Bootcamp

[marlena]

My son left for bootcamp on Wednesday and I've been crying off and on ever since.  I feel so lost not beling able to call him, FB him or contact hm in any way.  I never thought it would be this difficult.  I'm really struggling. I'm not worried about his safety, just feel so disconnected, like he's gone forever.  He is my firstborn too, maybe that's it?   I don't know, but he reached this milestone that I feel like I wasn't prepared for.  Anyone else feel like that?

[Andrewsmom]

Just received word yesterday my son heads to bootcamp on 2/7 and I can't stop crying every time I think about my baby boy leaving.  I am a single mom and will now be an empty nester.  It really threw me for a loop because I was never a mom that became emotional over my kids starting school, graduating high school, etc.  However, my oldest son is still local and I think it's just hitting home that my baby will be gone for four years.  And it is a bummer that despite scoring high on the tests, they stuck him in the seaman PACT program.  I think that happens to kids that are naive and not assertive and fight for the rating they really want.  In any event, perhaps it will be a life lesson.

 

[Melissa(Sub Mom)]

Well I received my son's box today.   Is it strange that I wanted to open it right away?    I dont know I just needed to hold his clothes in my hands I guess.   Gosh I miss him soooo much.   As the days go on it seems to get a little easier by keeping busy but I still want that call.     

[Beth89]

My son just left for boot camp from Harrisburg on Jan 6 I am so glad I am not the only mom that is feeling so lonely and miss him so much.  That first call was so short (which we knew it would be) but I just want to know if he is OK, wondering when he will be able to call?  Is it really 3 weeks?  I did receive his box today and I cried.

[leesa421]

Soooo, I got my sons box today and fell apart.  No note or address was in there, but his clothes and incidentals were in there.. I was doing pretty good up until then.  Any advice from anyone? My heart hurts..

[Dawson'sChefMom]

I too got my sons box and stood and cried with my Fedex driver. She gave me a hug. We stood outside talking for about 5 mins. I came in the house and opened it. Like you, nothing. I did finish my letter to my SR and ready to start a new one. Does anyone know if they can get cards? Valentines day will be here soon.

[jdleapley]

I know how you feel ladies. My daughter got to jot a quick note inside the lid of her box...was SOOOOO grateful for that! She has been gone a month yesterday. Yes they can receive cards. I send my daughter cards that are pictures of our home town all the time. You will start getting letters soon! I am still awaiting my "real" phone call....very ANXIOUSLY....My phone is glued to my hip and I wish that the call would come through soon.

[Beth89]

My son has been gone 5 days and I am waiting for that call cell phone is in my hand 24/7.  I hear so my different remarks on when they can call.  What is the time frame for the calls?  

[jdleapley]

The recruiter told us it would be about 3 or 4 weeks in.....which from what I have read seems to be the standard. But apparently it depends on their div, their trainers, and if they want to allow or withhold calls. Some have said they only got one call besides the quick "I am here" call when they arrrive...some got numerous calls home. Sounds like there are numerous variables. I just really need to know she is ok. Her last letter told me she had 4 bruised ribs....I sure would feel better hearing her voice.

[chris26mom]

My son left on 1/5/12. I called his recruiter today because of the return sticker on the box didn't appear to be a mailing address and I was right. The recruiter was nice enough to look up my son in the system but he hasn't been complety "processed, or assigned" to a barreck yet to get a address for writing.  So he suggested that I call back on Monday and he will relook.  You might try calling your recruiter to see if he can help with the address. I know my heart sank a little when I heard about waiting until Monday.  Good luck.

[marlena]

Well, it has been 6 days now and I'm still upset.  I hope this gets better soon!  I am seeing that others have received their boxes, but I'm worried that I haven't received one yet.  I'm anxious to get it and hold his stuff.  I hope it comes tomorrow.  :(  Anyone know, can you send any size envelope to them when you write?  i bought business envelopes because the notebook paper fits better in them, but is that ok? 

[Melissa(Sub Mom)]

I am sure that any envelope is ok just not a package type envelope.   I kind of have a funny story,   when I took my sons stuff out of the box his cell phone was in his shoe.  it was on so I went ahead and looked at some of the messages to see if some of his friends were still texting him.   I accidently sent a text to his recruiter and I get a text back that said FS Christenson,   are you texting me and why are you able to text me.   I kind of laughed and needed it.  I texted him back and said no it is not him it is his mom and i pushed send on a message and did not realize it.   He said that I scared him cause he knew things had changed at boot camp but did not think that much where they could have their cell phones.   He is really nice, he said he would have an address to me tomorrow so I can write John.   He does not realize I have already written 5 letters.   I really needed that Laugh today.  I had a good cry today.   Gosh will this feeling of emptiness go away.   

[leesa421]

That is exactly what I have been doing all day.  I have carried his shirt around with me.  I didn't realize how hard it would be to open that box and see all his stuff.  I am a single mother and he is my oldest too and has been the man of the house for a long time.  I can't wait for the next call to come! Thanks everyone, it's nice to read that I'm not psycho..