Son left for basic on 8/21/12

[Kylesmom (Ship 11 Div 339)]

Hi Everyone

I'm new to this site, my name is Janet..I have an 18 year old son Kyle who just left for Basic on Tuesday.  I am so proud of Kyle.  But this has got to be the most difficult thing I have every lived through as a parent so far.  Saying goodbye to him after his swear in on Tuesday was heartbreaking.  I was much better today and then it happened....THE BOX....I couldn't believe that BOX came already... and inside my sweet boy sent a note, he wrote "I'm sure I'm doing ok and I know everything will be ok. thank you for all of your love and support, I will see you soon.  I love you."  I cried all over again.  This will be the longest 9 weeks of my life.  Kyle will turn 19 while he is in Basic and that day will be horrible, I can feel it already.  He worned me, "mother no birthday cards"!!!  I just want to thank all of you moms out there in this same situation because just knowing that you are all out there just means the world to me.  I'm looking forward to chatting with you and making some new friends.. its very hard when nobody knows what your going through and they try to compare it to college.  It so not the same.

Thank you all

Kylesmom

[lemonelephant]

You may want to check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvKAhmgkoj4 and http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433. They will give you an idea of what is happening.

You may wish to join, or at least check out Boot Camp Mom's, PIR Reference Information, and New Members Stop Here.  Once you get the form letter and know his PIR date and/or division number, go to http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/groups-listed-by-pir-date and/or there will be information about forming it in the above groups.

(Group names within this comment are clickable links.  To join a group, click on the group name and after the group page opens, click on "+ Join..." in the upper right.)

[Ellen005]

Hi Janet, my son Jacob left the same day as your Kyle. Its been a long two days, huh? I haven't THE BOX yet, you are so lucky that your son put a note to you in it, what a great guy. Jacob's birthday is during basic, too, I told him I was going to send a singing card and candy bars...ha! I wont, but a letter just seems like such a small birthday connection. I've written to Jacob twice already, can't wait to get the address to actually mail them. Maybe our sons will know each other :)  Have a good night, thank you for your note...Ellen

[dband5Brandon's mom-ship11div339]

Hi Janet! My baby also left tues. and like you I too cried all the way home. Brandon also will celebrate his 19th birthday in basic!! His is Sept.22nd:) The funny thing is my husband is retired Navy and my oldest son joined the Navy 11 yrs ago this month ( he's out now) and having Brandon leave is by far been the hardest..Maybe because he is my baby, As far as college yes that too is hard but it's so much better when you can pick up the phone or text them. Here if you need to talk :)

[Kylesmom (Ship 11 Div 339)]

Thank you ladies for your support. I really am enjoying this site so much. It is truly a wonderful feeling to know that I can connect with so many other moms that know exactly what I am going through at all times.  I sure hope that my Kyle does get to know Jacob and Brandon that would really be something!!  Kyles 19th birthday is on September 26th funny he is only a few days younger than your Brandon...WOW!  Who knows they could be bunk mates or whatever they call it.  I'm still learning all the Navy lingo.  lol  

[mamacraw]

Hi Janet!  My name is Lori and I just read your blog post.  My daughter, Ashley, left on 8/22.  Totally agree with your comment about it not being the same as college.  Ashley is 20 and has been college for the past two years.  I definitely was not as freaked out by her being gone then as I am now!  Lack of info is the hardest thing!

[renie76]

I totally know what u are going thru. My daughter left on 8/21/12 also. I miss her so much. And its nothing like going away to college. Everything in the house reminds u of them and so  its that much harder to stop crying,worrying, waiting. I so feel where u are coming from. hope to see u at graduation!!

[svegan2012]

Hi Janet:)  My name is Shelly and I really related to how you're feeling.  I agree this site is very helpful and just being able to hear your stories gives me comfort. I've had 2 kids go to college and while that was hard it was nothing like this. My son left 8/22 from Portland.  Like I told AshleyC's mom on another post, I'm just keeping really busy....I also liked the great links from lemonelephant which led to others that are so helpful.  While this is not the life my husband and I had pictured for our son, we are so proud of him for having a plan for his life.  A family friend totally flagged the front of our house the day before he left...big flags, little flags, banners...in the yard.... in the planter boxes hanging from everywhere.  It was great!  We've had such support it warms our hearts.  No doubt our son knows how much he's loved.  We can do this!

[garrett'smom(ship 11 div 339)]

WOW there are alot of Birthdays for our kids in September...my son Garrett also left on the 21st and his birthday is September 9...he will be 19...maybe the Navy will throw them a big party,,,lol...not...Every day I think of him and wonder what he is doing at that moment.  My husband tells me he is playing with his new Navy buddies :))

I am glad to have this web site for all us parents as well....and cant wait for Graduation!!!

[dband5Brandon's mom-ship11div339]

tgear34 My son left the 21st too and will be 19 Sept.22nd...haha..Great idea about the big party but some how I dont think the Navy would like it...lol..Brandon is my 2nd child to join the Navy too BUT for some reason I am having a harder time and when my oldest joined my husband who is now retired navy was out at sea so I had to do it by myself..Brandon is our youngest and I think for me thats why!!