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. :((((

[newnavy2012]

My son left yesterday, thursday. got a text that he was in chicago but that was it. Talked to his Dad this morning and he got the call from him at 2:30am.  I know he'll be OK but sure is harder than I thought it would be.

[penny-(ship 11 div 213)]

my sr is going through pir this friday. she has been able to call since her div was one of the first to go through battlestations.she has told me how sad it was to watch others not receive any mail.remember they are missing us as much if not more than we are missing them.give good sound advice. we as there loved ones need to make sure they know that they have people who care for them waiting. this is just one step in a long process for there new career they really need the support from home even if its just a joke on a piece of paper. i tried to write every other day. my sr said she looked forward to mail call every night. they need to knkw we care

[amanda621]

My son left Monday for Boot Camp. I am hoping and praying that everything is ok and anxiously awaiting his first letter. I have medical issues that may prevent me from attending his graduation and that is making me extra sad. All I hear is everyone saying how wonderful it is and to look forward to it and it makes me cry every time..I am trying to be strong but as all moms in this situation I am sure it is hard for everyone. I am about to take all the advice and go write him a letter maybe this will make me feel better:)

 

[teresa]

Yes, keep the letters flowing, and I agree send the fun stuff.They don't need to hear how sad YOU are. I was worried sick as my very unatheletic, undisiplined daughter entered bootcamp in February. Now all these months later I am so proud of my Navy daughter and all her accomplishments, and how proud she is to be in the Navy and how patriotic she is. Moms, it's not about us anymore, we are like they are, a part of something way bigger than themselves. Keep your prayers to a maximum and keep your worries to yourself and support support support!!!

[Aunt Cookie]

My baby left on wednesday got a call at 10:11 pm mon i am here and i got go mom love you!
I have been thinking about her wandering what she doing how she doing hadnt heard any horror stories either and glad of that. I am praying she is being strong . wrote a letter already . just cant wait to hear from her. she is just 17 got a birthday in 6 days . WOW ! i miss her so much.

[lkbmom245]

I am from Indiana. My daughter has 13 days and she graduates ! You will make it thru this. My daughter says it's not as bad as some might think it is. I hope she is right. If I can do this you can too. She is our only one. chin up Mom and practice your writing/typing skills.they get mail every night . Lots of happy notes, bright colors and lots of positive thoughts to send to you and her. It may be a few days before you hear from her but she will be fine. The very first letter we got was short but very sweet! Just tell your daughter to keep her head up and she will be fine. Blessings to you and your family as you start this journey. Look up graduation ceremonies on U tube. Ey are awesome to watch!

[lkbmom245]

Another thought for you Mom....my daughter is following in her Grandfather's foot steps. Think of how proud your family is for her making this very mature and brave decision.

[lkbmom245]

My daughter left on June 13 from Indiana. She was so excited but nervous as well...got sick twice before actual swearing in ceremony ! She wanted to do this for family and to honor her grandfather !  Your daughter will do fine. Everyone who has posted is absolutely correct ! LETTERS...CARDS...PICTURES ! Send as many as you can !  I make her Dad write twice a week just himself plus there are all kinds of fun patriotic cards too.  Be encouraging..we have had to be.Lacy is our only one so it is hard without her at home...no way around that but  just realize how STRONGyour daughter will be once this great accomplishment has come. Focus on how beautiful she will look at her PIR and how glad she will be to see your smiling face ! I am new to this site but I agree this is the place for us to get the most support from veteran sailor moms and new ones just like us :)

 

[Leisa Ship13 Div309 Grad 9-28]

My son left August 1, 2012 to boot camp in Great Lakes.  It is good to read all this as it is encouraging but doesnt take away the frustrating emptiness of missing him, especially the no contact. Apparently will get better with time, I sure hope so.  I will hang on to that thought.  Can anyone tell me when they did hear from their son/daughter was the phone call usually during day or night?  i am scared to death to leave my phone unattended for a second as i am worried i will miss the call.  I know somebody who did miss it and it was devestating...any advice i would love to hear.

[teresa]

Step away from your phone! About 4 weeks in you could get a call and it will most likely be a weekend. Your son knows when he can get ahold of you. I didn't get many calls (it may have been just one until the very end) and just a few letters, but I wrote or sent cards everyday. Keep it light and funny and encouraging. We are not a particularly religious family, butfor me that changed when my daughter would write that when she was about to give up on something she would be lifted up to go on and she knew it was prayer that was doing it and there was many of us praying for her. But once boot camp is over and you see the graduation and the confidence and strength your child has, all this stress just goes away. Once they start in A School they can email you and have more freedom to call, if they aren't too busy and exhausted!! You will adjust and get ready because the stories will keep you in stitches. I have watched my daughter come into her own in such a short amount of time, it is amazing!