Heartbroken

[HooyahWendy]

My daughter left for boot camp 2 days ago and I've been crying uncontrollably. I hate not having contact with her. I also have so many unanswered questions, especially like will she come home after A school for a while. I know this will get easier but right now I can't seem to get myself together

[Scanditaly]

You know?, i'm looking at the drawing right now, and do feel stronger.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've passed the torch.  It is a sort of freedom and I'm even thinking about fall cleaning, and what doodads and none-such can I get rid of. Went through my sock drawer. You all know what i'm talking about; getting lost in a task and living in the moment, 'cause I don't need to worry right now. Sure, in the future, my boy's on a sub, or on a big big boat, then I can worry a bit, but right now, colors are changing, and since we are on the West Coast, it's time to plant winter lettuce.  That sort of boring everyday stuff that has been put off due the adrenaline and excitement of bootcamp, and waiting to hear, and just hoping he'll pass, and and and......where is that ticket booth anyhow?

Ladies......I am super grateful that you are all here, and that we can be open and candid with one another.  Just because I give a bit of advice, doesn't mean that I couldn't use some myself. My husband is not from our country, and I enjoy showing him the Americana that I grew ups with so we've been watching The Andy Griffith Show, and we just got to the part where Gomer Pyle joins the Marines.  So so funny and touching. Season 4, episode 32.

[SCNavyMom]

HooyahWendy - I understand what you're going through my daughter left on 11/13 as well. I have so many different emotions going on right now. Stay strong and find comfort in the fact that you raised her well.

[HooyahWendy]

Thank you everyone for your kind words and advise. I have been relying on the support from this group. It is a comfort to know I am not alone in my heartache. I've recieved 3 calls and a few letters and my daughter is actually doing very well and seems happy.

[RocketshopPM]

I think as Mothers we all find it hard to let go - especially when you have  close releationship with your kids and you don't know what is going on.  My son left 9/26 and is set to graduate 11/22.  I can't believe it time has gone by so fast but I will tell you I cried at home, on the way to work, in the bathroom at work...you name it.  What helped me was knowing when letters were coming (they arrived every Thursday), waiting for the first call and then the next and then planning for PIR.  I'm a planner at heart anyway so I'm always looking at the next event and what that entails. 

I read an article recently about how we only have 18 summers with our kids (https://simpleasthatblog.com/2017/05/eighteen-summers.html).  Doesn't seem that long when you phrase it like that.  Our job as parents is to mold our kids into independent, functioning adults who can do things on their own.  It's starts when they are young when you teach them to walk, then run. To feed themselves and dress themselves.  Then we send them off to school to build friendships and learn all sorts of tasks.  Then we have to let them go....to grow and become the adults we can be proud of.

There is a song I listen to that is a good reminder of what we do as parents - it's by Garth Brooks and it's called "Send 'Em on Down the Road".  I won't include all the lyrics but these closing ones:

You can cry for 'em
Live and die for 'em
And even though it's gonna break your heart
You let 'em go. You pick 'em up, you dust 'em off
You hold 'em close and you pray a lot
You send 'em on down the road

(trust me, I cry everytime I hear it!!!)

[Phoenixmom]

RocketshopPM I love that! And Ladies I understand how everyone is feeling, I went thru the same myself, but now that my son is in A school it's a little easier. I am waiting for the next Journey when he gets deployed and I am sure I will be going thru the emotions again. Keep your Heads up and keep strong. Have a Great Day Ladies.