New Navy Mom

[SeansMom Ship 3 DIV 335]

My son went into the Navy on August 10, 2011. It had been full year since he and I were entertained by the recruiter I had invited to come to our house and tell my son about the Navy. A year ago this month he was headed into his senior year of high school; he had a retail job to which he was faithful but about which he complained quite a lot. School was ok and he had a few classes he did well in, and some about which he felt uninspired. My youngest son and I spent good time together and he never broke the rules or challenged me. He never talked back or did crazy stunts. I think his oldest brother had already given me enough grey hair to last a while so he approached adolescence with less gusto.  As a single parent it was great to have a close relationship and friendship.  I miss my buddy.  It's hard for me to accept that him going into the Navy was more or less my idea and that his letters indicate he's having to make quite a few adjustments.  He wrote a line about "I miss my country music, my boots, and my car" which brought a panic of tears from me.  He often drove the city late at night, listening to his country music. Sad to say that I haven't actually talked to my son; seems the few times he has tried to call I was at work and that was heartbreaking. The last voice mail he left me expired from my phone.  It's hard not to be happy when families share their joy over a phone call. For a while I felt sorry for myself and then I realized it would be a good thing to try and inspire my son;  he needs to hear positive stuff, so I started writing quotes to inspire him and telling him to focus on the big picture; boot camp is not forever. I tell him I've been looking up information on Pensacola, and how cool it will be to spend time in a completely different climate than he's grown up in. Anyway, I still haven't had a good cry,  but sometimes the tears just spill over when I talk about him or think about him.  I hope the Navy will be good to him and for him. I just gave them my most prized possession.

[SeansMom Ship 3 DIV 335]

Judy, thank you for your wisdom! I know in my heart that the Navy is the right decision and he will benefit immensely over his lifetime. Hearing about your son's experience and "the rest of the story" is comforting.  One of the reasons I had called the recruiter is because I realized that the Navy had so much to do with my dad being so wise and capable and intelligent and I knew it would be the right place for my son. Thanks again, be well Judy!

[lisab4]

Hi Navy mom, your story was really touching. It's been really difficult having our son gone- no communication is awful. Our family talks and calls all of the time. We didn't want our son to do this. We're pacifists. He was determined and wouldn't talk with us about doing this. When is your son's PIR? Our son's PIR is Oct 7th. It is hard to hear about everyone else getting calls etc. I agree. But I also agree about sending encouragement-we do it with inside jokes and humor.  And love.  You're a great mom- don't forget it!

 

[SeansMom Ship 3 DIV 335]

Thank you for your comment, Lisa. It must be difficult for your and your husband, especially since you have a somewhat different world view than your son. We aren't hawks but one of my stepsons is a lieutenant colonel in the Army so I've followed his career for over 25 years. He went into the Army for the educational benefits and stayed because of the opportunities.  Maybe your son was motivated to sign up for Navy for similar reasons.  My son will be PIR on October 7 also.  Where does your son go for A school?

[lisab4]

He will go to Monterrey for  cryptology. Then on to San Antonio and then Virginia. Are you getting any letters? What division is he in?  When we have gotten a letter, it makes us miss him more. What will your son be doing in the Navy? Will you get any extra time during graduation to be with him? Our son flies out the next morning.

Thanks for writing- stay strong.

[SeansMom Ship 3 DIV 335]

Wow, your son gets the full US tour!!  My SR will go to Pensacola and he's doing something with IT but I don't know the job for certain. He will be in FL for several months.  He also leaves the day after PIR so we are going to make the best of the limited time we have after graduation!  It will be here before we know it! :-)

[fishmom23]

Wow... your story hit home big time.  My son had been my buddy for 3 years when he was little until his sister came along and then the past 2 years it was just him and I as his brother moved out to join the Army and well the little sister was becoming a teenager and hates us.  Tim and I did everything together from the drive to his school then me to work then off work to pick him up and home... I walked into a bookstore about a week after he left for basic and when I was done shopping I went looking for him and then started crying in the middle of the store realizing he wasn't here.  Some lady came up to me and asked if I was okay... after explaining to her about my boy leaving she hugged me and I thought I better get out of there before they called someone to get me.  I hold my tears knowing that he wants to be a doctor and the Navy is the best way for him to do it and I will tell you that he holds his head high knowing he is out there doing something great for others and his momma stands behind him crying, waving the flag and bragging!  Hugs to you!