HELP My son is leaving officially on June 9th

[mfavored]

My son is leaving for BC on June 9th.  So full of emotions Tears are falling as we speak.  I cant believe the day is almost here.  I remember it was last year when he told me his ship date.  WOW  I am trying my best to stay strong and definitely not to break down in front of him We are enjoying the time together and right now I am getting together a going away BBQ  Just want to talk to someone whose child is about to leave or just left  Deep down I know he is gonna be just fine  I guess it is just separation anxiety

[RobsMom]

The weeks leading up to my son leaving was tough, his sisters & I couldn't even speak of him leaving without tears. So we tried to keep our minds busy, we planned a large family dinner, we talked about all of us attending his PIR (graduation) and even going to visit him in Pensacola. He is my only son, there wasn't a day that we didn't talk or text each other. The day he left wasn't as bad a I thought it would be, I still needed the tissues. Its probally cause I was drained from what your going through right now. Make sure the day you get his address (its a prefomatted letter & your son fills in the blanks) you send paper, stamps & envelopes with your letter. You will probally get your 1st "hand written" letter about 2 1/2 wks after that they will come more regularly. That 1st letter will reassure you that your son & you are going to be ok, you two will get through this. Time will fly by.

[diannep]

mfavored: I included 2 self-addressed stamped envelopes in my first letter to my son, and he threw them out! He said they "passed out" Navy stationery and stamps in the barracks. But I'm not sure it is done this way in every division, so including a couple of envelopes like I did may be a good idea, as RobsMom said. But don't send "fat" letters....they are made fun of and may even do pushups for that!!. You don't want to draw attention to their mail by having colored envelopes, stickers, other writing, etc. It is so hard in the beginning when they leave and there is no contact. But my son was so ready to go...and I was ready with him! He was 23 so maybe age makes a difference. But I knew he was safe at Navy boot camp, people were watching over him, etc. I would get sad when I thought about the yelling and screaming going on, but I tried not to think about that. I know there is a purpose in everything they do. You will find as the weeks go along, it gets easier as letters/calls from him come. Just remember, if he sounds down in a letter of phone call, chances are that has now changed and he had good days because bc is emotionally up and down. But as they get closer to the "finish line' (battlestations), they start to get excited and so do we! Stay on the boot camp site, and then your PIR site too...because the moms are very helpful! Mine has finished bc, A School, and just reported to his first duty station 2.5 weeks ago. And somehow, he and I have both survived! HA! "A" School is much easier for us moms because of the contact...although then we worry that they will pass their tests! There is always SOMETHING!

nnylear: I know today will be difficult for you....and probably the next few days. But like me, it sounds like you were ready because he is ready. Make sure to get on/stay on boot camp site and express your feelings there whenever you want to. The moms on there are great. I hope this is the beginning of a wonderful future for your son!

[KIT]

My baby left yesterday! Its amazing that we were counting months for so long then we were down to mere moments. Its extremely difficult not to cry constantly. Tonight I received the "hey mom I made it" call it was so great to hear Justin's voice but hard not to have a full blown conversation with him like we are use to having. I know time goes by so fast so I'm trying to stay busy and pray for him at all times. Its such a bittersweet, but you are right; everything will be just fine.

[RobsMom]

My son did receive navy stationary to get him started, but for him that was not enough. Total supplies I sent him during his time, a tablet of small lined paper - 100 sheets, 50 envelopes & 40 stamps! & I think he used most of it!

His recruiter also told me that the Navy gives them a card with a couple bucks ($25?) on it, for the recruits to use to get any needed items for the Navy store on base.

He also had 6 stamps stashed in his wallet with a phone card prior to leaving for bc.

[heis63(NUKE MOM)]

Hang in there. Give him lots of hugs and take pictures. Stick a little note of encouragement in his wallet. My son has been gone 3 weeks now. Only one letter and no phone calls...Its an emotional rollercoaster but we all get through it... Just come on line and soon you will be helping out the new moms. We are all here for each other!

[ilovelucy]

Hi. My son just left this past Wednesday, June 2. Very painful. I couldn't look at him without crying. I am better.....now that I have gone back to work. My heart is still heavy. We can support each other here!!

[Jaz04]

Well we are both almost there. True of the other posts, getting to the day seems the worst. I went with Steven when he signed up so he knows I support him fully. I will be home late on Monday from dropping him off but will try to check in to support you. Love and pride to you and your family and to all those out there that share this experience.

[Klye's mom]

Hi mfavored,
My son just left for BC on June 3rd, it was soooo hard not to cry. In March, I was ready for him to go. Now after reading all of these extremely helpful spots, I was really, really ready. I did not know there was so much more to learn, but this site is very helpful. Make sure your son takes his cel phone, mine did and he kept in touch the whole day. I actually received his last text about a hour ago.

[malacz]

My son left for boot camp on May 25 . Believe the emotions don't go away. I can't stop thinking about him. But I know he is strong and he will get through this. I keep a calender and cross of the days till graduation I'm down to 45 days. It was very hard for me when he left but has gotten little better, and you will be fine as well as your son. Hang in there

[Jaz04]

Good morning mfavored. I did it yesterday without too much trouble. So I know you can too. I won't lie, it was very hard. I told my son I had to leave because I needed to cry. I promised I wouldn't in front of him. But I did anyways, only for a moment when I gave him a final hug. Or should I say he hugged me - which never happens. I am still a little tired from the emotional part, but alive.

I hope your day goes well and know that you have any supporters here. Please keep in touch and let me know how you did.

[ilovelucy]

Jaz04...I could NOT control my tears at all! I just gave up and cried anytime I needed to. LOL. He would say, "uh oh.....there she goes again." That would always cause a chuckle then. The crazy thing was.....every meal we ate together that last week....I always cried! I wish that would have stopped my eating----I would be skinny now! My son has officially been in boot camp x1 week now. I got his box today. That was great!

[Jaz04]

I heard that was hard - getting the box. I shall see. I cried again tonight when I got his "I'm here" call.