One Week from Today

[GANukeMom(EM mom)]

One week from today we take our son to meet his recruiter so that he can go to MEPS the next morning. In fact, I suspect, it will be one week from this time.

I'm doing the best I can to hold back the tears, or head to the bathroom, in front of him. We are trying to do things that we know we will not get to do for a while with him.

At the same time though, the tension is getting tight between my husband and I. I know that is because of our mixed feelings concerning our son....proud but hating to see him leave home at the same time.

My son still has some loose ends to tie up this week....we go Tues to get his POA notorized, his friends are giving him a small going away party, banking stuff to take care of, he wants to do the paperwork for a new car so that I can make the calls to place the order when we get the call that he is a Sailor (he figures the car will arrive at about the time he gets to Phase 2 at A School)  and will will take it over to him then, as well as some other things.

We are Very blessed that our friends and community are being Very supportive of him.

Time to stop rambling.

[Andysproudmom]

Hang in there. My son leaves Sunday for Meps then boot camp the next day. Like you my house will be empty after he leaves.  My husband is my son's step father. (we have been married 9 years now) and he is a former marine so he doesn't get why I am sad about Andy leaving he says the military was the best thing he did and of course Andy is so exciting about going and can't wait to start this adventure. I will see him off Sunday with a smile on my face as my heart breaks. The only advise I can give is use this site often and together we will all get through this.

[momof4]

My daughter came home from a meeting at the recruiter's to tell me she was leaving in 2 weeks. WHAT??? I said, very confused because she still had 2 more months. She had made the decision to move her date up and suddenly we were in full speed. Holy cow!! We discussed what she needed to do before she left. It was up to her. She finalized business and spent time with friends and we hosted a casual going away party. She left in February and PIR was in April 2012, her 19th birthday. Those days of wondering, is she ok? is she making friends? how tough is it? I knew in my heart she made the right choice. I keep reminding myself of how proud we of her. She was home recently for 2 weeks and we had a heart to heart, talking about what she had been through and where she was headed. The one thing that made me sad was during a week and a half period she didn't receive any mail. It was close to the end and she really needed to have letters of encouragement. I felt so sad. I felt I let her down. My work schedule was a little crazy and I was hoping others were writing. My point - write daily!! She has now left for C School and will move on to SanDiego in August. She has the job she wants and is going to one of her 2 top choices. The time has passed quickly. You'll see what I mean. I am very proud of her.

Just remind yourself that they are doing something that is extradinary. Once in a life chance to serve with the best. Keep smiling and know the hardest part will be over soon. Welcome to being a part of Navy4Moms.

HooYah!!

[Kristhns]

My son left Monday and flew out yesterday. Was expecting to be able to spend the the day with him up until he got on the plane but wasn't the plan. Showed up at MEPS at 8 am. Swear in was at 9 am. Sent to a room to sign contract then visited with him for about 20 minutes. Was then sent to another room and came out to tell us that we had 20 minutes to wrap it up and we weren't able to go to the airport to see him off. I feel it was probably for the best. Held it together for the sake of my son. He asked me not to cry so I waited until I was walking away and didn't look back. His flight departed 6 hours later. Was fine the rest of the day until I text him 30 minutes before his flight to ask if he was boarding yet and he replied, "Bout ready to." That's when I lost it for awhile. He text me 4 hours later saying, "Just landed, Whoop Whoop." Then got the 15 second scripted call 4 hours later. Doing OK today. Hoping it gets easier as the days go on then the box will come and I'll fall apart again but I'm thinking that's when it's going to start getting better. Being able to write and hoping not soon after maybe a phone call. I agree with Iceyangel. My husband and I have been married for 22 years and together since the 7th grade.  He's been my rock since we left him at MEPS. We're 41 and 42 and are now empty nesters. That's going to be a journey of it's own. Congrats and welcome to the journey of a Navy Mom!!