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?

[marlena]

Hi Mandersmom.  I'm so sorry for the sad call from your daugther.  I know you were happy to hear her voice, but heartbroken as well.  I'm sure it'll get better, but I do know the first couple of weeks are very difficult, for them and for us!  It looks like our kids are in the same ship/div, so please feel free to talk anytime.  My son called Saturday also (I think the whole division got to) and he was exhausted and said it was awful, but that he loved it and didn't want to be anywhere else.  I will pray for  both you and your daughter.  Please keep in touch and hang in there.  :(

[navy mom]

Oh my gosh mandersmom, you must be beside yourself.  What did she say?  What did you say? 

[Margaret 07/078]

Mandersmom, I got my call from my daughter on Sat as well, I  almost missed it!  My daughter said it was very hard to, and prays she can get thru it.... Your not alone with all your heart ake.  Jenny said she has made a couple friends,  Maybe it's your daughter..   I hope you have a better day today,   Your not along!

[navy mom]

When did your daughter arrive at boot camp?  What ship and division?  My son left 1/5/12, ship 2 division 916.  I'm trying to figure out when we will get his call or letter.  I miss him so much...

[BunkerQB]

It could be anytime. You got the important form letter with the address, PIR date, password and the 4 people he listed as his guests. Keep your phone with you at all times.

[Margaret 07/078]

My daughter arrived on Jan 9th, SHIP 07 DIV 78.  Have only recieved one short call, and just recieved the letter with the PIR info 03/02/12.  They can only read and write letters on Sunday.  I have not recieved any letters yet.  I just keep waiting for the mailman every day.....  Hang in there...

[WhiteClay Ship 2 Div 913]

Our son left for boot camp 12/12/10 and so was away for Christmas and his younger brother's wedding in January. He was supposed to be best man, but the date was already set before he got his boot camp date. That's the way it goes, but he sent a letter home that our two younger girls read at the reception. It was very sweet and funny and we felt like he was "there". My advice for those of you who are still at the "I could cry at the drop of a hat" stage, my advice is to EXERCISE to get your adrenaline under control. I would walk at a township park nearby, and pray out loud to keep my mind focused, and if I cried, I cried, but with my hood up nobody could tell. Secondly, rather than wandering aimlessly around the house, forgetting what you were supposed to be doing, pick a SMALL job that you've been putting off, and tackle it. For example, clean out one drawer, like where the pens & paper & envelopes are. When that's done, probably a 5 min job, congratulate yourself and then look for another 5 min job. Before you know it small parts of your life will be organized, and you'll feel productive. Take something out of the freezer and put it in the refrig for TOMORROW's dinner. You don't have to do anymore than that, but at least something will be defrosted and you can decide later what to make. Make a crockpot of soup, or a batch of cookies, and think of an older person who lives alone who would appreciate a quick visit and a food gift. As sad as you feel now, your kid is moving forward to a positive future, and you WILL get your emotional stability back, I promise! So look around for someone who really has reason to be sad, and go make their day! In your letters DON"T tell your kid how sad you are, or how you can't cope without them. They are trying to just survive boot camp, so tell them how proud you are of them, you know they're strong enough to make it and just share everyday news from home. I used to describe what my son's cat was doing (lying next to me on the couch), what we had for dinner, various events at church or with younger siblings' sports, etc. He said reading that stuff made him escape from boot camp for awhile. He also said one guy's fiance had sprayed his letter with perfume, and when he opened it the fragrance wafted through the air. It was the first thing they'd smelled besides sweat and other unmentionable smells, and the guy kindly ripped up the envelope into small pieces and handed them out so his buddies could each have a small piece to smell. Made me laugh, but that was so sweet! Hang in there mamas, you're going to survive and GROW just like your recruit. Think of the alternative...your kid still living at home at 35 years old, not really sure what he wants to do with his life. Now THAT would be depressing and bring me to tears! =)  Our sailor is now Petty Officer Third Class and about to go to San Diego for his C school. He's doing great, paying off his school loans, putting away money for retirement and regular savings, showing leadership among his shipmates and excited about his future. Keep praying for your kid, stay in touch with other Navy for Moms (so you don't drive your family crazy) and believe that they have a hope and a future.

[MS Sailor 07/080 PIR 3/2]

YES!!!  I feel exactly the same.  My first too.  Everyone wants to tell me that I shouldn't be crying so much, but I can't seem to stop. It's just like you say, your head tells you that this is temporary, but your heart feels like they are gone forever.  You're not alone!

[hpygrl5]

My son leaves tomorrow the 18th and I am already feeling blah...in a few hours I will drop him off at the recruiting station for them to take and check him into the hotel for the night. I will be there tomorrow for the swearing in ceremony which my husband (a Naval Officer) is doing so that will make it so special for us all....I am hoping I can hold it together tomorrow....after reading all the entries I know it gets easier but, currently my heart feels like it is going to be broken forever!!!

[BunkerQB]

Click on this link - it'll take you to a discussion outlining what your son will be going through. There are links to the Boot Camp moms group, then later to your PIR group which you should join.

Survival Guide for Navy For Moms Newbie (clickable link)

Don't forget to check in with the San Francisco Bay Area Navy Families group (clickable link) periodically - we have a meet and greet scheduled for the Peninsula/South Bay in May or June.

BQB

[karrie7120]

I can relate to this. My son left on Jan. 3rd and i cried for 3 days. He's my 1st born and I felt so lost without him, but I'm better now. I just received a phone call from him this past Saturday and it really made my day. I'm just anxiously awaiting his graduation in March and my son's bright awaiting him!!! We're all in this together so u have an awesome support system!

[golfwannabe5]

My daughter left on the 3rd also, but the last communication I've received from her, was the night she arrived for about 15 seconds. She told me she would not be able to call me for 3 weeks. I'm "hoping" I get a call this coming weekend. What ship and division is your son in? My daughter is on ship 02, Div 915.