Please slow the time down!

[AJVNavyMom]

My son went to his last DEP meeting Wednesday night. (Leaves Jan.4th) I always feared this meeting for I knew it would be close to him leaving us. He was so excited to get his book signed off on and show his total weight loss. (30 lbs!) He is so happy that his leaving is finally nearing. For me, I felt the incredible tug in my heart. I felt the house quieter. I felt the emptiness when I went by his room. I felt the dynamics of our home shift. Before I knew it, the tears were again pouring down my face. I found myself sitting on his bed and holding his favorite blanket. How on earth am I going to let him go? How on earth am I going to do this? I try so hard to keep in perspective that this is not about me, but him. I can't imagine what he must be thinking. Does he have fears? Will he have just as hard a time to say goodbye? Is his strength and excitement to go just a front? I stand strong and proud in front of him, but on my alone times, I can't help but cry with the thought of my first born to turn to the open world and go. I pray for the strength I will need to get through this for myself and my daughter and husband. Perhaps Santa will bring me my wish!

[Anita MA Mom]

I so agree with Debbie. My son left for BC Oct 26th. I am counting down the days till PIR 12/17 only 14 days till we see him. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THAT YOUNG MAN!! Just keep yourself busy and time will fly by. Go ahead and get some cards now . I went several weeks before he left and stood in Walmart and picked out a ton of funny cards, and also bought a box of just plain note cards. I suggest you start now writing to him have the cards ready to address when you get his address. We got my sons box of clothes , shoes and cell phone, about a week after he left. The very next day we got a letter from the Navy with his address and graduation date on it and a SHORT note from him. I feel very fortunate he has called home at least once a week since he has been gone. That has really helped me and the others! Try to get as many of your friends and family to write him and keep the letters coming while he is at BC. It will make it much easier for him. Suggestioins to send with him when he leaves, a date book (small) , address book with anyone and everyone he would want to write, STAMPS AND MORE STAMPS!! They say that Stamps are like gold in BC. You can also go with him to the swearing in Ceremony. I am not sure where that will be for him our sons was in Nashville. We actually got to take him to the hotel and stayed in the same hotel . We all went out for dinner that night and then saw him the next day at like 1000. It was a really neat experience they were very nice and encouraged us to take pics or video what ever we wanted to do. If you can possibly go do so!!! We get to bring him home with us from Chicago and he stays until 12/27. If I can ever help let me know, I am not too far ahead of you. I am also a Nurse and know where you are coming from. Many Blessings to you and your Sailor.
ANITA

[Lynne]

Gosh, that could have been me writing that blog in August. I thought my heart was breaking or being ripped out of my chest depending on which day of the week it was. My only child was leaving home, and I was going to have NO contact with him. Who was going to pick him up if he fell? Who was going to encourage him when he was down? Who was going to tell him that he could, when he sure he couldn't? I remember standing at the door, a smile on my face, waving goodbye until I couldn't see him anymore. I closed the door, sat down, put my head in my hands and began to cry and then I prayed. Finally, I got back online, came to navy for moms and decided that I had to go to boot camp too. I had always believed that knowledge was power and it was time to find out what he would be going through and how I could best help him. I joined several groups and listened to seasoned moms like Jessica, Bunker, Denise and many who had been through it and had various perspectives about how to cope. I joined my PIR group and together we worried, we cried, we cheered, we encouraged, and we laughed. We grew and learned together and became a family. As the letters came from my now sailor they changed from overwhelmed and tired to confident and secure. He told me that in the toughest times he could still hear my voice cheering him on...telling him that all was good and that he could do it. We were never apart....we were still connected heart to heart and so it shall for you and yours as well. Now my son is in A-school and never a day goes by where he doesn't call to at least say hi. We are probably closer now than we have ever been and I wouldn't have thought that possible. Leaving home was hard for him, it was also something he had to do, and he reminds me of that often. Get ready for the ride...it is new and different...but it can be very rewarding...for both of you!!