids. And if you have doubts about their capabilities, the Navy doesn't, the Navy will help them find their way...and the brutal truth is, the Navy won't keep anyone that would not be able to make it through.

I had to force myself to stay busy and upbeat the first few weeks until we got our initial phone call...after that, all anxiety dissipated. Our recruit sounded so clear and present and there was a new sound of confidence in his voice. A change was happening, and it was good.
By the time we got our next call and a letter, it was evident that this decision, that he made,was one of the best ever. He is fast tracking into the young man he always hoped to be.

Yes there will always be worry about war and conflicts and where are they now, but we must accept their decision to serve and tap into the that place of great pride. Pride has to override fear.

This process also brings out complicated family dynamics, and we have to face some things we would rather not deal with. But really, we have to face them sometime, let's clear out the cobwebs and make a clean sweep of it, just like our recruits are doing with their lives. It's boot camp for everybody!

We are nearing PIR and can't wait to meet the new and improved version of our son. He dug deep in his faith and found strength that he never knew he had, and he did this on his own. He now knows how far he can can go in life, he was tested and came through it. This is valuable beyond any experience we can think of.

So, hold tight, trust the process and trust your recruit, they are more capable than you know.

Hooyah for them and Hooyah for you!

[Voxtrot]

Sethsmom, bottom line is they will be better prepared for teh real world than any other experience...my boy is going back to college in the spring and he'll have a brand new attitude and APPRECIATION for his circumstances. This is a good contrast for them and most importantly, they do it with out our interference (loving as it may be) , they really need to walk this walk and to learn how to work as a team. I'm anxious to see him at PIR ! Seriously just get busy, I cleaned out the basement, had a massive yard sale, and we were smart, we got a puppy when he enlisted so I would have a place to put all my empty nester "I need someone to care for" anxiety!

[The1Book]

Stephanie, like yourself and so many others on this site, it was devastating the day and days(in my case weeks) after our loved one left, so we all know exactly how you feel.  The day I received my son's box, started a fresh round of tears.  It gets easier, but honestly his PIR is coming up and I still miss him just as much.  Stay busy, check in to this site as much as you can, these are phenomenal women who will help you through.  It will be about 3 weeks before you get a call, ours was the third Sunday and the area code was 847. Remember, no news is good news.  Take heart in knowing that your son is safe and well looked after.  We have a 14 year old at home and he keeps us busy 7 days a week with sports, so if you have young sibling at home, pour yourself into them.  Your form letter should be coming very soon, then you get to write to him!  The first call came late one Sunday evening, the second one came around 3 pm on Sunday also.  Hang on, and thanks to your son for serving!

[DadMom1]

It is hard for me, I experienced "separation anxiety". My child did not quit, did the right thing for the country. I'm so proud as a Mom. After the Boot Camp, I was relieved. Received vacation tickets for me & my husband and pocket money to treat myself. You take care of yourself, pray without ceasing. Thanks for your child for serving the military.   

[Voxtrot]

I urge everyone , if they can, to watch the live PIR here on the website. First of all, it gives you a sense of what goes on during that very important day and also it will cause a shift in your consciousness, it will all come together about why your SR is there and how connected you are to it. Then go treat yourself,go golf, go dance, go shop, whatever, because you raised an awesome person and they are going out into this world better for it and highly trained by the treated Navy in the world. Seriously tune in this Friday morning...it does best on non Apple devices, Kindles work well. Have a massive cup of coffee and lots of tissues! This journey is just beginning, start it with joy and gratefulness in your hearts, and a sober discernment, and pride for your SR. I'm not an expert on this, I'm just as new to this as you are, but I'm an expert on my own heart and on my SR, and this is how I choose to walk this path with him and most of all with Him. Bless you all!