Recruit Leaving July 2019

[Three3Boys]

I noticed most of the discussions were 2018 and older, so I wanted to start a new discussion for those leaving July 2019.  I'm not sure about others, but I feel like I need to cram family gatherings and events prior to my son leaving.  I remember my brother leaving for BC and not really seeing much of him after.  After reading many of the articles, discussions and others' post, it seems like we have a fair amount of task to complete prior to his ship date.  Anyone else feel the same?

[Three3Boys]

So today is the day my son leaves for final check-in at MEPS, tomorrow he fly's out to BC.  I had to get several hugs in before leaving for work.  My sister-in-law said to think of it like when he went away to work at Boyscout camp for the summer.  Only this time when I see him again he won't be my teenage son, he'll be a man.  Also, I will only see him briefly before he goes to A school.  I'm trying very hard not to burst into tears. 

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

Three3Boys - woohoo - let the fun begin!  I'm sure your son is excited to start this new journey.  Be sure to keep your phone handy - you'll get the 30 second call tomorrow night - it will be a scripted call and you'll hear a lot of yelling in the background but don't let that worry you.  Be sure to join the boot camp group - I left the link in the welcome message on your page.  You'll find lots of good info there.  And once you get the form letter (approx 9-14 business days) you can join the PIR group.  Hang in there!  and remember, no news is good news!

[Three3Boys]

Thanks B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN he is very excited!  He knows this is only one step, next is nuke school and from there anywhere.  Thanks for the link and the info!  And thanks for the heads up (BC yelling), I'll know not question it.

[WaterLily]

Three3Boys, you've got this!  Your eyes will be leaky off and on and that's OK.  Just be strong for your SR, but come on here and lean on the moms as much as needed.  Your friends will try to understand and be supportive but only fellow military/Navy moms really understand this emotional journey you're taking.  I am so thankful for N4M.

[Three3Boys]

Thanks for the support!  I was good at not showing any tears with our last hugs until graduation.  I knew it would only make him cry too.  I too am very thankful for N4M, I've learn so much.

[WaterLily]

Three3Boys, my son is also a scout (Eagle) and I think all of the trips/campouts/backpacking/training/camp work our boys gained through scouting prepares them well for the discipline of boot camp.  At least, that's what I've seen with the boys from our local scout troop who have gone on to serve their country.

[Three3Boys]

WaterLily  I agree our boyscout troop was very similar.

[Celticwoman2]

My son just left for final check in with MEPS this morning. I am going to meet him at hotel for dinner and then again in the morning to watch him officially be sworn in and then he flies out tomorrow afternoon. Already had a sobbing cry with my daughter as we left him at the recruiters. I know I'll see him in a few short hours for dinner but boy is this hard! I've probably drawn out the "goodbye's" longer than they should be and I know the actual one tomorrow will be tough, but I'm a little empty already. Emotionally drained, I'm sure he is too. He says he's ready to get started though and is excited to finally be at this point - he's been playing the hurry up and wait game since he joined in November. It really came so fast and so I know that his BC graduation will too. 

[Celticwoman2]

Well, July is upon us, and almost over... my son leaves on July 30th. Most of yours are probably gone by now - how has it been so far? I find myself taking many deep breaths throughout my day, holding back tears as I think of his childhood and all that we as a family have been through. I sigh and realize that I raised a brave young man, a survivor and someone I can admire. I've already been writing him letters (he's going to have a chapter book to read in BC lol). Just putting my thoughts, prayers and feelings down on paper for him. I get all teary eyed each time I come to navy moms. Each of us here are pillars of strength and it's so up lifting the way we support each other, a safe place in an often scary world. Cheers to us, and cheers to our loved ones who serve.

[Three3Boys]

Celticwoman2 I too get teary eyed each time I view N4M.  My son just left Wednesday and got the 30 second call at 1am last night or this morning.  I'm not sure how it will be the closer it gets to BC graduation.  I can recall getting very emotional with my oldest son when he graduated high school, but over time I was able to accept that he is growing up.  Just think of this as a new chapter in your family and all the new exciting adventures he'll have to share.  Sounds like your son has a very thoughtful loving mom. ;)

[Celticwoman2]

Thank you - hopefully he knows that too :-)... I'm glad that you got the call...I'm even taking the day off work after he leaves because I know I won't sleep until I get that call...and then I'll probably still be awake trying to process everything, I know I'll be trying to put myself in his shoes somehow and relate to what he might going through... mom torture ya know lol.

[Three3Boys]

Did you get the call?           I'm sure he is much like my son and excited to do something on his own.  I've tried only to think about what he will be doing and learning while going thru his training.  It has helped me a lot, living vicariously thru his journey. However, we can't help but to be their mother and that's ok.  We love them too much to not be happy, excited and sad all at the same time.