Today was the day he left

[rocksNboys]

Yesterday we delivered my son to the recruiters. Today I drove into town to the base to see him sworn into active duty. I got teary last night and today, but didn't really cry. I thought I was doing amazingly. Then when I got home my phone had slipped under the seat, and I thought I had lost it. I fell apart. The picture of him before he got on the bus, and the message that told me "see you later momma, I love you" were on the phone. Thinking I had lost it, and I might have to get another number that he would not know was too much, and led to many tears. Now we wait for the call saying he has arrived. This has been hard. I cannot imagine what it will be like in the days ahead for us and especially for him. Thinking of all of you who are going through this before me, with me, and those who will soon start the process.

[OmahaRudy]

Day the after my son left, May 29, was the hardest for me. I wanted to soak in my sadness and emotions but made myself move on. Getting "the box" will likely be your next challenge. It's like their birth into the Navy from civilian life. The socks, the underwear, everything. Civilian life is gone!

Be proud, though. He is doing a noble and important thing!

[eljac913 (Ship 12 Div 053)]

Boot camp was the hardest thing I have ever done, never mind for my son who was actually doing it. I stayed plugged in to this site and this is what got me through.  There is nothing like the feeling when they complete Boot Camp and you get your sailor call.  And graduation is the most memorable event.  There are no words.  Ever since my son graduated, I have been feeling prouder and prouder of everything he is doing.  Best of Luck!  

[rocksNboys]

Thanks. I needed your words.

[ngstephy (Ship 11/Div 249)]

OMG.  I just read your posting.  I am new to this site and trying to get as much information as I can.  This weekend is my daughter's going party and I am trying my best to enjoy the moment.  However I am trying real hard to be strong and only give her positive advise so that she can stay focus on her goal.  Me on the other hand, I dont know how I will deal with the reality that she will be gone. Ship date: June 18, 2012.    

[TriciaR Ship3 Div 239]

My son shipped yesterday so I know exactly what you are going through! I felt like a teenage girl - I kept asking my husband if he was sure the volume was up on his phone. I made him turn the t.v. down so we would be sure to hear the phone.  We finally got our call a little after midnight then I was able to relax a little.

[ngstephy (Ship 11/Div 249)]

Thank you for sharing.  As I read your posting, all I can do is cry.  The feeling and emotions are so strong that I do not let myself think that she is actually leaving me.   When I do think about it I get very sad and just cry. She is my one and only child. The day she told me that she signed up, I when to my room to cry. I know I need to accept her decision and for the most part I have only in front of her.  Behind her or when she is not around, I feel so lost. I guess I should mention at this point that I am a signal parent.  My daugther and I are very close. 

[ngstephy (Ship 11/Div 249)]

I am so sorry for being so emotional but I thank you for sharing your story with me.  

[Anna Aviation Mom]

ngstephy  your daughter isn't leaving you. She's starting her life. I felt the same feeling like I was slowly loosing my baby. But after my daughter graduated from RTC. And I seen the woman she had become.. WOW! Now that is a sight for sore eyes. It was one of the happiest days of my life. and now my daughter is the happiest I've ever seen her. and thats all we want for our children is to be happy.. It gets better new navy moms. 

[rocksNboys]

ngstephy, my son only recently left, but as I write encouragement to him, I realize I am telling myself the same words. It was dreadful to have him leave, but I look forward to the day that we will see him at the PIR. I cried a lot when he first enlisted, but by the time he left I was able to hold it together until he was gone. He rarely saw me cry. For myself, I made a powerpoint of his pictures and put it to the music "Homeward Bound". My older son said it sounded to sad, but it was the message in the song that helps me, that this is his calling. I have to set him free to do what he believes he should do, and he'll be back again. I personally wanted him to be a jeweler, as he first planned, and live near me. But he had other ideas. It did feel like I was loosing him, but I have realized I did raise him to do this, to find his dream and go for it. You will be alright. Even in missing your daughter, you will be able to be celebrate what she is doing. It is a new season for all of us. Thank goodness we have each other. I will probably be emotional on this again one of these days, but today, I can be there for you.

[GANukeMom(EM mom)]

I'm crying as I'm reading all of this. We will take our son to meet his recruiter to go to MEPS 3 weeks from tomorrow.  I'm already feeling empty at just the thought of him leaving. He takes his final oath the day before my birthday. Getting the call that he is at bootcamp and safe will be one of the best presents I will get.

rocksNboys, I keep telling myself that my husband and I have been Great parents and raised him well if he has the courage to follow his dreams and take on a challenge that  he is.