So Sad

[BobsmomPIR06/29/12]

Hello,

Unfortunately no one from my SR's family will be attending his PIR. Wondering if anyone that is going to Chicago might have an opportunity to meet him and give him a big congratulation and Mom loves you hug. I'm not sure how it would work out finding him, but I could find out. I am so broken-hearted about this, six hours after PIR he leaves for A school. I just can't afford about $700.00 for six hours. You can bet I'll be visiting him at A school when the Navy allows visitors. Thank you for you help.

[NM*Il]

OhhhhI will be going tomorrow I live in the Chicago land area what is your sons div and ship number and name I will def. make an attempt to find him!

[BobsmomPIR06/29/12]

The PIR is next Friday 6-29. Are you going then?

[BobsmomPIR06/29/12]

division 204 ship 12

[LaurieS(Ship12/Div 204)]

What division is your son in?

[BobsmomPIR06/29/12]

division 204 ship 12

[FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW]

Bobsmom - Here is a link to the MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) page where you can order a Recruit Care Package for your SR if you would like too.

http://www.mwrgl.com/gen_info/rtc_graduation/rtccarepkg.htm

They cost $19.99 and you just need to order within 48 hours of PIR. They used to post the contents of the Package...but now you have to ask what is in it when you call. Just an idea!

I am sorry that you cannot attend PIR...I hope that your SR ordered the DVD (runs about $29). Check with him and see when you get your "I'm a Sailor" call (Woo-Hoo!) If he did not and you would like to see his PIR...this can be done from the Photo Lab on PIR day I believe. Here is their number: 847-578-6205

 

[BobsmomPIR06/29/12]

Thanks so much. I checked it out and most of the things in the package are to be used for around Chicago. Probably if they would be there for the weekend. Not sure I'll do it. But thanks anyhow. I so appreciate everyone's help.

[BunkerQB]

Click on the underlined link below to join the PIR group for that date even though you are not going.

PIR: June 29, 2012           TG 33 - 12 Division (195 - 204, 814 & 933) 

Post a comment and find others in the same division. Perhaps someone will take a few extra photos for you. Even take him out to dinner.  Recruits start to learn early to take care of each other.  Someone will include him with their family's activities. It's the way with the military.  You find "family" wherever you go. Your recruit will be just fine.

Don't overdo being broken-hearted. You are going to have many, many opportunities to see your very grown up young man. He is graduating from Navy Boot Camp, going on to A school. There are thousands who would trade places with you - just to have a son who is thriving and in a great place career wise. Just look around.

Yes, I know it's difficult to stop crying but every time you think a "negative" thought - think a "positive" thought. Write the positive ones on a piece of paper. Look at it every morning. Count down to the days when you will see him.  Remember he will have many opportunity to come home at some time in the future. 

[JessicaB-Sailor Mom]

Bunker...what a BEAUTIFUL post....LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way you put those words together!!

[BunkerQB]

We all got caught up with seeing things with blinders on either side. Every time someone else's son or daughter gets an award or achieves something extraordinary at an early age, we mothers think - if I could have been a better this or that, my child too could be this wondrous human being. We often forget to count the blessings right there in front of us. We see many blogs and discussions from moms who are distraught because they can't email/text/voice mail or see their child every day or every week and get an immediate response.  Before cell phones and personal computers, it didn't do any good to worry endlessly. Certainly the time was not going to pass any faster.  The recruits need to know that their moms will survive without a blow by blow every day. It's really a sign that as moms, they have done their job correctly - to have a self sufficient, self reliant son or daughter. Of course, it means the main purpose for their existence for the last 20 plus years is coming to an end. And yes, we understand that this little realization may be the cause behind the sadness and the issues with letting go.  The tears are for many things ....

Now I am just rambling...........  

Jessica, I called your number a few times - you were probably at work.  Will try again soon.

[BobsmomPIR06/29/12]

Great rambling. Great message. Thanks for this. Many tears since he left. Seems like you read my mind. Must be a natural feeling when parents children go off to boot camp. I knew he'd be fine..... BUT... then there is always the fear of the unknown and knowing somewhat what they go through there. You now the feelings. We're on the same page. So glad I found this site and the Facebook page for him PIR. Too bad I didn't find it sooner. Could have used the support. 

Thanks again. God Bless You

[BunkerQB]

Don't forget to join the Navy For Moms PIR group for June 29, 2012. Just go back one page and scroll to my first comment. The N4M PIR group generally stay together AFTER graduation. What I said about the recruits finding friends quickly holds true for parents as well. On more than one occasion, I have walked up to a complete stranger who is wearing a Navy shirt and strike up a conversation. Within minutes it would seem like you have known this person forever. You too will find in your time as a Navy mom whether it's 5 years (like my son's commitment) or a lifetime (Navy lifer) that wherever you are you will feel a sense of community.