So my daughter has enlisted in the US Navy

[Bri's Mom]

I am new here and have been looking at many of the posts and I know I am in the right place for the support I need now and to offer support to the new Navy mom's who will join after me.

 I would be lying if I said I was not surprised when she told me that she wanted to go into the military. But she did her research and decided that the navy would offer her the best career.

She enlisted on July 24th and although she was given a ship to boot camp date of February 12, 2013, she was contacted by her recruiter last Wednesday and was offered the chance to leave early, like next month early.

I know this is what she wants and I am very proud of her for wanting to serve. I am having a hard time with knowing that when she leaves, I don't know when I will see her again.

I am a single parent and am on a fixed budget so being able to save teh extra money I would need to go to her graduation is not in the cards. Between the airfare, hotel, and rental car, it would cost me half a month's pay.

It always been just her and I and although we have spent our time apart due to her summer camp job and living with her cousin, I am gonna miss her.

 

[sailorwifenmom]

(((Hugs)))  As a Navy wife and as a Navy mom, I know it can be hard.  Just remember though, even if you can't see her in person as much as you like, you can still talk to her (and see her) through things like skype, and even if, say, she gets stationed overseas (primarily if she's on shore duty, this won't work as well on a ship), she can get a magic jack or vonage phone, and you all can call back and forth just like she's in the States.  She can even pick a number that's local to where  you are, so it won't even cost you long distance charges :-)

The other good thing is she will be able to take leave, and when she's on leave, she will have the ability to use things like flying Space A (there are some requirements that go with that, and it's not a sure thing flight, so she would need to save money to cover return tickets, but they will teach her all about that), and a lot of airlines also offer discounts to military members, so she can come home and visit you, too.

Also, honestly, if you can't make it for the PIR, they really don't have a lot of time that they're allowed to spend with their families, so you and she both can save money, and maybe use it for her to come home on leave after her A school - where, instead of just having part of a day together, you can have a week or so with her home (and cheaper, too, since you won't have to pay for a hotel or anything like that)   :-)

I know it's hard, and you''re going to miss her, and I am sorry, just trying to help find some positives as far as the visiting goes.  (((HUGS)))

[BoxinatorMom Ship11 Div331]

Hi Bri's Mom,

Hey... chin up! I have an idea. My guess is , if your daughter is as determined  as she sounds, she might be able to help you out! Remember, she will have an income when she joins the Navy. Don't be surprized if she wants to help get you to her Graduation by helping to pay your fare. There are hundreds of people who will be attending her boot camp and you can connect with those in her PIR (Pass-In-Review)/ graduation group. There is bound to be another single Mom who you might share a suite and car rental  with.... You will be surprised how much this website can help us communicate with each other. So don't let Graduation get you down. This is a one step at a time thing... babysteps!

Just babysteps, Mom!!

[Bri's Mom]

Wow! Thanks ladies, you have really made me feel better and given me lots of positives to look at. Those were a few things I had not thought about in regards to money to see her after A school. Also about maybe hooking up with another mom for PIR.