Any Mom's in Division 146 Ship 3?

[proudmom]

My son left a week ago.  We just got his address today.  Already have a letter with pictures to mail to him, but it sounds like we will not hear from him for at least another week.  Not knowing how he is doing is the tough part.  

[Linda Proud Mom of Kenny]

Just reading each comment, I think we all feel the same way. I too, mailed 3 letters yesterday and 3 the day before. I write every night to him. His father is being all macho but I am just mush. I miss him so much. I dreaded the day that he was going to leave but it never dawned on me that it would be so hard. I need to hear from him so bad. He went away to college and it didn't hurt near this bad. He was only 90 miles away and we could hear from him.I wish all of you good luck and God Speed. He left on the 9th, so maybe I will hear something soon and I hope each of you do too.

[diannep]

Yes, that was the tough part for all of us who have now seen our sailors graduate recently. The first few weeks seem to be the hardest. Staying on this site will really help you as you will have others share feelings and advice with you. Be prepared to go longer than a week without hearing from him. Each division is different on how often they get to call home. I actually went almost 3 weeks without hearing from mine at one point. But know that he is in good hands, being taken care of, physically, medically, and learning how to be a sailor. Not an easy process for him...or any of the others...for sure. But the bonding with the other recruits in his division will be so helpful. They are all in the same "boat" (no pun intended! lol). The next thing you will face is receiving "the box" with all of his belongings in it that he left with. Be ready for that...it is very emotional, but part of the process. And keep your cell phone handy as often as you can since their phone calls can be rather random. Mine were always on the weekend though (except for a couple of holiday calls during the Christmas season). By the way, he'll love the pictures. I sent mine some of our dogs, and he got a kick out of them, sharing them with his shipmates. They have very limited space to keep things sent (like pictures), so keep that in mind. Maybe pictures printed on one page of paper would allow him to keep future pictures since one sheet of paper may fit better into his space. Good luck!

[Linda Proud Mom of Kenny]

There is nothing wrong with a guy crying. Remember "Jesus Wept"

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

My daughter left 2/2 and other than the phone call and brief lines at the bottom of the form letter, we've heard nothing yet. She told me she'd write (last) Sunday, so I'm hoping for a letter maybe today or tomorrow. I agree, not hearing anything is the tough part...but it's only 43 days til PIR so I'm dying to see her then. I mail a letter or card every day so when they finally start giving them mail, she'll have plenty.

[Dan's mom]

I do know they hold the mail for a week or 2, my son received 5 letters the first mail call 2 1/2 weeks in, and the phone calls don't start till after week 3 usually, it's 4 weeks today, and no phone call yet. They do this separation on purpose because of the homesickness. It's just like summer camp, keep a stiff upper lip, and don't mention how hard this is on you or how much you absolutely miss them. That makes it harder. Just talk about things that are going on at home, things that can make them feel connected but they realize that life does continue without them. Then they can concentrate on what they are doing without the guilt of how everyone back home is doing. Pictures and jokes are always welcome, just remember their space is very small. A few pictures are great, but not packs of pictures, if you do that, send a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope every now and then, so they can send the excess letters and such back to you. And remember that you will definitely be writing to him, more than he has the time to write to you.

[denbarb76- Ship 03 Div 146]

Hi All,

It's official Ship 03 Division 146 with a PIR of April 9, 2010. We received our box on Tuesday and the form letter today. I feel comforted just seeing his handwriting and knowing his humor remains. He wrote there's little sleep but he's doing good.Phew, I've sent 4 children off to college and never had this many emotions. I guess its because I can't hear his voice through cell phone calls. I'm looking forward to a phone call, not knowing when its going to be there's someone home all the time on alert. I'm so grateful for this site and all the information it provides to reassure parents. This along with the ability to connect with families that also have recruits training on the same ship and division. We did receive totally wrong information from the recruiter regarding our son's address, my own fault for not wanting to wait and mail the 10 letters and cards so he has something to look forward to at mail call. The only correct information on the envelope is the ship #, I did include the last 4 of his social after his last name too. The recruiter said it will be delayed.......but he'll get it eventually. Looking to hear from other recruit families training on ship 3 div 146.

TJS Mom

[Troy's Mom Ship 03/Div 146]

I know how you're all feeling. I got the form letter on Friday (19th). I was so relieved just to see his handwriting! I am carrying his envelope around with me, just for a sense of closeness. 13 days down Mom's! 46 days to go....66,240 minutes hahaha.

[denbarb76- Ship 03 Div 146]

Hi Rodeomom

Have you heard from your son yet. I know its hard having to wait...technology hasn't taught us patience that's for sure. Well we're down to 22 days and counting looking forward to 4-9. The meet and greet is scheduled click view all on the right side of the tool bar, looking forward to meeting everyone with a loved one on ship 03 div 146 along with all the other divisions. TJs mom

[JessicaB-Sailor Mom]

Join your PIR group just point and click http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pir492010

[FloridaMom]

My son, David W., is in Div 146 Ship 03. Received the call yesterday. HE IS A SAILOR!!!!

[sailormom ship 3 div 146]

Congratulations!  Is he just starting or just finishing?

[sailormom ship 3 div 146]

My daughter is in Div 146 sip 3 and her graduation date is 4/22/11.  I also got only the brief call that she was there and a call for information.  It is extrememly hard hearing the stress in her voice.  I worry about her but try to be encouraging in my letters.  I hope this gets easier.