Missing My SR!!

[wranglermom]

My son went to boot camp on 10/4/2011.  I did great.  We took him out to eat the night before; had a great time as a family - at a really good meal (because we knew he wouldn't be eating much after that day!).  Then when we got back to the hotel, we sat in the lobby and visited, took pictures - just mulled around.  It was finally time to say "goodnight" and I told myself not to cry.  He hugged Dad and brother, then turned around and hugged me.  It wasn't an extraordinary hug -- just a normal hug.  We didn't look at each other, though.  He turned around, started walking toward the elevator and didn't turn around.  I watched him until he got on the elevator - he never turned around.  I cried a little bit but my other son put his arm around me and led me to our room.  The comfort of his arms helped me stay under control. 

The next morning, we got to MEPS and he was sitting on the front row in a room with a lot of other guys, watching a movie.  We sat on the third row behind him - he didn't get up to come sit with us; he stayed in his seat.  It kind of upset me but Dad said, "He's doing what he thinks is right.  Just stay cool."  So, I stayed calm.  I was great watching him swear in, we were smiling and so proud.  Then the guys were called into the cafeteria to eat lunch.  It was then that our SR said, "Well, you might as well head on back home.  It's just going to be a lot of waiting from here on out."  We wanted to eat and come back; but he insisted we not come back.  Again, I wasn't happy about it - but did what he wanted.

We did our last hug; I didn't cry a lot at all - I was very proud of myself.  The drive home I was fine.  We pulled into the driveway, my chest started feeling heavy.  When we walked in the door, I broke down.  Sobbing, heaving -- my husband held me -- he cried alittle, too.  He said, "I know.  I know.  We'll get through this." 

So, our lives have gotten back to normal.  I've been surprised at how little I have worried about him.  But then we got the formal letter and he wrote on the back of it.  He wasn't happy AT ALL.  He's been placed in a 900 division and we're so proud of him.  I don't think he knows yet just what an honor it is to be in the division. Everyone reminded me it was only his 2nd week in; and things are still very hard at this time.  But I started worrying -- wondering if he is sleeping enough; wondering if he's gotten sick; wondering if he has time to eat; wondering... wondering... 

Now, I'm finding myself that I'm missing my SR desperately!!  We made our flight reservations, hotel, car, etc.  We're ready!  And I'm counting down the days!  I'm thinking I'lm only going to get to see him for two days and then we have to come home.  We won't see him at Thanksgiving - but he'll come home for Christmas.  How will I get through Thanksgiving?  How is HE going to get through Thanksgiving?  That is is favorite holiday.  I'm hoping, so hoping that he will have a good Thanksgiving dinner and be able to relax a little bit.  (?)

My son... now my SR... soon to be our Sailor!!  I'm really proud of him.  But oh, how I miss him!

[Moskate]

We are all hanging in there.  Each day brings a new thought, a new feeling (strong or worried....you never know). How do you know he's coming home for Christmas?  Do you live nearby? I realize that Christmas is a Sunday, so if you're nearby his A School, he probably can get weekend liberty.  What is the 900 Division?  Sounds like it's a special division?

[wranglermom]

Thanks so much, Denise, for your information.  That really comforts me and, again, I am so amazed at how well our SR's are treated!!  I'm loving this site -- it really comforts me; it informs me; it's just wonderful! 

 

[McJane]

Wrangler Mom,

You left that day saying goodbye to your boy, you soon will be saying hello to the young man you have raised. Today my youngest is going through the enlistment process. I just went through this experience with my daughter in law. She is currently going through her Schooling in Pensacola. I found this site just prior to her PIR date so I didn't get to benefit from all that is on here during her bootcamp experience.

The PIR weekend goes by very quickly. Once he is at his school location he will be able to contact you pretty much daily if he wants. Just enjoy the time and don't worry they take very good care of our kids. They help turn them in to adults that you can be truely proud of.

As for Christmas after bootcamp no one knows until they find out about their school. My DIL was not able to take any time off after bootcamp as her school started. I would not count on Christmas. You can open presents anyday. My best advice is to support him even if he can't make it to see you for the holidays. That is part of the career he has chosen. Best of luck to you! Stay strong!

 

[wranglermom]

McJane, thanks for your words of encouragement.  You are right - he will be a man when we see him again!  He will do his A school at Great Lakes after he graduates.  His recruit told us that Great Lakes shuts down for Christmas and he can come home; he will go back for 4 more weeks in Great Lakes then head to San Diego early February.  I'm glad because the winters are gruesome up there!  I'm doing better.  I really have been doing more better than not.  Yesterday was just an Off Day -- feeling melancholy, etc.  But all of you have helped my spirits so much!  I'm also so appreciative of what everyone does for the SR's at Thanksgiving.  Peggy, I agree:  This site is AWESOME!!   and all of you are my God Sends....