Am I the only one here who's totally relaxed about sending my child to boot camp?

[Arwen]

There are a LOT of posts from mothers worried/stressed about their sons or daughters going to boot camp, I'm just looking for a little reassurance that I am not the only one who has no problem with my child leaving?

I've helped him study and "encouraged" him to keep up his PT so that when he goes he will be ready to take that test and make E-2 right away. I'm very comfortable with letting him go.I feel he's ready. I'd send him tomorrow if I thought he was ready for the test and was sure he could still get the same job.

Is it because we did this once already, sending him off to college last summer (2008)? I was just as relaxed then, too. A hug and a goodbye, a minute of tears as I watch him leave, and he's gone. Out of sight, out of mind, except for letters or phone calls.

Is it because I went to boot camp myself, I know what it's like, so it holds no fears for me?

Mostly I'm eager to hear about what he learns, how boot camp has changed from my experience, fun and outrageous stories, and to hear of his future adventures.

So, is there anyone else out there who feels the same way I do: pride that my son is ready to make a major step towards independent adulthood with a touch of relief that he isn't going to stay home forever?

[BR549]

I absolutely know how you feel, I am 100% positive my son is ready to go, Yes we will definately miss him, but I know he's ready to get started with his life, not live mine. I also am eager to hear about his adventures and stories. So, Yes I'm with you.

I say, Send them out with the knowledge and life skills that we're taught them. My son leaves on January 21, 2010 and he is sooo excited. and I am too.

[Michigan Cindy]

Hi, Arwen. You are definitely not alone. When my son left for boot camp, I knew I would miss him, but I also knew he was doing the best thing for himself. No tears - we just said "See ya' later" and I was proud and actually, pleased. He had been through a vocational school for 14 months, so had lived away from home since age 18. He was working, but not in a job that really offered a future career path. He's now 21. No big void in my house - I love my empty nest. I knew that boot camp would turn Jake from a cocky youngster into a responsible young man. And it was AWESOME to see that young man at PIR. He is very happy with his decision, and so am I.

[Mary]

You are not alone! My son leaves Nov 4 for BC. All he talks about is the Navy. I see the look on my sons face when he tells me of his plans and his goals for life. He speaks of making this his career. I come from a long line of Navy people (my father was a WWII hero) but I would never put this on a son who was doing it for all the wrong reasons. Alex is a true warrior and I see it in his face. Would I rather he finish college and settle down with a nice wife and kids with a beautiful house that was safe....I almost said yes but something inside of me said NO! NO, because that is not who he is. We raised warriors ladies. Strong, fearless, get it done, loving, respectful, warriors. Our children are off the charts unbelievable and I would not change one thing about them. Yep, my son is leaving. Yep, I will not see my son for long periods of time but in my heart I know ......I produced an amazing child and he is following his dream. How many of us can really say the same. Just my thoughts.........mary P.S Just got a call from my older son while I was typing this......I am going to be another grandma! That will make 2. Love to all here. Mary

[Linda Proud Mom of Kenny]

Congratulations Mary! I agree with you. We do all have warriors. One of Kenny's great Uncles was at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked and he lived to tell us all about it while we were growing up. So yes, I do believe our kids have it in the blood. They are tomorrows future and they will make us proud

[Julie K]

I think most people's concern is the fear of the unknown. It definately is easier the second time around because you know what to expect. The first time, it is because you are virtually cut off from them for 3 weeks and not knowing what is going on. I think that was my stressor the first time around. This time around... I knew I wouldn't hear from him for a few weeks, but was still tearful saying goodbye when he went. I am just a tearful kind of person though. I will cry again when I see him! :-)

[Tina]

I do understand how you feel, but I have to admit that I was a little nervous for a while. I think I have known since he was in middle school that the military would probably be one of his first choices, although I thought the Air Force would be the one. He did a lot of research on the Coast Guard and then ultimately went with the Navy. He said he liked everything they told him and it was good to know that they gave him several options. He signed into the DEP in January 2009 and left for Great Lakes yesterday. Throughout his DEP we talked about his decision just about every day. He kept me up to date on his progress and I always encouraged him to push himself as far as he could go. He is definitely physically prepared and now I know that he is also mentally prepared. I was able to attend his swearing in ceremony and I have to tell you that it was the most moving thing I ever witnessed. He was ready. He had no second thoughts. I could not have been more proud. I will miss him terribly for the next 8 weeks. We have only been apart for 3 weeks out of his entire life so it will be difficult for both of us, but I know this is what he wants and I just want him to be happy.

[Marybeth]

That is how I felt too... I was just so overjoyed and proud that I found it hard to be sad when he left. He even was able to take part in an honorary swearing in ceremony the day before at the Jacksonville Jaguars game as part of Military Appreciation Day. But then the holidays rolled around and I was... oh I don't, know, depressed it too strong a word, but I was certainly off kilter. And I totally lost it when I got my first phone call home.

That being said - I think the real reason - and possibly the ONLY reason - that I was comfortable with him leaving was none other than this website. I found it about 6 or 7 months before he left and quickly became addicted. I had so much info it was nuts!!!

Here I am nearly 11 months later - and he's home for the weekend 8-) He's in Nuke school in Charleston so this is the 3rd time he's been home this year. I'll have him home for the holidays - for maybe the last time - and I am still as proud and sure of myself as I was on November 17th last year...

[Tina]

Good for you Marybeth! I'm glad you get to have him home often. Thoughts like that make me feel even more confident with his decision. This website has saved me from a lot of heartache. I only found out about it just recently, but I am so glad to be a part of it. I have learned so much and met so many new friends going through this whole experience. It is definitely a blessing to have this resource available to us.

[ruthella]

I never worried about my son but I did miss him very much, it felt real, real good to lay down at night knowing he was safe and accomplishing something so positive. I loved sending the boy away and getting the man in return. He is now on his second enlistment.

[Mariab]

My son just left for boot camp, and I am having the same feelings as you. I know he is bound for great things, and I felt it was time for him to get started. We too did the college route last year, and that just didn't pan out. The day after he left, I woke up with such peace in my heart, I knew he was safe, I knew he was being challenged, and I knew when I saw him next he would be a better version of the boy who left a week ago.

I can't wait to hear about his experiences!!!

[jaye lynn (Ship 12, Div. 377)]

you are SO funny. no you are not the only one. my son is now half-way through boot camp at GL and just turned 18 this week. he is youngest in his division of what is left of 81 recruits. i laid awake this morning thinking what an amazing kid he is. he hasn't been sick, he hasn't had injury and he is holding tough. something could go wrong at any opportunity; but after hearing so many stories already, i am so amazed at his dedication and focus. he is our oldest son and our first to leave the nest. i think what has been hardest is the lack of computer/phone contact.

i am 27 days away from graduation and can't wait to see him, but i am also so proud of is choice and his ability to acclimate in his new environment. when does your son leave?

[lisa]

My son, my only, left last Thursday for bootcamp and everyone was worried about me being a nervous wreck. But I did not cry at the airport and it surprised all. I am so proud of the path he has chosen and I know he will excel at whatever he decides to do. The day before he left he looked at me and said, "mom, it's time to cut the string". I knew then that he was ready to leave home. I miss him terribly but I can't wait to see the man he has become at graduation. I always tell him to take advantage of every opportunity available and see everything he can see.

He might never live at home again but he will always have a home and will visit. I could not be prouder of him and his decision to join the Navy.