Son leaves in 3 days

[R'smom]

Hi all, I'm new here.  My youngest son will be leaving for Great Lakes in 3 days and WOW what an emotional rollercoaster this is!  I'm so incredibly proud of him, but I am struggling with letting go of my baby.  I really thought I'd be much cooler about this. I know that I'm very fortunate in that we live about 10 minutes from where he will be attending A School after graduation, so I will be able to see him when he has liberty.   My friend's son was in A School here last year, and was able to hang out with us on the weekend days and even spend Thanksgiving with us.  I can't express how grateful I am for this.  

BUT, I'm really struggling with letting him go for the next couple months.  I keep finding myself tearing up unexpectedly, and am really wanting to just stop everything and make him stay here.  

I'm glad I found this site, there's a lot of great information here and it is helping me to prepare.  

[Mamabear]

My daughter left yesterday and I can barely function today. I am so worried and it feels as if someone has died. God, I hope it gets better.

[lemonelephant]

Mamabear, you will get used to the new normal. Yes, something will hit you (sometimes the smallest of things will bring tears) and you will miss her, but if you then think of the pride you have in her and remember that she is pursuing her dreams, then it won't be so bad. You raised a fine young woman although she will always be your little girl. We raise our children to grow up and to be independent and leave and follow their dreams, but any change is hard. You really didn't expect her to be with you when she's 35 did you? She had to leave sometime and now is her time.

You raised an amazing young woman who is pursuing her dreams. Stay busy, take care of yourself, stay connected with others going through the same thing (in this group and your DEP grpup and join your PIR group as well once it has been created), stay connected with the ones who are still at home by being involved with them, stay connected with your recruit by writing encouraging letters even before you have her address (see Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit for ideas), and stay informed about what is going on with your recruit in BC (there's a lot of info in the Pages in Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) and later in your PIR group) and what to expect at PIR and after (if you give me her contracted rating (job/occupational specialty), I will give you info).

Yes, it's fine to fall apart every now and then. (Showers are great places for that.) Just don't stay there. You will get used to the new normal and getting The Form Letter so that you can send letters and then getting that first "real" letter around the third week may help (remember though that the first letter from a recruit may indicate things aren't going so well--don't worry; it will get better as the recruits learn to work together and to do things the Navy way instead of their own way).

(((((hug))))) that's a cyber hug from one Navy Mom to another

(Check your My Page.)

[tutorlady]

@Mamabear - You will be in my prayers. The first few weeks are really hard. We are here for you.

[Mamabear]

Thank you everyone. I know it will get easier and I am so proud of her but we have never been seperated, much less not be able to communicate.

[RocketshopPM]

I think we all feel the same way.  My son leaves 9/26 and it's the simplest of things that bring me to tears these days.  So much different than sending my daughter off to college when she was only an hour away I knew I could talk or see her anytime.  Knowing it will be 9 weeks before I see him again and then who knows after that is what makes it hard for me.  This group has been a great sounding board and knowing that you're not alone in this journey has helped me.

[Lynnie]

Hi RocketshopPm
My son leaves the same day, I too am very emtional. I cry at the littlest things. My husband can't help but laugh at me.. in a caring way lol
My son is excited and ready. He tried the college route which wasn't his thing. So he will be going into BC at 23. He's not scared or worried at all.. just me.

[lemonelephant]

Lynnie, I left info for you on your My Page.

[RocketshopPM]

I hear ya - I do the same thing! My son is ready - has been training for months and is looking forward to BC (if that's even a thing! LOL).  He is 18 - will turn 19 shortly after he graduates BC.

[Hospital Corpsmama]

RocketshopPM and Lynnie,

My son also leaves 9/26 and I am a mess. I look at him and I cry. I see tv commercials and I cry. I come here and I cry. Right now a minor injury is threatening to delay his ship date. We will all get through this and the 9 weeks will fly by.

[Countrymom]

I am right there with you. My son is my youngest of two. The oldest is Junior year college. She is more than likely about to be engaged to a young man in the Airforce. He will be changing bases in a year, so i'm sure she will go with him. I can say that it is getting better for me. My son left on the 19th. Writing him everyday even though I have no where to send them yet helps. Hang in there. It is an emotional ride!!!

[lemonelephant]

Countrymom, check your My Page.

[HockeyLaxMom]

My son just left today.  I still haven't received the call yet, but am anxious to hear from him.  I love reading these posts - it let's me know I'm not the only one crying at random times.  I'm sure it will get better soon, but it's definitely hard right now!  Thanks to you all for sharing your thoughts.