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.

 

[TammyKyle1]

when does your son leave? mine leaves april 4

[Momofsix]

My son left for bootcamp, yesterday, February 15th, 2012. I am feeling very proud and very sad. I have 3 younger sons. My next oldest son is an exchange student in Germany - so he has been gone for 6 months and won't return home until July. My 12yo stepson and 2yo son are keeping me busy or I think I would go crazy. I am really close to my 20yo that left. He is an awesome big brother and our 2yo walks around looking for him constantly!

[BunkerQB]

Ladies, if you haven't you should consider joining some of these groups. You'll find other with the same departure dates.

Keep posting. I know some moms don't post but they feel better just reading comments posted by others. Don't hesitate to vent or cry - it's good for you. Just be yourself. Good luck to all. BunkerQB.

Important Groups For You To Join

      BOOT CAMP MOMS

      NAVY MEPS & DEP FAMILIES

          Leaving For Bootcamp in January                Leaving For Bootcamp in February

          Leaving For Bootcamp in March                   Leaving For Bootcamp in April

          Leaving For Bootcamp in May                       Leaving For Bootcamp in June

          Leaving For Bootcamp in July                       Leaving For Bootcamp in August

          Leaving For Bootcamp in September          Leaving For Bootcamp in October

          Leaving For Bootcamp in November           Leaving For Bootcamp in December   

     

       NavyDEP.COM  (created exclusively for the recruits only - run by Craig).
       Moms/dads/wives/gfs, lurk in this group if you want but do not join.

[tlr1122 (ship 11 div 068)]

As a Mom of a new Sailor (02/10/12).......I also wanted to share with other Navy Moms, we have an Angel (minus the wings and halo  ;o)  ) in GL....Sarge. You can find his contact info on the PIR meet and greet forums. The meet and greet he does for the families and friends is very informative but he will also answer questions for you before hand. It's also a great place to meet up with other members of your SR's division and he and his friends provide a nice buffet. We opted not to rent a car so he picked us up from the airport and made sure we made it to all of our destinations on time (in the snow the day of PIR), knew when and where to go (Base gates, restaurants....etc) and he negotiates less expensive fares for those that use the taxi services. Many of your hotels offer shuttle as well the day of PIR ($3 a head). The hotel we stayed in offered a PIR rate, early continental breakfast so we could be in line for PIR asap and had a little kitchen (with dishes)/LR area so we had a place to visit while our SR was on liberty. I don't think I can mention by name but if you PM me, I will give you the name because everyone and everything there was absolutely wonderful for the price and time.  Something I did for my SR is I sent a box of his favorite things to the hotel a few days ahead -  via UPS, marked hold for guest: (my name) -  so I could make him sweet tea and stock a few things in the kitchen instead of trying to run around shopping.  The forums BunkerQB mentions are a great place to go for info and support and RTC GL also has a FaceBook page that is equally as informative.  They do a trivia contest on Tuesdays that is a lot of fun and the winner gets a pic of their division posted.  One last note…..FB and this type of forum as well as military protocol and security were all new to me and I am sure to a few of you – be sure to read the Guidelines and don’t get your feelings hurt if someone jumps on you for not complying (I’m hoping no violations here)….they will and what seems harmless to us as civilians possibly could jeopardize the safety of our SR’s.  Those that monitor may sound harsh but it is in our and our SR’s best interest. 

[BunkerQB]

Well stated. Thank you for coming back to help with newer members. Without influx of new "veteran" ladies/gents helping where needed, many newcomers would be lost.  When you get a chance would you review the Survival Guide (click MAIN, scroll down)? I would love some feedback and suggestions.  Have to go to work. Later tonight or tomorrow.  BQB

[Brazilian Mom]

And how are you feeling now? I hope you feel better.

My son left on Feb/12 of this year, just a week ago.

It's kind of bitter sweet to see them going, at the same time we want them to go and learn how to became a men, we want to keep them close. I was also not able to keep the tears...

 

 

[[e-mail]]

I know how all of you feel.  My son left for Navy Bootcamp April 16th, on his birthday, he is 20 years old.  Yes,  it is hard, he is my baby and letting him go is hard. He is my 3rd to leave. I just got my first letter this week and he is missing home, he says bootcamp is hard, so I just pray that God gives him strength to make it through.  He will graduate on June 15th.  I feel sad a lot but I am trying not to feel like that because this is what he wanted to do.  I am proud of him. He gave up a lot to do this and his hard work and endurance will pay off in the end.  All you Navy Moms should be very proud of your sons and the decision they made, that tells you something about who they are. Big hugs to you Moms out there, it will be ok. It does get easier I am told.   : )   Hang in there !!!! 

[kathy]

My son left April 30th.  I was wondering when I would get an address to write him.

Thanks!

[Brazilian Mom]

Kathy, it will take a week or two and you will get a letter from you son with the address to write it back.

Make sure you send him lots of letters, that helped my son alot. It makes them feel special and keeps them going. : )

 

[jenny]

Hang in there! it does get easier. My son left in January and he graduated in March. He is still in Chicago in pre-buds. He told us that bootcamp was really hard. Make sure that you write every day they love their letters. They feel lonley but they learn a lot. You will be so happy when you see him on graduation day. It is a wonderful day and you will be able to see him changed. They look so handsome and they are so polite! I still write him letters even though we skype. I miss his letter though so enjoy getting letters every week. It's a long journey but they do become better men. All we can do is be proud and supportive.

 

Good luck!

Jenny