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.

 

[Navmom]

Don't know, my son's phone came home too.  We were told ahead he couldn't have it, but forgot to get it before he got on the plane. 

[sapphirelady]

Hi! Same for me.  My son left 12/7, got the box on Monday, no letter yet, though.

[SR TMom Ship 11 Div 067]

@momofson:  it's appears that everyone from the 7-10th has received their box but no letter.  I received my son's box today.  one step closer...

[deanna]

My son left on the 5th and no box yet.  I did receive the letter though. 

 

[navymom88 (02/Div911)]

he may have donated his things and you wont get a box,,, they have that option

[navymom88 (02/Div911)]

i have two younger kids at home and holiday has to be about them.. but its hard not having my  oldest this year

[tlr1122 (ship 11 div 068)]

My son is my youngest but I have two very young grandsons (his nephews) that we are trying to make sure everything is as "Merry" as possible with their uncle gone. They look up to him so much and really enjoy spending time with him (we have them most weekends). It will be hard for us all not having him there but the youngest (4) told his friends his uncle is at Power Rangers School! He is quite proud! We all had a good laugh over his interpretation of what my son had told/shown him about boot camp.

We received our very brief, 1st phone call yesterday but still no form letter. Essentially he is alive, not crazy about being there and loved us. He used the calling card we sent with him so apparently he did not keep his phone as we had hoped since it was not in his box. I didn't have the heart to tell him (nor the time) it was missing. I guess I will try to file a claim with AT&T.

Hang in there for the younger ones! Bless you, your family and your recruit and may "Yall" have a Merry Christmas from your fellow Navy Mom in Texas!

 

[Navmom]

Merry Christmas to you as well.  Sorry to hear about the phone.  My son's phone came with his box thank goodness.  We got basically the same phone call.  Our son said they might be able to call in the 3rd week.  We are really looking forward to that call just to see how he is fairing.  I hope well.  I know it is tough and I doubt it will seem all that great in the 3rd week, but I'm hoping he writes and that they letter eventually reflect it is getting easier.  I wish the best for your SR at Power Ranger School. 

[tlr1122 (ship 11 div 068)]

If it helps any, one of the guys I work with has a son a bit older than ours and former Sailor said his son sounded and felt the same when he was there several years ago.  He said around week 3 or 4 though he sounded a bit more positive in his letter home.  A week to 10 days later he started talking about the group coming together as a team.  He said his son went from depressed and defeated to proud and motivated.  Everyone that has shared their experience seems to tell me the same...they break the boys down and build them back up as men that will be able to do what is needed to protect our country.  This is the first time in his life I have not been able to talk to him, help him and try to motivate him and keep him positive. We have to believe the Petty Officers and Chiefs there are doing what is in our sons' best interest even though they may  sound miserable  now.  In the long run, they will all be better for it!

[Navmom]

I feel the same.  I have always been there when he needed help and it is hard to be away and not be able to comfort him if he is having a rough time or advise him on what he could do to make it better.  This is his time to grow into a man and learn to handle things on his own.  It will give him the self confidence I've been trying to help him gain all these years.  Can't help but worry, but that is what mothers do.

[Anti M]

Did you check  inside the shoes?

[tlr1122 (ship 11 div 068)]

Yes ma'am. My husband opened the box first and didn't see it but I double checked when I arrived home from work. I checked all of the clothing pockets as well. The odd part was the battery was removed and just lying loose at the bottom of the box. Fortunately, not expecting him to be able to keep his phone, we had pulled most numbers from it and made him a credit card size phone list (accordion style) for his wallet so he would have numbers in case he was allowed to call more than just home.