From Boy to Man

[Kimberly Joy]

Before joining the Navy my son was kind of on the shy side. He was interverted and played video games non-stop. When he spoke to people he mumbled, didn't look at them, and paced nervously. Once in a while he would go outside of himself and join things like the journalism group and the golf team, which would throw me back a little. I knew there was something in there. Then he told me he wanted to join the Navy; I thought good for him, that will give him some direction.
The Navy in 8 weeks did more than I thought. He now speaks clearly and looks a person in the eye. He stands still and pays attention to the speaker. He had manners before but now he has super-manners. They have taken my boy and turned him into a man. He loved boot camp; absolutely loved it. He has a certain glow about him. He has a real purpose in his life. He can't wait for his A school to start and then finish so he can be commissioned. He can't wait to get onto his first carrier. He is truly excited. I am excited for him. More importantly, I am so proud of him. He has worked so hard for this and wants to continue achieving. He has a real drive. This is something I have not seen in him before. Oh yes, the Navy has turned a boy into a man.

[Trish]

I read your post and am sitting here crying I am so happy for you and your son this is so moving to hear tell your son thank you for serving! My son will have pir on 5/26 and I know I will be in tears the entire time. I am just so proud of him and of all of our military!

[SonandSea]

Thank you for sharing!! Sounds like your son has a bright future ahead of him!!! 

My son leaves for boot camp in August. Can't wait to see the transformation.

hugs~Dale

[RWG (ship 09, div. 206)]

Great story Kimberly,

As you explained your sons personality and lifestyle it sounded exactly like my son. Weird thing is he is in his 3rd week at bootcamp and he loves it. The Only complaint was blisters on his feet from the boots. I guess the video games over the years were just filling in space until he found something he really wanted to do. Im still shocked that when he called me last Friday that I didnt hear things like...I hate it hear, I dont like getting yelled at all the time, I'm homesick,etc. He actually likes the structure and discipline. I am looking forward to seeing a new man on June 17th in Great Lakes.

[Kimberly Joy]

I am glad you enjoyed my story. I forgot to add the most important thing my son my son gained. Pride. Pride in what he was doing and most important, in himself. I am not saying he didn't have any before, but this is a more grown up pride; a hidden strength that finally came out through accomplishment. You will notice it, also, when you see your new sailor approach you.

[ared]

Wow what a testimony. My son leaves for boot end of October and I have  been concerned about him going. I know the navy is full of opportunities but it is still hard to let him go. Your story is encouraging. Thanks. 

[Kimberly Joy]

@Ared- I know it is hard to let our children go, however, we raise our children for all those years to be strong and not to stay at home with us. When they decide to leave for the military now-a-days, our hearts kind of give a little flutter; however, as I said we raised them to be strong. Be proud of your child's decision, to serve their country in the best way possible. At the same time, our children will be growing up to learn to grow up to be respectful to all and also learning to be young men and women who we can all be proud of.

[ared]

I know but he just graduated from high school and then in October he is leaving for bc, I am just a little overwhelmed by the idea that in a few months I won't get to talk to him whenever I want or see him whenever I want. I know it is time to let him go be an eagle because if I put a cage around him he will just be a chicken and never reach his full potential. I have heard from other parents of children who wanted to go into the service and they discouraged it and now are wishing they had allowed their child to pursue the military services. My heart is grieved because I just look back and wished I had done this parenting thing a little better for him. I was 18 when I had him so we have sorta grew up together so to speak and I just am having a hard time with the idea that in a few months he is on his own. I do believe it is best for him or I would have been against it like other parents, it is an honorable thing to want to serve your country but I have a hard time being too overjoyed by him making a decision that puts him in harms way. I do alot of praying and I know God will give me strength and comfort to get through it but its still gonna be hard on me. Thanks for your reply.

[Jackie]

WOW, I didn't catch that it was 2011!  :-)  Very touching .... it definitely made my day.

[Jackie]

I am so happy to read your story!!!  That is wonderful!  I understand completely.

All three of my children have been somewhat shy.  But at the same time, they have been social, always wanting to reach out to make friends, but never being "popular."  Sitting home some evenings, weekends, etc.  DS has been a bit lonely since graduating high school last spring .... hard to watch.  He does attend Church though, & played in the band.  We've been grateful for our Pastor's support & friendship with DS.  

DS is our youngest & when he said that he wanted to join the Navy, I hoped in my heart that it would be the right decision.  The girls are finished with college; DS just never was motivated to take that route although he is capable.  How I pray that the Navy is his pathway.  I think that it is.  Your post makes my heart sing.  

Our son doesn't show a lot of emotion, although when he called yesterday & I asked if he had made a friend yet, he said yes.  I know that makes a big difference.  I hope & pray that it does for him .... & to be honest, I hope that I hear a similar story as your son by the end of Boot Camp!!

My heart rejoices with you ..... you did very well describing how well the Navy has made a positive difference for your son.  Thank you so much for posting here.

My son will have A (& I think C) school @ Great Lakes.  He just went in yesterday.  We got a phone call last night.  I miss him but it's time for him to fly.  

[Maureen]

This post really did hit home for me too! My daughter is a shy soul too. She left for boot camp on December 4th and I am patiently waiting to hear from her and just know she is alright. I am so very proud of this huge decision she has made, that all of our kids have made! It took a lot of courage for them to take this big step!

[Northwoodsmom]

Oh my gosh, are you talking about my son, it sounds exactly like him. It is a miracle how the Navy can do in 8 weeks that I couldn't do in 26 weeks.

[Lancertrackmom]

Your son sounds like mine.  He is on the track team and nothing else. He was at MEP Thursday and Friday. Just watching him take charge of the process was amazing. He is 17 and grew up in front of my eyes. He is now in DEP and will leave July 14. HE just reminded ME we have a 4:00 appointment tomorrow.