Two Weeks Down Already

[GANukeMom(EM mom)]

It was two weeks ago yesterday morning at 2:31 a.m. that I got my "I'm here call" from my son. My heart broke as I heard the scaredness, the tiredness, and the hurriedness in his voice. He and I had talked a lot over the past few weeks and we both knew what those first 48 hours were going to be like for him. Neither of us were looking forward to it.

It was one week ago this past Monday that the "kid in the box without the kid" arrived on my front porch, positioned perfectly in the middle of my front door. Although I knew this was a major hurdle for me, it was also a sign that my baby boy was no longer the baby boy that he left here as. Everything that he had taken with him was in that box. The box was just as I had read that it would be...pants rolled up taken off and shoved in there, socks hurriedly taken off and thrown in there, shirt inside outwards, etc. I cried as I looked at it and smelled every item. I wanted to be close to my son and protect him as I had his entire life. But I knew that this is one time in his life that I can't be there to protect him....it is the beginning of him protecting himself as well as others. The clothes, cell phone, and shoes have been removed, but everything else remains. I'll take those out and take them back to him in a few weeks.

It will be one week ago tomorrow that we got the long awaited Form Letter. I eventually read the typed part, but one part that I longed for most and I still read from time to time is the handwritten letter from my boy. As I read the letter, I quickly realized that my "baby boy" is very quickly becoming a man. I cried tears of joy as I read " I miss the crap out of y'all! All is well. I haven't been yelled at yet.  I love y'all!. I don't have much time, but today is P-1. I think my division could make Hall of Fame. Don't worry. I'm Great." It was then that I was able to breath for the first time since July 2, when I saw him last at MEPS in Atlanta.

We have 43 days until PIR. I don't worry about him as much as I did in the beginning. I miss him like crazy. He was a hge part of our family. As a teacher, I'm starting my first school year in 18 yeas without him being a part of it. To say that it feels strange is an understatement. But, as I prepare my classroom, I do so knowing that it also marks the half way point of boot  camp for my son, his fellow recruits, and the families. Now, I can't wait to get letters from him, I keep an approx track of what day he is on in boot camp, and I write daily. This year, my students will not introduce themselves to me, they will introduce themselves to my SR. I will send their introductions to my son so that he will know who they are when we are able to talk again.

I saw one of my co workers today and was told that I look as if I'm holding up well. I told her that I'm a Navy Mom, thus I'm Navy strong.....thanks largely to my fellow navy moms/wives/sisters/girlfriends.

[Andysproudmom]

My son is in Ship 12 Div 271.  Like you he is my youngest and it sounds like we got our kid in a box on the same day.  I have read his letter on the back of the form letter more times than I can count. I also read all the receipts in his pants pocket which timelined his day.  Lunch at express panda. A cola at the snack bar at the airport. I know it's weird but it made me feel better.  I work nights so sleeping is always a challange during the day anyway but right now I'm having extra trouble sleeping.  House too quiet I suppose. Anyway, hang in there.  Aug 31st will be here in no time.  

[ryt2me]

I can't wait to get the box from my son. He just left for bootcamp on July 16th. we got the quick call saying he made it safely...but I am already yearning for a phone call or a letter. he sounded good on the phone, as good as one can sound in 15 seconds. But he is our oldest and first to leave home. I can't wait to hear from him. I hope you both hear from your sons soon. take care.

[GANukeMom(EM mom)]

ryt2me, to be perfectly honest, I would not want to be in your shoes for anything in the world. That first week was one of the hardest weeks of my life (only other one was when my mom passed away). I cried more tears than I ever thought possible during that time. Lean on us here, cry your tears, be patient. Your box is now on its way. As bad as it sounds, the only call you want him to make right now is one to get security information. Any other call is likely not a good one at this point in the game. That is what I had to keep telling myself during the time you are in. Welcome to being a Navy Mom.

[cheryle13]

My son has passed the 2 week mark as well and I received my 2nd letter today. I can echo GANukeMomma's comments. Everyday that goes by that I don't get a phone call means Jesse is 1 day closer to PIR. No news is good news :-)

[ryt2me]

Thank you for your words of encouragement.  I agree.... I had shed LOTS of tears and I am eager to get a letter and a phone call. What kind of stuff happens that would be a "bad call"..... I am so new to this..I have no idea.

[SailorSister7]

My best friend is in SHIP 12 DIV 271 and I'm right there with you. We received our first handwritten today and it was a thousand emotions tied into one. Counting down the days.