bootcamp

[klbrown4857]

Hi, my name is Kendra and my daughter left for boot camp yesterday and I am having a very hard time I cant stop crying and worrying about her. I just don't know if it gets easier as time goes by but right now it is very hard for me. I cant eat sleep or stop crying every time someone ask me about her. Is this normal ? I am worried about her ,I just want her to be ok. I am very proud of her but I can't just get over being sad.

[ethansmom]

Also to give you an approx timeline .. I received my sons box 6 days after he left via FedEx then his PIR letter 3 days after that and his first letter 6 days after that .. It varies alittle depending on where you live .. I'm quite west of IL. Anyway I'm still very new at this but I wanted you to Atleast know some basics . Please join groups they won't necessarily stop your crying but they'll help !.. I still cry of course 3 weeks into this but I'm much better because of fellow moms :)

[Debbie]

Definetly watch the you tube video, it made me feel way better!!

[ryt2me]

Kendra.  My name is Natalie.  My son, Alex just left for bootcamp on july 16th. Sounds like the same day as your daughter.  He is our oldest and the first to leave home.  I sure hope that all these tears are NORMAL....just kidding....  I have been crying alot too. Worried, anxious.... wondering when we will hear from him. Hoping he is ok...  I am proud of him too...but I certainly didn't expect to feel this way.  Hang in there.  We can help each other through this.

[Concernedad]

I would suggest, watch the videos. Break Boot Camp down to each week. Write letters now and number the outside of the envelope so your SR knows which order to read them and you know which order to send them once you get an address.

Hang in there. Your SR is having a life experience.

[Mike's Mom (S-PACT/Yokosuka,JP)]

My son left July 17. We have not heard from him at all yet. I've had trouble sleeping and nearly had a couple of panic attacks! By Friday, I calmed down, told my husband if we hadn't heard from the Navy then he got there and he's in their hands now. That's actually comforting in some way. I was in the Army so I know the type of things they go thru (also, watched the official videos found on the bootcamp forum). Looking forward to getting our box and the form letter. It also helps so much to have this group! Thanks everyone.

[Sunflower]

Hi Kendra

My son left on July 11.  The first week I had the same feelings and emotions.  I feel a lot better now.  I just keep telling myself he's in good hands.  He's the youngest child of three.  I now have an empty nest.  Just focus on the good that will come out of this experience.  Our children are so courageous and I am so very proud of my son.  I know you will feel the same as time passes.  Good luck!

March

[Tinker]

Welcome Kendra, I understand how you're feeling. My son left 11 July and we received his box on 13 July and the formal letter 6 days later. Watch the videos and join the groups, When he left it made us empty nesters. I keep busy with work, yardwork (oh buddy did that job ever grow), we're remodeling the guest bathroom Getting the pink tub and sink out (That would of made anyone move out) moved his car so I wouldn't see it when I look at the front window to a more secure area and sometimes the tears come but it's getting easier (well not the yard I swear it's getting bigger!) I admire the strength, determination and courage of these future sailors. Bless them all

[Shelbysmom]

Just put my daughter on the bus 3 hours ago, your not alone honey.............

[Worried Mama Ship14/Div300]

We put our son on the bus Tuesday...the most difficult thing Ive ever done. I dont think I will ever get the image of his face looking back to us as they piled on the bus out of my mind.

 

[BunkerQB]

Survival Guide for Navy For Moms Newbie

This will help you get started. Welcome to Navy For Moms. Be sure to watch the videos. There is a diagram of the barracks. All the links to groups, the RTC are in the Guide as well. Good luck to all of you. Thank your recruit in advance for us.

[kdmac1]

It does get easier.  I am in GL to attend my Sailor graduation tomorrow and I cant believe how fast these last few weeks have gone.  I have had some good days and bad but I cant really remember the bad days as we are so close to seeing him.  Just remember this is going to be a huge growth experience and after all isnt this what we prepare them for to go out on there own and become wonderful self sufficient adults

[brendabo]

Kendra, my daughter left for Basic Training 7 years ago. She was my first to go. Cried forever ( at least it seemed that way!). It got easier everyday.  Then she left the Air Force and Joined the Army National Guard. Off to Basic Training again.  Cried again!  Then she left for a 15 month deployment in Africa. This was the worst!  Cried, and Cried!  She was 23 when she deployed. On July 11 my son left for Navy Basic Training. Same thing happened to me again!  Cried and Cried. Still cry.  I have not changed his room at all!  Heck I have even slept in his bed a few times.  When we got his box I even smelled his dirty clothes just so I could smell him.  This website is the best!!  It has made it so much easier than when my daughter left. It will get easier and it is perfectly normal to cry and miss your child!!  Be proud of her and remember this is something that she wants to do. So stand behind her and give her words of encouragement!! And count the days!!  Write her everyday. so when you get her address you can blast her with all those letters.