My son ship date is June 7th 2011 anybody else?

[theraysmom(Ship11 Div 244)]

 He signed up last July and the time has gone so fast. Here were are trying to prepare with no idea exactly on what to do. Oh mechanically I do, read the websites on what he is to take, what will happen with his stuff and how long it could take to actuallly talk to him. But emotionally it is so unsteady and unsure. I don't know about other loves ones going in but for my son, he doesn;t say much about how he feels or what he is thinking . Then he will say like one sentence about leaving and I realize there is alot going on with him as well. How do you support your loved ones decision and not let them know how hard it will be for you. My son can see right through me I don't want him to be worried about how Mom is doing on top of all the things he will be dealing with as he enters his new career

[clarkedu (MM Nuke Prototype)]

Dear Theraysmom,

My son leaves also leaves on June 7, 2011 (from Los Angeles to Great Lakes).  He has been excitedly counting down the days for the past couple of months especially.  Unlike your son, my boy outwardly shows his excitement and talks about it all the time, for which I think I am thankful.  Of course he knows how I am dreading the day he will depart, but he is so looking forward to his new life ahead that I refuse to diminish his enthusiasm.  After all, that is what will keep him motivated, positive and successful... every mom's dream for her children, right?

Like you, I question how to overcome feelings of despair so that I can wholeheartedly be supportive of his decision.  I am on an emotional roller coaster (and I HATE roller coasters!), having already shed my fair share of tears just anticipating his leaving.  I can't even foresee how I will be able to adjust to him being gone and totally out of touch for weeks on end.  I kind of think it's ok for him to know that it's hard on me because wouldn't it be a lonesome feeling for him to think that he won't be missed?  I just have to be sure he also knows that any difficulties I experience are in no way his concern because he has to stay focused on the priorities and responsibilities of the very valiant endeavor of his chosen path and new direction in life.

What I keep telling myself is that is important to remember that this has to be all about HIM.  There will undoubtedly be challenges ahead for him, and even if he doesn't end up needing emotional support or encouragement to see him through it all, he needs to know that he can count on me to stand behind him and be there for him as I always have.

That being said, I realize that I have a short 2 days to convince myself that I can live up to my words and my son's expectations as we see him off.  There is no turning back now, so it just has to be done!

I sincerely wish your son all the best.  Maybe our boys will even meet up with each other at GL-wouldn't that be cool?!  We just have to stay strong and hang in there for them!

[theraysmom(Ship11 Div 244)]

Thanks for the words. I am so back and forth yesterday we went as a family to a amusement park. I already see his strength and sureness something I definitely didn't have at his age and am very proud to see. I know he will do well as he has been preparing himself for this time. I am at the point where I can think of nothing else may it be how much I will miss him or how well I believe he will do . Either one brings tears to my eyes funny though I have not lost it get. I guess that will happen on Monday morning when we leave him at the recruiters office. We are from San Bernardino ,CA . He will leave from he MEPPS in San Diego. Maybe they well meet up at GL only time will tell. As for the Roller Coaster I am on that ride as well, normally I love them but this one well not so fun.

[clarkedu (MM Nuke Prototype)]

We are in Whittier, and at least I get to spend a little more time with my son before we leave him at the hotel downtown Monday night where we'll say our traditional "Good-night, I love you" and hug one last time until we see him at PIR.  I'm afraid I'll need to have tissues ready because this is going to be way beyond heart-wrenching, as you well know!

Maybe we can take solace in the realization that so many moms have survived this before us.  We are not alone, and we will get through it, too.  Feelings of sadness will be replaced by overwhelming pride, sooner rather than later, I hope!!!

Take care, Theraysmom, and keep in touch! :-D

[theraysmom(Ship11 Div 244)]

for sure I will keep in touch I just joined the group Dep-leavin for Bootcamp in June lots of ppl in the same place you should check it out

[clarkedu (MM Nuke Prototype)]

Earlier today I joined that group, and about 15 other groups, too.  Funny, I have had N4M site bookmarked on my computer for probably more than 6 months and didn't really start delving into it until a few days ago.  Denial?  I think so!!!

[theraysmom(Ship11 Div 244)]

Hey just wondering how you are doing ? I remember you said you were taking your son like at 6:00 I hope you are doing ok. I know for me it was a really rough day .

[clarkedu (MM Nuke Prototype)]

Hi Theraysmom.  Thank you for asking... I was wondering how you are doing, too! How's it going for you today?

I'm actually doing surprisingly okay.  We spent a couple hours at the hotel with my son after he checked in, and that helped ease into the "departure", rather than having to just drop him and go. Plus, he texted me this morning that all is well, and he is just waiting for this ticket and swearing in.

So now the journey really begins.  I'm glad for the connections here on N4M to share in this experience, and Ilook forward to continued correspondence with you!   

[Wi mom of HM2 Corpsman]

My son left June 7 also, he was at the white sox game that night and at 11:10pm I got the 15 second phone call.  I too hate the roller coster ride of emotions.  Can't wait to get his address in two weeks so I can write him.  Its nice to have people to talk to.

[theraysmom(Ship11 Div 244)]

yes I agree I think it will make the time less stressful knowing others who are passing through the same things . I am actually better today as my son called yesterday at 7:14 I know where he is and have read some pretty good information of what is going on. I know he will do his best as this is what he chose to do. I keep thinking that lots of others have passed through BC.  I am getting ready to start my first letter but I keep coming back to the site to see what is going on with everybody I have never been one for the computer. Just got a facebook last month because I know a SR on deployment and he is able to use facebook  But this site has been the best someone always seems to understand what I feel or what is going on.

[shortk]

My son also left on June 7th and I have to say it was real hard on me.

I have always had him by my side and the empty seat in the van was

unbearable. But I keep telling myself, "I raised him to be happy." He

seems to be happy and excited about his Navy career. I tune in to

his happiness which really does help me get through this. I also

do a lot of praying for strength and courage. Hope this helps.

[theraysmom(Ship11 Div 244)]

I know what you mean my son and i have always had this connection. He would tell me alot of things that he is thinking or doing (not everything of course)  Sunday mornings will be hard for me as I teach  Sunday School Class and he was one of my students.Tthe other students were not on time so while we were waiting for them we would almost always have some real conversation. I am already starting to tear up just to think he will not be there . But I know he is strong and is ready to take on the challenge that keeps me going I just hope he doesn't loet the willingness to have real conversation with me.

[clynhood]

My son shipped out on the 7th to boot camp.  He only had one month to prepare then off to boot camp he went.   We received a call from him yesterday letting us know we'll receive his personal stuff in the mail.  I could hear the excitement in his voice, but then again he hasn't started training yet. :) 

I can't wait to get a letter from him... I hope he has time to write, as I hear they stay pretty busy.

He too was nervous but once he started on his journey he became excited and ready to get started.