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April 20, 2017 Departed to Bootcamp
My son left for BC on Thursday, April 20th. Anyone else have a son/daughter who left around the same time? I am just trying to see how long it is taking to receive THE BOX & The Form Letter. I know the sight says THE BOX can arrive within a few days to 2 weeks, but I am just hoping to get an average time it is taking. I am anxious since we didn't receive the I'M HERE call. We know our son arrived to Chicago ORD because he sent a text. He said he would call one of our cell phones, but we didn't receive his call. I know there are many factors that could have prevented such. Just having a horrible time dealing with this departure thus far. I am trying to get as informed as possible and also trying to stay busy while he is in BC. I am thankful to have found this website to help express my feelings and to share what this experience is like with others who are in the same situation. It is so hard not hearing my son's voice, seeing him, and even telling him to get things done. I find myself crying throughout the day because I miss him so much. I know that many who have been through this faced some of the same emotions as I am having. I just want some additional advice as to how to deal with missing him and not being able to communicate with him for such a long period of time. Please any advice would be greatly appreciated. Anyone who has a recruit who shipped out around the same time (shortly before or shortly after) please share your thoughts. Thanks!!!
Views: 595
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by belovedbyHim on
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You have gotten a TON of advice and I think you will be fine!! We haven't lost a Navy Mom to BC yet and we won't start with you!! Pick a project that you have always wanted to do and think of this as your Bootcamp for that!! It could be to get in shape, complete a scrapbook, finish that sewing project, clean out the basement... Whatever you have put off take these next 8-9 weeks and work on that, with the goal of finishing when you leaver for PIR! Write your sailor daily!! Read the files closely. This site http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433 will help you know what your sailor is doing each day at Bootcamp. But most of all know that it is OK and normal to miss your Sailor and having a cry every now and again is ok!! We are here for you!!!
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Permalink Reply by AZ2OH2IL2UT on
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BelovedbyHim-I know I will get through this. It is just so much harder than I could have ever anticipated. Thank you for your support.
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Oh Hon, I know it is!! I was a MESS when my son left. Now it is our new normal! He was stationed overseas for his first tour (3 years) and just when he got stateside his battalion is deployed!! So he's overseas again!!! When he left I thought a part of me had died!! I could not stop crying even though I still had one at home and one living in LA, CA (We are in CO) I was fine with him joining and I am so proud of him but I remember the feeling!! This is one of the hardest things we moms will ever do, no matter what others will say! let us know if you need to vent or just need a tissue buddy, The Veteran moms on here are happy to help!
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Wow! I cannot believe your son was stationed overseas for his first three years! Then to finally get stateside and get deployed. YIKES. Did you go overseas and get to see him while he was stationed there? I can't imagine what you have been through. I would be so sad and feel like part of me had died as well. You are a wonderful person to help others by sharing your feelings and encouraging us. Thank you for your help.
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Yes we did go visit. That was an AMAZING trip!!! 3 weeks touring Italy and 4 days in London!! I highly recommend it!! Yes it is hard. Thank God for Skype!! My Husband was also Navy when we were First married. We did 2 westpac tours in less than 2 years when our firstborn was a baby! (He got home just before she was born and left again right before her first birthday!)
It may only be 8 weeks but it does feel like it may as well be 8 years or 8 lifetimes!! I can only tell you that it will get easier!! The box will come first followed a week or so later by the form letter. Your first phone call can come at any time so keep those phones charged and ready!! To help you pass the time plan your visit to GL for PIR (Don't make any firm plans just yet though!!) and finding something to keep you busy really does help! I came on this site the day my son left and I was a wreak!! Had it not been for the moms on here talking me through I didn't know how I would survive, I am just here to pay it forward and to let you know you are not alone!! {{{NMH}}} -
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belovedbyHim-That is awesome that you were able to visit while he was overseas. I can't wait to have some sort of communications with my SR. My husband did a WestPac tour shortly within the first year. He was on a carrier. Before and after he left on WestPac it seemed like the ship was always out to sea for trials and whatnot. My husband arrived home shortly before our first child was born too.
You are correct, 8 weeks seems like 8 years to me right now. I appreciate you letting me know that it does get easier. I can't wait just to be able to hear his voice and to get his address.
We used to live in the Chicago area (suburbs near Gurnee). We have friends who live in the area, but we will probably still stay at a hotel since our son will be leaving for Goose Creek the day after PIR. We were hoping to get to spend the weekend with him, but that doesn't seem to be how it works. UGH!!!
I am so happy to be able to chat with those who have gone through this and those who are currently going through this. I will return the favor to others as I continue this journey.
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WOW! You must not be too far from Illinois then. I am sure it was emotional. I am still waiting for my son's box to arrive. You should be getting his Form Letter this week too. YAY!!! So exciting to finally be able to send mail to your son. I know I can't wait. It feels like my son has been gone for an eternity!!! It's only been 4 days! Normally the weekend goes by so fast, but this past weekend was soon long (at least for me). UGH. This is rough. Please keep me posted as to when you get your Form Letter. I'll keep you posted when my son's box arrives. Keep your chin up and hugs to you and your hubby.
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Finally my son's box arrived today!!! I was soon excited to hear the doorbell ring. I ran downstairs and saw it was the FedEx truck and the box was in hand. The FedEx driver probably thought I was a lunatic when I opened the door. I told him with tears in my eyes that I have been waiting for THIS BOX. Oh how bittersweet this moment was for me. I was so happy to get the box, then so sad to see all my son's things inside. Pants still rolled up too, shirt inside out. One thing that made me extra sad was that when I got to his phone I saw that he HAD tried calling my husband's cell phone. So I am not sure what happened. We had all our phones by our bed waiting for his call. I guess I can't do anything about that now. Just makes me sad to think he attempted to call and didn't get an answer. I am just happy to know that the next thing will be the Form Letter with his PIR & address. Thank you all for letting me vent on here. I know so many of you have been through this or are currently going through this. Hugs to everyone.
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Permalink Reply by Navymamabear on
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I'm so glad you got the box! I can feel the pain reading your message about how you missed his call! I'm still waiting for the letter now. Going to check the mail soon and see if it's there yet. I've seen comments from people who's kids left after mine and they've got theirs. Who knows how it all works! Hugs to you!
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Navymamabear-Thank you for your support. Just reading about how others understand what I am feeling is comforting. I hope you get your letter soon too. How long ago did you get your box?
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I checked the mail and no letter yet :( I seriously can't believe the amount of disappointment I feel now when I check the mail. I guess it's only a letter but I just want to know her PIR date! I got the box on Friday.
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