So very proud of my son...now come the tears

[javajo50 (MM Power School 1103)]

Ok Moms....Am I wimpy or what? My son doesn't leave for bootcamp until July and already I find myself getting choked up. My family and I are so proud of him. Being in the Navy will give him some great opportunities and also give him an appreciation for our country. My father was a World War II Navy Seabee and so it is with great pride that my son will follow his grandfather in the same military branch.

The question I have is: How do I stay strong for him? I feel like an idiot when my eyes well up with tears this early in the game. He hasn't even left my home yet and will be around for 4 more months. Sometimes I wonder how much I'll actually be able to communicate with him once he's gone. I'm sure the correspondence will be few and far between especially in bootcamp. I will try to be strong and remind myself that what he is about to embark on will be an awesome duty for his country.

Thanks all for listening . I think being part of this site will be a great support for me!!

[2 navy boys]

I cried for 2 months before my son actually left for BC and then cried even harder the first 2 weeks he was gone. But my husband and I were so proud when graduation day finally came. PIR is awesome!!! He's now in Fla in A school and I get to talk with him daily. Thank God for cell phones!

[javajo50 (MM Power School 1103)]

Thanks ladies for the comments. Brian is in the DEP program at the moment and goes twice a week to the recruitment office for PT workouts. His timing run seems to improve each week so I am happy for that. I think he's finally feeling like he's getting into his physical best. I still have so much to learn like what PIR is, what the different schools mean such as "A" school but I'll get there with more reading. It's so nice to know that I have this support system to help me along the way. I'm happy to hear kellymicah that you're able to talk to your son daily now. What a joy that must bring.

[LA'sMOM]

I'm in the same boat you are, javajo50. My son is in DEP and he leaves May 3rd. When I first heard about this site, I was excited to learn everything I could about what was going to happen. But I found myself crying like a baby because it really hit home. He's really leaving. I'm so used to having him around and him calling me at least once a day. I'm trying to be strong but it's not easy. Any advise from all these wonderful people really does help. I feel like the more I'm prepared for this, the easier it will be. Hopefully.

[javajo50 (MM Power School 1103)]

Thanks marine navy mom for leaving some encouraging thoughts and lessons on what I can expect in the future. My son has already seen me blubbering enough and we laugh it off. I'm sure as his boot camp date gets closer, it won't be as funny. And yes a lot of those tears are because of immense pride and knowing that our kids are truly leaving the nest. Thanks, too, for the info on PIR and "A" school. I am most definitely planning on being there for my son for his graduation. Do you know if each sailor is allowed "X" number of guests who can attend? My family is all in Wisconsin and I'm sure a lot of them would drive down for the event in Great Lakes. My thoughts are with you and your family as they continue through their military journey.

[javajo50 (MM Power School 1103)]

Thanks for the advise TandV. Buying tons of stamps sounds like a good idea. I'll write to him as often as I can. Did you buy stamps for you daughter to take to boot camp with her? Can they buy them on base or is it easiest to just send a ton with them? I'm not sure if Brian will be joining the Seabees or not. I know his ultimate wish is to work on a sub upon completion of his schooling, so we'll see what happens.

[Jess's Mom (Fire Controlman GL)]

My daughter just left on 3/23. I cried when she first told me she wanted to join. It took me about a month to realize that this was the best decision she has ever made. I did pretty well up until the suprise party we had for her 2 weeks before she left. I cried when I read all the beautiful cards she received. I was pretty gloomy up until she left. That day I was just a little teary eyed, and then I got that 5 second call and I was hysterical. I think it was because is was now REAL. I just the "kid in a box" today and actually did very well. I just put her dirty clothes in the wash, put her cell phone in her room, and saved the box so I can put her letters in it. I bought her 3 books of stamps, but her recruiter said not to send them because the Navy provides them. Now I will use them to send her at least one letter a day. I already have 3 written waiting for her address.

Being teary eyed is normal. This is a life changing decision that not only affects your child, but your whole family. But it is a great decision to serve their country. My daughter asked me if I could hold back on the sobs until after she left which I did. She didn't want to see me cry because then she would cry. Try to be strong and remember it's only 8 or so weeks and then you get to see your new sailor.

[javajo50 (MM Power School 1103)]

Thanks Jess for your kind words and encouragement. You sound as though you are managing as best a mom can do. I believe that writing letters to our kids (even if they may not reply right away) is very therapeutic for us. Somehow I believe it will make me feel closer to our children. I give you lots of credit in being able to hold back the tears till your daughter left. My son has had to look at my eyes get moist when we talk of his leaving for boot camp. I wish you all the best as you continue to adjust to the transition. Drop me a line if you feel like it later to let me know if it gets any easier to cope. God bless you and yours!

[javajo50 (MM Power School 1103)]

I so appreciate all the information you've provided TandV! I was all set to stock up on stamps to give my son. Now I know not to bother :) How wonderful that you were able to actually visit with your daughter for an entire half hour. From what I've been reading on the message boards, it sounds as though most of the calls are very very short in length. I'll take whatever 'live voice' time I can get with my son when that day comes. So the 'kid in a box' shipment has me thinking I'll be sobbing when I open it. Oh dear! It HAS to get better with time. I know all our children are doing a wonderful and honorable thing for our nation and that is what I need to keep in the forefront of my mind. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the kids get the laptop and cell phones back after boot camp. That's very nice indeed. At least I know once he's attending school in Charleston, I should be able to get hold of him then. I'm also thankful that we only live about 5 hours from Charleston so weekend visits may be a possibility. Thanks again for your encouragement and insight. Many blessings to you and yours!

[javajo50 (MM Power School 1103)]

OMG Ginny! My son is leaving July 21st! How are you starting to feel about the whole thing? Are you keeping the emotions together so far??? What rate will your son be??

[javajo50 (MM Power School 1103)]

Thanks for your comments Judy buds mom~ I can only imagine how hard it must be to go through this stage now. I realize how fast July will arrive and my son will be off to bc. It's good to hear that your son has developed a new attitude and appreciated for you and your husband. I'm not sure why, but it seems that these kids always think their parents are idiots and don't know anything. Then one day they mature and suddenly look at us as someone they look up to and confide in. Hang in there as you slowly become accustomed to this drastic change in your son's life. Before long I'll be writing you to tell ya how very hard it is for me to be without my son :( Best wishes my dear!