bootcamp

[jessmom]

my daughter left today 12/12 for boot camp in great lakes  she is 21 years old but i feel lost without her already. it just feels so different then when she went away for college.i know there are many people that go through this everyday. its just so hard for me, i work with two people who have had their young men go away and i really dont think they felt the way im feeling. Im told by some of my family members that i need to grow up. she is a adult and this is the life she has chosen. i think its more that im not gonna be able to talk to her when i want to, and have her come home for those special occasions. when something does bother her i want to know that and be able to help her through those times and im not gonna be able to do that all the time. i do know i have to loosen those aprons strings but boy it sure is hard. as im writing this she is sitting at ther airport in harrisburg pa....plane leaves at 5:20 will arrive in chicago and from there take a bus to great lakes. the time zone is different there, she said it will be about 10:30 their time when she calls so i will make sure im up at 11:30 our time (new york). i will make sure i dont fall asleep at 9:00 tonight. i would love to hear from any mother whose child has left today for great lakes, im just curious how many mothers children may be with mine and from anyone that might beable to let me know that im not inmature about this in general. im very proud in the choice she has made to serve our country, its just gonna take a little bit of time to adjust to it.

[rhondaz5]

I got "the box" just about 30 minutes ago....I haven't been able to bring myself to open it yet......

[Hope]

I got my "boy in a box" two days ago. Dirty clothes just wadded up and stuffed inside for me to wash - almost like he was home!

[CB_s Mom]

I have not opened my son's box yet.  I guess I should because I am sure his clothes will be able to walk out of the box on their own if I wait too long!

[Mindy4boys (ship 04 Div 806)]

My son just left Monday too, and I have been told by others that the only thing different about Christmas day from any other day at boot camp is they may get a Christmas meal. I was told not to expect a phone call either. It's just like any other day. I really don't think they are going to give them liberty after only 2 weeks of basic. That's my understanding. Not meaning to hurt your feelings.

[Anti M]

Only two of the most senior divisions qualify for adopt a sailor.  The paperwork must be filled out and submitted by the 19th, you can't just show up.  Search this site, there are plenty of links to it.  Basically, if they qualified for it, you'd already have the Adopt A Sailor letter and form in hand.

The recruiter might be thinking of the older program, but RTC has really tightened up the program for security reasons.

[kittsmom]

I don't think you are immature at all my son left on Tuesday 12/13 and he is 21 yo it has always been me and my 2 boys my youngest son turns 16 today. This has been the most emotional week for me. Christmas holidays, worried that he's sad or depressed or that he's not eating or just simple things like that. I know how you feel when people tell you that you need to not worry so about her I worry about him all the time and I cried all day Monday from the time I woke til Tuesday when I finally feel asleep I still cry at certain things. All we need is time. I got the phone call yesterday morning he tried to call tuesday night but I had fell asleep. I was so mentally, emotionally exhausted. BUT I am a very PROUD momma:)

[cecemom]

hang in there...my baby leaves in March.

[Mindy4boys (ship 04 Div 806)]

To Jessmom, We got our son's box today. That was fast, since he just got to Great Lakes Monday night! He is contracted for the rescue swimmer rate. What rate is your daughter going into? Also, remember that friends and relatives might mean well, but don't believe for a minute that you are alone in feeling the way you do. It's not about growing up. It's hard to let our babies leave like this. I have 3 other boys. They moved out soon after high school and are all married now. But like I said in a different post, it's not the same as going off to college. I can cry at the drop of a hat. It can be something on facebook about a veteran. A commercial on tv. Seeing his truck sitting in the driveway. Someone talking about him at work. His toddler nephews looking for him when they come over. But I know it will get easier. Keep coming to this site and look things up on the Navy websites. It really will help you have more positive thoughts about your daughter. Take care.

[Mary321 (ship 4 div 806)]

Mindy, my son also left on Monday... also has a AIRR contract. perhaps they are in the same division??  It is a hard hard week but this site is wonderful and there are so many of us going thru this right now! That is certainly supportive.  Take care.

[Connie (Ship03 Div 070)]

My son also left Monday and I got the call he arrived about 1140 on Tues night.  He called from the airport earlier and said he would not call because he knew I would be asleep.  Of course I tole him I would be waiting for the call.  He is trying to be tough but I could tell he wanted that last call.  He was not looking forward to the first day of no sleep, but was happy to be started in this new chapter of his life.  I find my self with the same worries many of you have posted.  He was in the DEP program for a couple of months and we did a lot of research so that has helped me feel more comfortable.  My daughter and I have realized how much he did around the house.  I cant wait to find out his PIR date.

[CB_s Mom]

My son was in DEP for 18 months!! He joined on his seventeeth birthday.  There was no question he would be a sailor.  He is a Nuke and so pumped! This gave us time to learn and research, too. 

[proudmom2011]

Connie, my son said the same thing when he called me from the airport. I knew he wanted to call when he got to BC. I got the call at 11:49 CST and he sounded good. I guess. I remember everything he said and I can't wait til I get to talk to him again. He has never been away from me except for a short stint living in an apartment with his best friend( one month and he was back:) he is 21 as of this month and I know it's time but wow is it hard. Now I know wHow my mom felt when I flew the coop.. How ever did she survive ?

Take care and I'm praying for all of our children. Merry Christmas!