SON LEAVING MONDAY FOR BOOTCAMP

[Navmom]

 

My son leaves for bootcamp on Monday.  He was originally scheduled for December 20th.  Before Christmas, but close enough that we could have had an early Christmas and it would have felt like it.  We were only told a couple weeks ago that they would be moving up the date and then only yesterday that it would be Monday.  I keep crying like a little baby.  It seems so silly because it isn't like he'll be gone forever.  My husband and younger son think I'm silly for crying, but I can't seem to help myself.  Are there any other mothers out there struggling with this? 

They say it's empty nest, but I still have my younger son around.  I guess I just worry how my older son will handle bootcamp.   He made this choice all on his own and we support him completely and are extremely proud of him.  He keeps counting down the days and telling me to see my reaction I think.  I have tried not to cry around him even though he knows I will come Monday. 

I would appreciate hearing from any mothers who have been there or are there now.

 

[wordmountain1]

my son left Nove 9 thanksgiving was torture. Knowing we can see him Christmas Day is helping greatly.

 

[Alicia(12/053 - AO)♥]

kfarey, just wanted to wish your son the best of luck on his journey tomorrow and wish you luck too.  Stay strong and know that we are here for you if you need us! Hugs to you!!!!

[Renee]

Thinking about you and your family today - it's going to be a long day, but you'll get through it!  Be sure to join the Bootcamp Moms discussion group - there is a wealth of information, links, and experience among the moms and dads there.

My son went to BC in mid-August and is now in San Antonio for A school.  This website was a huge help for me in terms of information - what the recruits are doing/going through weekly.  The difficult thing is it can become a bit of an obsession during the 8 weeks!  Having no communication with your son is going to be hard, and try to keep your expectations low - that way you'll be surprised when something good happens!!!  Start writing your letters now, so you can get something off to him as soon as his form letter arrives.  Once you get his address, send it to all his friends and relatives - even if they only send one note during his time at BC, he'll be really surprised.  But do prepare yourselves to not get mail from him often (again with the expectations...) - once they get past the 2nd week or so they get really busy and have to stay focused.  We had some grandmothers who were a little upset not to get a letter!

Best wishes to your SR and your family - we're all proud of his choice to serve!

PS - what they say about the food at BC is true - it is good!  And my son says it's much better than the Army chow they get at Ft. Sam.   We can never forget how important food is to boys!!!!!

[4mrsdivine]

I feel you. My son is finally finished with boot camp after being there for 4 months. He had a foot injury and didn't graduate with the recuites that went into boot camp with him. He's fine now and moving on to the next step in Navy life. I remember feeling just as you do. I would catch myself going to peep at him when he was in his room playing with his play station when the time was drawing near for him to leave for boot camp. I didn't want him to see me looking at him with my teary eyes. He is my baby boy, I nicknamed him last-one when he was born. I have two other children that I birth and three step sons and out of all those son's he made up his mind (like your son) that he was going into the Navy. You're a mother and woman and we get emotional. It's our nature! You cry and let it out when ever you want. Are you a female born in the month of September? If so .. we are very compassionate people. I want to let you know that your son is going to be just fine. Find something to do mom, pray and trust that all is going to go well. Make sure he's running. He has a test to pass.  Other then that.. Alpha male run he should be fine! God bless you and your entire family. Happy Hoildays! Don't make your son nervous. He doesn't need to be worrying about his mom when he goes to become a Sailor.. ok..

[Chrissey]

My son leaves to go to recruiters tonight then swears in tomorrow and leaves for GL...I know this question may have been asked many times and I apologize if it is repetitive...I always thought that bootcamp was 8 weeks after "P" days...the recruiter told us that they got word that "P" days are running on the average of 10 days at this time of year..he also said that bootcamp is 9 weeks...I am guessing somewhere around Feb 10th or 17th...sound about right??? just hoping someone can give me an idea so I can get a jump start on beginning to get ready for PIR...wish me luck..we are waiting for him to get out of the shower and off we go...Nausea is my feeling of the day.....happy & proud also...

[Darlena]

Kfarey,

  My son leaves Monday too.  Originally scheduled for February 8th.  I feel your pain.  I am struggling with this also.  I am proud of Nick but cannot stand the thought of him being so far away.  We live in NC.  Where do you live?

 Darlena

[Navmom]

I live in Pennsylvania.  I was missing him before he even left, but once my younger son realized he wouldn't be around his brother he started crying and now when he does I do too.  I'm trying to hold it together.  I took off last Friday and, of course, yesterday when he left.  I am back to work and since no one else knows my job, I have a huge pile of work to tackle.  It will keep me extremely busy for days; however, I am still thinking of my son who left and his brother still here that I cannot concentrate very well and all the work overwhelmed me this morning and I broke down crying in front of my boss.  She is very compassionate about all of this, but it doesn't help that no one can really help me get it done.  My husband had to leave this morning to travel for the rest of the week for work.  So I don't want to stay too late here at work since my younger son though 14 is home by himself this week, because it makes him sad to know that his brother won't be at home when he gets there after school.  I know he will get use to him being away just like I will, but I want to be there if he needs to talk. 

Our son called last night around 11:00 to let us know he got there okay and would be able to call in about 3 weeks.

[hk1853]

I got the call last night around 11:30, and he also said he would be able to call in about 3 weeks.  Stay busy :)

[Chrissey]

Thanks to all who responded...The "drop off" at the recruiting office went ...ok..I held it together until he got out of the car...and then I cried all the way home..an hour away...my husband was also choked up on the way home which I have never seen before..the emotions are just soo overpowering its scary...Hats off to all those who have done it before me...Tomorrow we get to do it all again...at MEPS watching his swear in...can someone recommend a few good forums for me to jump into at this point??

 

 

 

[teri111]

My son also went to bootcamp in March. The most important thing I did for him was to write letters every week. Even twice a week as I could manage. (I'm not a letter writer!) I sent him a picture of the dog and wrote about local events. I like to think I helped him get through boot. He came out a different and more likeable young man. Good luck!

[TalonsMom]

That's the part that saddens me most. I am super proud, tearfully proud. I am just so sad to see my boy turn into a  man. I'm so gonna miss him.

[eljac913 (Ship 12 Div 053)]

kfarey...My son left Dec 1 and we also had our Christmas before he left.  It was also his decision to join and we supported him.  I cried for 2 days and then off and on for the last 3 he has been gone.  I also worry about him so you are not alone in your feelings.  This site is wonderful.  Stay connected.  We will all get through this together.