Daughter ships out for Boot Camp on November 7th.

[Jessica's Mama]

I am new to all of this.  This little bit of time that we have left together is like a whirl wind.  She is the first in our family to be in the military so I have no clue as to what to expect.  Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[JayDee659]

Jessica's Mama, welcome!   First off enjoy your time with her and make some great memories.  Navy life starts out hard but as you become more used to the lack of rhythm it gets easier.  One take away from my daughter's boot camp days is that she was super glad she cut her hair.  She had waist length hair and got a pixie cut right before she left.  The girls with long hair would wash it at night when they showered but would frequently wake up with partially wet hair that would freeze outside.  Since your daughter will be there in the winter it might be a consideration. 

[Jessica's Mama]

Thank you for your response.  I shared this with my daughter and she is now considering cutting her hair.

[mrs76peeps]

Those last couple weeks go sooo fast. One thing we did was to take a day trip, just she and I. We had had a flood and were stuck upstairs while our floors were being replaced, so we just sat on my bed watching way more Fixer Upper than is good for anyone. The week before she left we just up and went to Magnolia Market. We had the best day, and I'm so glad we had that time together.

I don't know if you were planning to go to MEPS to see her off, but if you do, make sure you've said all your real goodbyes the day she goes to the hotel because there's a real possibility that you'll be able to see her swear in, but not be allowed to hug her or say goodbye. I was not expecting that, and as prepared as I was for her to go, the shock of having her taken away without getting to hold her one last time left me feeling like someone had stolen her from me. I'm not trying to scare you, I just wish someone had told me that could happen before hand. When she leaves it's going to feel like there's this gaping hole in your life, and it's hard, but her box of dirty clothes will come and you will be elated. Then the PIR form and her first letter, and then maybe a phone call and each time you hear from her it will be easier because you know she's safe. Before you know it, you'll be three weeks from PIR and you'll think it's only three weeks, that's no time at all!

Tell her before she goes that boot camp is all about being mentally tough. It's not personal, and attitude is everything. Also she should prepare for being thrown in with all classes, cultures and races. Everyone has such different backgrounds, and sometimes those are going to clash. She should try to give people grace, because they are all working to become the same thing. It's important, because by week 2 she is going to hate everyone. It gets better. Keep telling her she's strong enough.

Also, she is going to get sick. She is going to tell you that she has an ear infection or pink eye or the crud and she's not going to want to go to medical. Your mom instinct is going to HATE this. She'll figure it out. She'll be ok.

I watched all my brothers go through the Navy. You will be amazed at the change in her in such a short time. She really will become the best version of herself.

Oh, and if you haven't already, watch the Making a Sailor series that the Navy put out. It's on YouTube.

[Jessica's Mama]

Wow!  Thank you so much for speaking to me from your heart and using your wisdom!

I am slowly becoming more and more prepared.  (Not really but it sounded good! lol)

We have been spending extra time together, we went to a holiday market last weekend and had the best time!  This upcoming weekend we are going to have a Halloween, Thanksgiving, Birthday and Christmas celebration since she will be gone for all of those things.  It will be anything big or extravagant, we are planning cooking our traditional Thanksgiving dinner, carve pumpkins, sing happy birthday to her with candles in her favorite cake and open gifts.  Hopefully it will be something that she will always carry in her heart.

She is a strong young lady who has had to overcome a lot of things in her short life like losing her father at a very young age.  I think she will enjoy the variety of people that she will meet.

It does sadden me that she will become ill and I will not be able to be there for her, that's awful!

I have watched the video series and it is very insightful.

Thanks again!

[Anna]

Jessica's Mama,

Also, don't be shocked if the first one or two letters you receive she sounds really down or is questioning her decision.  Some recruits get really homesick, even if they didn't think they would, and they are also around so many other young women (and men) who are dealing with the same depressions.  You will spend way too much time worrying about something you can't help with and with the next letter or two she will be positive and upbeat and wondering why you are so worried!!!!!!  As a Navy Mom you just have to always be encouraging and supportive - - - and go with the flow!!!!!

[Jster's mom]

I haven't been on this site much since my girl graduated boot camp on 9/21/18; JayDee659's reply is spot on! Boot camp is about being mentally strong and putting one foot in front of the other. My daughter is in A school for about a month and a half now and it is much better there. Fortunately its only a few hours drive from our home so I've been able to visit her twice already. The first time I could tell that she was homesick but by the second visit this past weekend she actually 'invited' us to depart early because she had plans with friends! I didn't cry when I left her because I knew that she had found her spot. I still miss her of course but its definitely better. I'm grateful to have Facetime, texting, etc. Proud of all of our kids!