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.

 

[momofson]

My son left from Harrisburg Pa yesterday. He had to be there Tuesday afternoon, stayed overnight and flew out Wednesday, via Washington DC. We received the I arrived call about 11:45 last night, He tried to call from O'Hare, his flight was delayed becasue of rain and I know he was running to go to the USO office.

Thank you each for sharing, this a tough road as moms and it does help to know others are there for you. May each of our children be safe, find what they are looking for and may we all meet at PIR

[Navmom]

My son left Monday the 5th and I came home today to find his box of clothes on the front step.  I didn't think it would be here so quickly either.  I guess their on top of things there.  Hopefully, we'll get the mailing address and graduation info just as quickly and easily.

[paces]

hk1853 and kfarey... That is about right. We received our box the day after we received our "I arrived" call. We received the letter with the mailing address and other information a day or two later. It won't take long. Start writing when you get the address. They will need the encouragement.  Don't expect a phone call for at least two to three weeks after your "I arrived" call. It was two weeks before we received our first letter and it took 4-5 days to arrive after he wrote it. I have learned during this process that the most important things are patience, perseverance and lots of prayer. Will keep your SR's and your families in our prayers.

[icecold326]

That's good to know becasue my soon too left out on the 5th and I received the box yesterday the 8th. So, now I'm waiting for the letter with his address on so I can send my letters. Thanks for the information it really helped.

[paces]

tlee326... anytime. Glad I could help.

[deanna]

That was fast.  I haven't received mine yet.  I did get his address from the recruiter though and so I wrote a quick letter in hopes it might actually get there by his first Sunday.

[gbearmom]

My daughter left today for Great Lakes!  Don't feel bad about crying; it's a good thing.  Her original ship date was 3 April 12, but it got moved up, so we didn't get a lot of planning time.  There is a lot I have yet to learn about what happens, even though I had a son who went to Great Lakes in the '90s.  Things have changed since then, and I am so appreciative of these sites for discussions such as this.  Best of luck to your son!

[Myskye]

 

My son, David is my youngest.  He left for boot camp in July. I was so sad because I now have an empty nest (my duaghter lives in WA state and my husband passed away 7 years ago), but I know this is an opportunity to make a good life for himself. He said bootcamp altough tough at times helped him "grow a spine". His girlfriend and I started receiving letters after about 2 weeks and he was able to make a phone call around 3 weeks. Keep your phone close because I missed his call on my cell phone and then he called my home phone. By the time I picked up the phone, he was so upset thinking he had missed me. He made some good friends that I think he wiil stay in touch with. At graduation, you will see that your son is still the same, but stands taller and is even more respectful than before. The ceremony is beautiful. When you get to take your son off base it will make you so proud and bring you to tears the way the public will stop him and tell him Congratulations and Thank You for your service. My son said that all the letters we sent really helped him get through the tough times. I was writing or sending goofy cards 2 or 3 times a week. Once you start getting letters from your son the time will pass a little more quickly(sort of).

[Lydia PROUD MOM SHIP 09 DIV 013]

My son had his PIR 12/2. This site helped me immensely . I have 3 boys so my two younger ones are still here . I cried daily. My husband thought I was nuts. It was the lack if communication that hurt me. Then when we saw him at PIR again cried tears of pride. It is an emotional roller coaster. My son, enjoyed it and made great friends
It does get easier as the weeks go by.  Just make sure you write them often. My son told me letters were like gold to them they all looked forward to receiving mail. I would mail him daily . He requested football scores and current events mailed to him so he was in the loop somewhat.
Hang in there!

[icecold326]

The lack of communication is the part that hurts the most. I'm divorced from my kids father so my son and his sister went back and forth but I talked to him everyday. So, to now go without reaching out to him has bet me up pretty bad. Another reason it get to me is because I lost my mother a year ago and I still miss her dearly.  With that being said I understand the roller coaster ride like everyone else. But we are blessed to have such strong young men in our lives.

[paces]

I agree. I did find comfort in writing ours everyday. I think it was as much for me as it was for him. I was like tlee326. We had long conversations everyday. He was a Depper also, so he was home for 8 months training for EOD. He also said that the letters were "like gold". I think its interesting they used the same term. We are so blessed. It truly takes a special person to do what our SR's are doing.

[orderentry]

My Son just left on the first. It seemed like one long week. I did receive a standards information letter in the mail. It was nice to get his address and have a graduation date. He did write 3 sentences on the back saying boot camp was not a real treat. Not that I expected nor did he. Just seeing his handwriting made my day! Never thought that could bring a smile to my face?
I have my youngest son(17)at home and has been a big adjustment for all of us. I also cried like a baby saying goodbye but wrote a letter to say all my feelings.
I'm holding onto feb3 and booked our hotel reservations last night.
Hang in there!