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.

 

[navymom88 (02/Div911)]

When is your SR PIR date?

 

[Navmom]

February 3rd.

[JennC922-NJ (Ship12 Div073)]

My son is leaving tomorrow for MEPS in Albany & shipping on Wednesday.  I was Ok until today.  I could be Ok with the no Christmas since his father & I are divorced and we've swapped holidays every year, and even not seeing his face on a daily basis.  What I'm realizing is that I will have almost NO contact (other than letter writing).  No texts, no phone calls.  Having a hard time wanting to cut the apron strings.

He is, of course, saying good bye to all of his friends & I just want him to be home sitting right next to me until he leaves. 

I probably sound like a crazy person, because this is NOT how I normally act!

He is the first to fly the nest,  but he's my boy and as proud as I am - I really hate that the sweet little 8 year old isn't looking up at me anymore.

I've appreciated reading on here - I know more of what to expect over the next few weeks as far as the "box" and the form letter.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Jenn

[3musketeers]

Hi Kfarey,

My daughter left today too.  She was scheduled to leave on the 28th of December so I know exactly how you feel.  The entire ride to LAX I cried, thank God she was driving down with her recruiter and not us, and my husband did NOT understand at all.  I too have a younger son here but that still doesn't fill the gap.  For myself, I lost my best friend for a few weeks.  I have no idea who I am going to talk to and laugh will.  Keep your mind busy and know that our children are in really good and safe hands.

See you at graduation!

[Hilary]

My son leaves for Boot Camp in the morning.  I totally understand how you feel!!  Even though he is 25 (26 at the end of the month) and has been on his own for years it's still hard.  I'm pretty sure he expects a bunch of tears tonight...he knows me too well!!

[hk1853]

I got the letter today too!!!  Graduation Feb 3rd as well.  Ship 03 DIV 056.  YAY countdown begins :)

[icecold326]

My son is on Ship 03 Div 056. Nice!!!

 

[Navmom]

My son's letter just got to me today.  Ship 12, Div 057.  Is anyone else's son in this division?  His graduation date is February 3rd.  There are apparently 10 divisions graduating that day.  Does anyone know if their son is graduating on that day as well?

[deanna]

I got my letter today too.  My son is Ship 12, Div 057 too.  Same graduation date!! Are you going to graduation?  I am planning to go.  I am just waiting for the letter about the hotels near the base etc.

[joirenee]

I completely understand. My son went to bootcamp just recently and I have had several crying bouts! I completely back his decision and am also very proud. He is my youngest and I do have a great husband, thank goodness! I haven't yet had the ability to go through his room and pack it up since he won't be coming back here and we will be moving soon.  I am just thankful we are today's world and that, later, when he is in school and such, I will be able to skype with him. (I hope) 

[LisaM]

My oldest son left for boot camp in early November of this year.  We had an early holiday dinner to celebrate Thanksgiving with him.  I cried a lot before he left too, every time someone mentioned it, every time I thought about it.  The day he left for boot camp, I cried when he was sworn in.  I cried at the airport.  I cried after we left the airport.  I cried on the way home.  I cried when we got home.  I cried that night.  I cried the next morning.  I knew he wasn't gone forever and I'd see him again, but I couldn't stop crying.  After a few days it got a little easier, not much, but a little.  In the five weeks he's been there, we have received three letters and one phone call.  I still get chocked up a little now and then (ok, I still cry once in a while because I miss him so much and I'm so worried about him), but writing him letters helps.  I hope it boosts his moral and helps him through the tougher parts of boot camp.  I know it is helping me!  Hang in there!  I think your husband and younger son have found that focusing on your crying and calling it "silly" is easier for them than feeling the emotions they really have about him leaving.  As the only female in the house of five, I have found that's how guys work stuff out sometimes : )

[BabyGirl]

My daughter is in flight as we speak. I am so proud of her and YES I've been crying my eyes out too. She is my baby girl and she too made this choice on her on. Seems like yesterday when she sat down w/my husband and I to tell us. We just had a big celebration for her this past Sunday. We dropped her off Monday at the recruiting office and they took her to be tested for drugs and pregnancy test. After which, she was taken to a hotel and today to Fort Dix for processing and now in flight. WOW!!! As a mother all I can think is...Yea she better have passed those test, BOTH OF THEM..LOL  AND I hope she ate and I hope she gets plenty of rest. Can't help my thinking...that's the mother in me. She's a good girl. I pray that all we put in her resurfaces when needed. I have to trust that. Christmas day will be hard for us too. So get ready. So when you feel like crying..do it. Prior to my daughter's departure I was diagnosed with kidney cancer and It was my daughters last year in school. I am Thankful for the fact that the chemo is shrinking the tumors and my daughter can enter into her new life without the worry of mom. So when I cry..I am Thankful to God that I'm alive to see her new life take shape. Hang in there. I'm using this site for Therapy...