My daughter left today

[kellyc]

We went to MEPS and were able to watch her swear in, then we were to have lunch together, when she sat down to eat they called her for her travel itinerary, she came back showed us her flight number then the called her to the bus....I was not ready for her to go so quickly..I mean I knew it was comming but she was gone sooooo fast i feel like i didnt get long enough to say what I wanted, how proud I am, and how much I love her. It brings tears to my eyes as I type this.I can't wait to see her again :)

[Sandy3632]

My son is Jacob and he left today for Chicago.  I am waiting for the call to say he got there.  He texted early and had arrived at the Chicago airport and is waiting for the bus.  He is my youngest and has never been away from home very much so I am having a hard time with this.  I feel like a panic attack is close!  

[Teach]

Welcome to the rollercoaster called Boot Camp.  We got on 6 weeks ago today.  Our son will PIR on 4/13.  I cried a LOT the first few days.  It gradually became a few times a day.  After 2-3 weeks, it becomes once a day or so.  Now, I can actually make it a few days, sometimes, depending on what is going on or what I read on here, or who asks about him, or...well you get the idea.  We are moms...through and through...we love them unconditionally.  I counted the days until he left and now I count the days until I see him again.

Trust me, it does get easier and now it seems hard to believe that 6 weeks have already passed and in just 2 1/2 more weeks I'll get to see my new and improved son.

However, I don't think we will ever get off this roller coaster...

[nancy]

My son left on 3/18 , Im missing him so wondering is he homesick , Ive cried so much  but each day it gets a little better   . I know its something hes wanted  and waited to do, and Im so proud . Cant wait to see him  and tell him  how proud and how much I love him.  Each day will get better.

[jodia-Proud Mom Of A Sailor!]

kellyc, as soon as I got home from seeing my son off, I went straight to the computer & started writing.  About my feelings that day, my pride in my son, some cool memories.....just some happy thoughts.  I wrote a page every day, and when I got his address I mailed about 11 envelopes, all numbered in the order that I wrote them.  I absolutely loved writing to him and getting his letters.  He's been in 2 1/2 years now  and we just text a lot. ;)  I really miss those letters!

This is a lot harder on the parents than the SR's!  They are busy every minute of every day and we are worried & wondering every minute of every day! Hang in there!              JODI

[Kim]

How are you doing? I know it's hard to let our kids go. My son left March 13th. Is this your youngest child? We are all here for you. I now have 3 in the Navy. My oldest son who is in Pensacola Florida. My youngest son who is in bootcamp. My husband who is a Chief here at Great Lakes. I live across the street from bootcamp. If you have any questions let me know.

[Cheryl Ship 07 Div 160]

Hi kellyc.  My son left for GL yesterday.  We live in IL, so we had to say good-bye to him at his hotel.  I'm sorry it happened so quickly for you, but you can write to your daughter and tell her everything you didn't get to say.  I already started writing letters to my son.  Now I just have to wait for the address :)  Hang in there and all the best to your daughter and your family.

[Lisa]

My daughter left Tuesday and I am still crying. Seems like every time I feel like I am getting emotions in check I see something that reminds me of her and today I received " the box". I had a total meltdown. I know how you feel. This is so hard!!!

[SUNY mom]

Hello!  My daughter left for Great Lakes on Monday, 3/26, I still don't have her ship and division #, have any moms of SRs who got to GL on the same day gotten word about their kid's address yet?  I called her recruiter and he said he was going to call me back but I didn't get the info yet.  I wonder when I'm going to get it so I can write to her?  Thanks in advance! 

[kellyc]

No I haven't gotten anything but the box yet, not even a form letter yet, this was their processing week so maybe next week we will get something, hopefully.

[Rla1164]

@kellyc. 

As I read your post, I felt exactly the same way on 2/15/12.  When she got to Chicago she had about an hour before they were to leave for Great Lakes, we talked the entire time.  We were driving back from MEPS - a 4 hour drive for us and my husband stopped in a small town for the last 30 minutes so we would not lose service.  We talked and talked then she said "Mom, I gotta go" and I thought oh no, I didn't say all the things I wanted to say.  It still makes me cry as I type this.  Now we are near the end of this journey.  Week 1 - zombie, and blur for me.  I spent everyday wondering how she was.  I found this site before she left.  It has been a godsend.  I joined our PIR group, found the FB page for Recruit Training Command.  Then we started a closed FB group of friends and family to share stories.  It has been really great and we have become good friends and can't wait to meet on 4/12/12.  The weeks started to go by a little easier.  We got a call on 3/7 for 30 minutes I was in heaven and it's been letters ever since.  I send letters with pictures of stuff going on, our pets, her sisters, nephew etc.  I copy her FB page when people post to her.  I have sent some newspaper articles of stuff she might find interesting.  I know she loves all the letters, so keep writing. Their division has had some highs and lows, but they are growing up and changing so fast it's amazing.  I posted below a comment she made in a recent letter to share with new mom's and their recruits.  I will also post something she said in another letter that was an aha moment for me. Best of luck to you on your amazing journey.