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?

[Ann1]

My son left for b/c yesterday from Jacksonville Fl I was totally relaxed my son is 22 and going into BUDS he has spent the last 9 months working hard to get in the best physical shape of his life. I have faith that the way I have raised him will be with him all his life. Looking forward to PIR... When does your son PIR?

Ann

[Arwen]

He grads on Feb 19. Just 10 days! Whee!

[Marybeth]

Hi Ann, we have a Jacksonville Mom's group, we get together for lunch every couple of months (and need to schedule the next one soon).

[Gayle- Em's Mom Ship 03 Div 141]

I feel a lot like you do. A few tears fell at the goodbyes at MEPS, I've been a bit nervous about it but overall, I am so happy to see my daughter go. I know she'll grow as a person, I know she'll do things, important things, many of her college bound friends will never do. I believe this will make her a better person, more mature. Sure, there are a few worries, fears, concerns but I am sooooooooooooooo glad she chose to do this and is doing it bravely and eagerly. Job security, almost recession proof, educational opportunities, etc. etc. What's not to like and be happy about?

[Arwen]

And now I'm getting ready to send my second son off to the Navy. We're working on a waiver for an old knee injury, hopefully it comes through fairly soon. We hope this happens fast, he's driving me nuts being home all the time now that senior year is over.

My older son is getting ready to graduate from IT A school and head off to the fleet. I'm excited and eager to see where he will go. I'm divided, hoping on one hand that he'll be on the US West Coast, to be close enough to visit occasionally, but another part of me wants to see him sent somewhere exotic, like Guam, Diego Garcia, or where he can see another culture, such as Italy or Japan. I'd never get to see him while he's there, but it would be an amazing opportunity we could never provide for him.