The call

[Adam's Mom (Ship 07 Div 11)]

Well my son left for bootcamp today and I got a call telling me he landed safely and then got another call telling me he made it to bootcamp and he was safe. Very short and sweet, Im in tears, Its going to be so hard the next 8 weeks..............

[jacketfan24 (corpsman mom)]

You will make it through...the first few weeks are the hardest for most people until they start gettng letters.  Mine left on Sept. 6 and I was okay until I actually got the first letter...he was homesick and it made me miss him more, but once he called a week later, I've been fine again.  It's a rollercoaster and it's okay to cry whenever you need to...we are all going through this and I don't know what I would have done without this site to keep me sane.  It helps so much to have people who get it. 

[Diana (Proud Navy Mom)]

jacketfan, you took the words right out of my mouth!  I don't know what I would do without Navy4moms!

[Pennie]

Hang in there it gets better. The first weeks are the hardest. I broke down and bawled like a baby after I received my 20 second call saying he had arrived safely at GL. It honestly about killed me but each day got a little easier did a lot of deep breathing and kept busy. Then I got the box wasn't prepared for that either and again I cried I wrapped my arms around it and litterally hugged it. And after 2 or 3 days I opened it held his clothes to my face and smelled them. I wrote him everyday, prayed for him everyday, I got on N4M every day and found out each day it got a little easier and in 8 and a half weeks later I was sitting there watching my son at PIR. Now my son is at Goose Creeek and I promise you when they get to A schools the communication is much better. It wasn't an easy 8 weeks but I did it and you will too will pray that things get easier for you. Hang in there and its okay to cry. Like the others said this website is awesome. somedays was the only thing that kept me from heading to GL and breaching that gate to go get him.

[Rebecca]

This is a terribly trying time for mom's. My son graduated boot camp in September and is now in "A" school, and I can assure you that you will all make it through. WHile he was there, he stressed that mail is very important! And pictures, even random ones helped him through. I wrote to him every night and mailed it the next morning so that he would always have mail at mail call. It was so strange, after he graduated, I found that I missed writing him at night, it became almost like a therapy to me! Crying is perfectly normal, and coming here to N4M's is great support!

 

Ladies, if you think about it, ask your SR's if there is anyone in their divisions who doesn't receive mail. As hard as it is for us to imagine it, there are SR's there who don't have someone sending them encouragement. If you can get their names, the rest of the address will be the same. A card will make a huge difference to them1

 

Hang in there! Best wishes!

[Proudkmom]

My son also left yesterday. He called from the airport to let us know that he arrived. Then we got "the call" at about 11:15 last night saying he was at basic training and doing OK. That helped a lot. But then this morning I went to work and couldn't hold myself together. I know it will get easier but right now it sure is tough. It's nice to know we have Navy for moms to help us get through the tough times. Thanks to everyone for posting on here.

[Proudkmom]

Thanks Peggy. Hang in there. We will get through it with the encouragement from each other.

Take care.

 

[Diana(PO3/IT3)]

Adam's Mom and all you new to bootcamp moms.....I'm a week ahead of you. The toughest part is that last hug/kiss before our "babies" board that plane. Each day/event is a new hurdle to navigate emotionally. When the lumps in the throat form and the tears well up in your eyes, let it happen. While we feel we've 'lost' something - in essence, kinda. Childhood. So has our SRs.... But, they are stepping into adulthood - directly onto a path of their own making with all the love and teachings we could possibly give them these past 18+ years. Now, it's time to embrace, celebrate, and continue that love and support in a different way. Time for new memories and new shared experiences!

 

My daughter's "box" arrived yesterday. I took out her backpack and shoes....they are by my bedside. I do not have the heart, yet, to clean it out and wash what was in there. For me, it will stay that way until I see her again late November....

 

And yes, this is an amazing place where everyone here totally gets how you are feeling and someone has an answer you need.

 

Bravo Zulu new moms. Bravo Zulu!

[navymomjulie2011]

My first letter came today and I was so excited to read it.  He shipped out on September 19th and I only talked to him that night for about 30 seconds to have him tell me he was there.  Much to my surprise, he is so homesick and misses all of us that he doesn't want to go down the path he had chosen.  Is this normal in week 3?  He is worried about the written testing.  He said the shots really hurt and he said he passed the physical part really well.  I haven't stopped crying since I read the letter.  What do I do now?

 

[Diana(PO3/IT3)]

Oh no navymomjulie....that is disheartening to hear no doubt...  I wonder as well with my daughter. She is so resilient and focused yet the feeling I had when I received "the box" yesterday with her belongings gave me the vision of chaos and uncertainty.  I guess there is nothing to do now except send loads of encouragement and strength to them - remind them of how strong they are and that this phase is NOT the rest of their lives but a step towards learning more about themselves. He may continue to hate it until his discharge date - it's only 4-6 years. He may discover something about himself he never dreamed possible. Either way, he won't find out unless he allows himself to be open to that discovery.  I hope your next letters get more encouraging. Maybe that was how he felt that first letter which was maybe written more like Week 2....?

Hang in there......

 

[navymomjulie2011]

Thank you Peggy.  I needed to hear those words.

[Maja/Ship 09 Div 16]

I love "Navy 4 Moms".  It is so comforting to know I am not alone and that I am not crazy.  All of my concerns or worries are the same as some many others.  How are you handling the not being able to talk to your son/daughter element of this whole thing.  Must admit --- it's killing me inside.  I want to know how my girl is doing, what she's doing.  The not knowing may just drive me crazy.

[Pennie]

@ Peggy my son has only been at GC since the 17th of September from what he says he walks every where or takes a cab or shuttle when he leaves base.  When they first get there they are not allowed to drive. He has decided to wait until he absolutely has to have a car to get a new one.  And to be honest I would be afraid to drive his car from Tennesse to GC South Carolina so glad he is saving up for a new one.  I have never been to Charleston and am looking forward to going next week.