Trying to be strong

[csingl504]

My daughter left on Tuesday. Today is thursday I'm still waiting to hear from her. Hoping all the horror stories are untrue. Just want her to be strong and make it through boot camp. Man I never knew I would be so kid- sick. :((((

[Mibarra]

My daughter also left Tuesday from California. She's a tough strong girl, but I also worry about her will she be strong enough..more mentally than of strength..she was our spotted sheep who rocked and challenged our boat and we miss her so much...our home is so quiet with only one child at home. Im still waiting for her 1st letter.

[Kristhns]

My son left Tuesday from Seattle Washington. He took his cell phone so I was able to text him up until he departed then he text me and said, just landed, Whoop Whoop...:) 4 hours later got the 15 second scripted call. It is getting easier day by day but still miss him to pieces. Will be praying that you get some news soon. Take care!!

[MOMOFTOM (Ship9/Div266)]

Hang in there.  Your dtr is going to be just fine.  She can do this, and you can too, Mom!  Lean on us, we'll help each other thru!

[momof4]

The next 8 weeks will be difficult. But you will find a great amount of support on this site. You need to join the PIR group for her Ship/Division. Here, you will connect with other moms that are just as new to this as you. Once you get that form letter things just seem to fall into place. Write her everyday, even if it's only a few lines. Send her a card, letters from family pets are always fun. We have a grandson, so we mailed her pictures he made in preschool, her nephew. Encourage everyone to write. 

When you receive mail from her, it is the most exciting moment. Some letters will sound good, others may be down. Keep your letters positive. Be her cheerleader. She can do this. We are so proud that these young adults have made such a couragious decision to serve with best. 

Remember to smile!! You'll hear from her soon.

[Kayleesmom93]

My daughter also left on Tuesday from Texas. Waiting patiently for letter, box or to hear her voice again !!!

[csingl504]

Thanks for all the positive feedback. To begin, I heard a lot of negative stories from people about boot camp in general. Sorry if it offended anyone. Im just a mom missing her child and have the same fears I figured anyone would. I did finally hear from her yesterday, she said she's fine and I feel alot better. We are from Louisiana and its a much smaller state. She let me know she will be sending me a letter in 2 weeks. I joined this site because I knew there would be alot of wonderful support. Thank you all and I'll be back soon with updates.

[Sandy's_sailor son]

Try not to worry about your daughter. I promise you she is safe and well looked after. She will make lots of friends there from her division. Friends that she will have for a lifetime. Of course, boot camp is not a vacation. It is basic training. It is PT, Basic Seamanship and Self discipline.  The first couple of weeks are the most difficult for the New Recruit. It takes that long to adjust to the daily regimen.

You should be getting a letter from you daughter in 3 weeks. That is because it takes awhile for the Mail Recruit to learn his/her job.  Try not to be upset if the first letter you get from your daughter sounds sad. This is completely normal. Just poor out encouragement to her when you write back. Try not to let her know that you are worried in any way. This will help your daughter get through boot camp. Yes, your daughter will face challenges in boot camp. She will have to study long and train hard to get through boot camp.  With the DEP program the recruiters train the Deppers to know what to expect. There should be very few surprises for her. I know your daughter is ready for the challenge.

csing504, You will survive this 9 weeks. Just thinking about and looking forward to your daughter's PIR.

Hang in there!!

[dozier]

 My daughter was in boot camp about a year and a half ago and my son graduated from boot camp this past week. I just want to reassure you that there are no horror stories that I have heard of.  It seems like I would have heard something especially having to of my own go thru RTC.  Yes, some will be punished if they get out of line, but they are trying to  teach them to become responsible and to be the best they can be.  If they get sick, they will take good care of them.  My son had fractures and was pushed back 3 weeks but I was glad because they made his health a priority.  When my daughter left for boot camp I remember thinking there is no way she can stay quiet for that long. She sure shocked us! Lol! You will truly be amazed at the changes you will see when they graduate. I know it's a hard time but there are other moms that are very supportive and will make this time a little easier. They are going through the same thing and there are other moms who have been through this and will also help to answer your questions.  The facebook page helped a lot as well as the navyformoms Pir group. 

 

[ambmomma]

Letters in bootcamp are like gold to them. Write them everyday. It means everything to them. Keep them encouraged and loved. They will need your support. Sent my daughter jokes, cartoons, puzzles, lyrics from encouraging songs, and prayers. It does wonders for their spirit.

[Alex's Mom Ship 11 Division 262]

My son left on Tuesday the 26th for BC also.....got the scripted call but he sounded good.  It was odd to get the "box" however.  He addressed the box to my youngest son and he thought that was cool.  We just got his address from his petty officer here yesterday and have already mailed letters.  My husband found the navy for dads site and read that they like getting information about sports, news, etc but I love the cartoon idea as we have always enjoyed silly ones together....thanks.