Thank you so much, NavyForMoms.com!

[Diane]

I recently watched with awe and pride (and tears) my son graduate with flying colors.  I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you dear women who helped me get through this process, lessen my fears, provide me with facts that only you could, having been through it yourselves.  My hat goes off to each of you, and I plan to remain active on this website in order to learn even more as his career progresses and to, possibly, help other moms as you helped me.  I would have been lost without you all.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

Awesome Diane! For those of us that have experienced our PIRs - we know exactly what you mean! For those counting the days until that moment...support and friendships that are formed here are the best way to survive boot camp.

Congratulations to your new sailor!

[Navy Aunt (AF Wife)]

I think that is great that you are going to pay it forward and help out other loved ones on N4M!!!! Congrats on your son's PIR and good luck to him in school! Did you order a DVD of the PIR? I just recently received mine and those feelings of pride just come rushing back full force when watching the ceremony. I literally got chills hearing the announcement of the div #s!

[Redfly]

My son is 17 and seriously thinking of joining the Navy. He is actually taking the ASVAB test on Monday. Since I was the last to know and only found out about a month ago, I am feeling so many emotions right now. On one hand, I am so proud of my son but on the other, I am so scared for him. I don't want him to jump into something and regret it. We have discussed that this is a 4 year committment and he keeps telling me he knows and wants to do it. So why do I feel like he is making a mistake? Don't know if mistake it the right word? but he is my only child. He is truly a great son and never gave me any trouble. He does well in school and works a part time job. I just don't want him to panic and realize that he can't come home. I am probably being more narotic than he is. :) Sorry for rambling but if you have any suggestions or comments as to how I am feeling, please help.....I am being supportive in everyway possible.

[Diane]

Sweetie, I was just as scared because he made his decision to join the Navy in what seemed to me to be a spur of the moment thing. I have since learned that he knew exactly what he was doing and why he was doing it. He left me as a son, and he met me as a MAN at his PIR. I always thought I knew what was best for my kid, but he showed me up on this one! When he took the ASVAB, he scored so high that his recruiter said "They will scoop you up for the nuke sub program. And they did. Let him go, and he will make you proud. Don't be afraid. Let him go,and be proud that that is what he wants to do.

[Redfly]

Diane, you took the words right out of my mouth. I feel like this is just so fast and like you, I always think that I know whats best for my son. Maybe he will show me up too... :) Thank you so much for writing back. My son is taking the test on Monday....

Nicki

[Mandy T]

We just returned from my sons PIR last week. He is my only son and like your son was in high school when he voiced what he wanted to do after graduation. I was nervous also but I realize now that this is what he was meant for and he wouldn't be this happy taking another road. We could see the satisfaction he had in his decision as we spent time with him after the graduation. I know your son will make you proud also.

[Redfly]

Congratulations to you and your son. Where is he now? What did he think of bootcamp?

[Tracy]

I know exactly what you are going through. My son will graduate in may and is being sent to boot camp on July 8th. I am very proud of him and he has never given me any trouble either. I know I am being narotic. I am being supportive but every time we talk about it the tears start coming. It really bothers him. He wants me to be jumping for joy. My ten year old twin girls are just ready for him to go so he will quite being the center of attention. They just don't get it. I think it is such a grown up thing and we are just not ready to let them be grown ups. I keep telling myself thank God he is not a drug addict or a thief or someone with just no ambitition at all. Sometimes the tears are tears of joy and sometimes they are just those momma moments when you go how are we going to have Christmas without him. Just pray for there safety, hope they love it, be proud, and try to hold back those tears. I love this web site. I know it is going to get me through this and I am going to make some great friends. Good luck!

[Redfly]

Hi Tracy, thanks for writing back. Everything you said is so true. I am also trying to be supportive but I feel like someone is ripping my heart out and I guess that's just the selfish part of me. He is my "baby boy" and I can't imagine not seeing him. Our boys sound so much alike. Like you, I also thank God that he is such a great son. I know I should be proud and I am, but I too am having those momma moments..lol.. Did you sign your son in? I just couldn't do it..I told my son if this is truly what he wants, when he turns 18 in April, he could sign himself in and I would be there but I just couldn't do it right now. I guess that's mean hoping that he will change his mind(me being selfish again). But I know he's not and I have to except this thru the tears that I don't want him to see....What is your son going in for? My son is interested in law enforcement. We will get through this thanks to this website. Take care..

[Nancy]

Congrats to you and your sailor.....what an adventure!! Be one proud Mom!

[Redfly]

thanks Nancy!

[Diane]

Someone please tell me how to invite friends!