It's almost time! :(

[TysMomKY]

My son swore into the Navy in February and will be leaving for boot camp on October 26th.   While I am very proud of him and the decision he made, I dread it with everything in me.  I know there are lots of parents that have experienced the same thing and would love to hear from you.  Please help me prepare for what is going to be one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.   

 

Tys Mom, Angela

Kentucky

[kylesmomkaren S11/Div 361]

Tys Mom, Angela
I just like everyone here COMPLETELY understand what you are going through, the mixed emotions, the pride and the tears all mixed into one batter! Look at the frosting yet to come on that cake! The most difficult thing for me has probably been the lack of phone time and letter correspondence. But I count down the weeks, just as you will do and my son's PIR is 11/05/10. I send him a "count down" every day so he knows also that the end is near and what an accomplishment he can say he endured.

When I finally did hear his voice, even though he was tired and overworked and dearly missed us, I also heard a commitment to "I CAN DO THIS". I want to see this growth in them, mentally, spiritually and physical. I think the respect they learn from their RDC's no matter how much they yell at them, will only carry values with them the rest of their lives. I really believe every young man should have to serve some time to their country. The fact that our sons choose this for themselves is even more gratifying and rewarding. They are a reflection of what our nation needs and I am just so proud of him and always will be.
I am from Ohio. So we are not too far away. Just always support him and be there to help him through any rough waters, just as all moms do. Take care, this to shall pass! I say things that I also need to hear everyday, because I wake up everyday waiting for a letter or phone call. Stay in Navy4moms and you will love being and sharing in your new family.

[TysMomKY]

Thank you so much for your reply and kindness. I'm afraid I have a great deal to learn about this process too. I guess although Tyler is 20 years old he is and always will be my baby boy! I know it will be good for him, but I can't stand the thought of my not being able to talk to him or hear from him as I want to. I'm sure correspondence will be limited and while I do understand that it doesn't make it any easier for me to sleep at night!
I thought this forum would be a great way for me to ask those questions that I am sure I will have during this process too!
Your friendship here is a welcomed one!
Thanks!

[TysMomKY]

Oh, I love the idea of the scrapbook, Judy. Thanks for sharing! I can't believe you're in Lexington. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement.

[Marybeth]

Angela, you've come to the right place for support....

It may not seem like it now, but the 8 weeks will be over before you know it.... be sure and send encouraging letters and cards frequently. And if you see "private number" or area code 847 pop up on your caller ID - ANSWER THE PHONE!! 8-)

Once he graduates (PIR's), the lines of communication will be much more open - I hope you and your family will be able to attend the ceremony.

Next month marks two years since my Sailor Boy left home, and being that it was over the holidays it hit me hard. Fast forward to tomorrow... After a year and 9 months of Nuke School... I will be dropping him off at the airport as he travels to his first duty station... clear across the country.... so here we go again!!

I highly suggest reading through the "Top 10 Lines from Bootcamp" discussion thread in the "Bootcamp" forum. It will have you laughing and crying at the same time.

Good luck to you and your recruit!

[TysMomKY]

Thank you, Marybeth! Oh it is sooooooooooooooooo nice to hear from mom's who have been here...and lived to encourage another! LOL Tyler is planning to attend Nuke School as well! :) Where is your son headed?
I guess sometimes we just have to let go and let them have their lives. I truly have encouraged him but now I'm looking for something to get me through. I'll be sure to check out your recommendation.
Thanks, again and good luck to you and yours!

[Marybeth]

He's headed to Washington State.... you should also check out "Nuke Moms" group - LOTS of great info (and moms) there too!!

[TysMomKY]

I will do that! Thanks!

[Sallee_Ty'sMom]

From one Ty's Mom...to another Ty's Mom..I can totally understand how you feel. My son PIR'ed on 6/11/10 and now he is graduating from Hospital Corpsman school on Thursday, 10/13. The day Tyler left, I was an absolute mess...I felt absolutely helpless. He was 20 years old with such a broad future ahead of him. HIs phone calls home made me were such a treat...he missed his family but in his voice I could also hear that "my son had grown up"...I think he was seeing the REAL world for the first time. The world was REAL...REAL responsibility. I've seen Tyler make amazing changes over the last six months. The Navy has opened doors for him and I'm so grateful for this opportunity for him. He is headed to Spain for the next two years..where he will be stationed. He comes home within days for his leave...I'm soooooo excited to see him. You will survive...we don't think we can..but this website is so supportive...join as many groups as you can and make as many friends as well. When your son graduates from BC, it will probably be one of the happiest times in your life...such pride fills the room as your son is now a SAILOR...Hooooraaahhh Navy Moms...Hoooraaaah......also I want to encourage you to WRITE your son EVERY DAY...with letters of encouragement...support...write a letter the day he leaves...and keep them until you obtain their address. You have NO idea what the letters mean to them...

[TysMomKY]

Hi Ty's Mom. My Ty is 20 years old as well! Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I know that this is an amazing opportunity for Tyler for a number of reasons, but it just doesn't ease my anxiety at all right now. It's just a big world and I can't imagine him being out there alone. Well I guess I should say without me...not really alone.
I plan to write letters every day, keep a personal journal while he is away and a scrapbook too! That will be my link to him and will make me feel like I'm staying in touch even though I may not be hearing his voice. Tyler is my youngest and empty nest means something totally different that I ever thought it would now. :(
Thanks for your words! Good luck to your son, you and your family! God bless!

[Sallee_Ty'sMom]

Angela,

Tyler is my oldest, but I understand the "empty nest" syndrome all too well. My girls are in college, so essentially...empty nest. I think my worse fear when he left was that he would harm himself...not being in harms way...harming himself with shooting a gun while in training or something but then my husband made me realize that I don't have control over the situation...I'm not his "mommy" anymore to keep him from running with a sucker in his mouth or riding his skateboard without knee pads...i'm now the "mother of a sailor"...it's hard adjustment, but trust me...it will get easier and he coudln't be in more capable hands. When you see the accomplishments, strides and goals achieved...but we are always gonna miss "our little boys"...What A School is he attending after BC?

[TysMomKY]

He will be going to "Nuke School" in South Carolina.

[leelee]

let me start by saying that it is a very hard thing to have to go thru seeing your son growing up and going away to serve his country but in the same breath it is soooo honoring to know that your son has choose to be the man he needs to be to do the things he will be doing just remember to always give him positive feedback to support his decision my son has said many times how he has learned and seen so much in just two yrs and how he will be a better man for it Good luck to you and your son
dustin's mom lisa