Ship Date August 28

[USS Tennessee-Gold Crew-Mom]

My son is shipping out on Tuesday and I'm having such a hard time with it. Every time I think about him leaving I cry, no matter where I am. I try to keep up with what he is going to be going through, how to prepare him and myself through rhis website but every time I log into Navy For Moms to do my research I end up crying and log off. I'm so very proud of him. It's getting harder and harder to keep the tears in the closer it gets to Tuesday. I won't cry in front of him because I dont want him to get upset. Im going to be a train wreck when he swears in on Tuesday and I'm so afraid it will freak him out as I try not to let my children see me cry.We went to a meet and greet a few weeks ago and I began crying when his recruiter asked me if I was ready, I managed to gain my composure after my son seen it and immediately grabbed me and gave me a hug. I know he's going to be safe but I've never been away from my boys for more than five days and I'm struggling with the fact that I cant pick up the phone to hear his voice and tell him I miss him and love him. Not to mention he turns 18 while in boot camp and this will be the first year I wont be able to celebrate it with him.

 

This is going to be the hardest weekend of my life.

[amanda621]

Kristine..I was in your exact shoes around six weeks ago and trust me when I say it gets easier. Especially when you start getting his letters and you can let yourself breathe and know he is ok. I will say a prayer for you bc when my son left I feft physically sick, but day by day you start to remind yourself what a wonderful thing he is doing for his future and his country and then before you know it its almost over and the moms on here say A school is much easier, on us moms!!

[Shelbysmom]

Kristine,  I know exactly how you feel.  My son left 8-1-12 and will PIR 9-28-12.  I had a really hard time with him leaving, he is the oldest of 3 kids.  I did not  cry in front of him with the exception of one time (the day he gave me the sticker that said "I am a proud parent of a sailor").  It was really hard not to cry in front of him but I asked God to give me the strength to be strong for Shelby.  God is awesome!!!!  We are now 24 days (but who's counting) into boot camp and we have received the box, form letter, 2 handwritten letters and a phone call.  Our son is happy and "enjoying" boot camp.  He has made a lot of new friends and is happy with his decision to join the Navy.  It is hard on us mommas to let our kiddos go but as we all know parenting is not easy.  My suggestion to you is hug him as often as you can, tell him you love him as often as possible and pray for Gods strength and courage for you and him.....  I can not say it gets easier not having them home but I will say you will get through each day.  His decision to join will make him stronger and you stronger as his mom.  Love and hugs to you and your SR.......May God bless and keep you both safe and strong!!!!!

[Patrat-Ship04-Div223]

Kristine, I totally understand how you feel and what you are going through! My son left May 22nd and he also had a birthday while in bootcamp which was just 1 week after he left. It was very hard to say goodbye and I wasn't very good at holding back my tears. My advise to you is to stay on this site and hook up with other moms going through the same thing. I know you probably won't believe it now, but the time really does go by fast, and planning for the trip to graduation does help. It is something that you don't want to miss!  The seasoned Moms on this site are awesome and they will get you through the tough  times!  We were able to spend the weekend of graduation with my son and now he is still at Great Lakes for A school. I am now counting down the days till Christmas when I believe he will get to come home!!

[USS Tennessee-Gold Crew-Mom]

Thank you all for the support. I asked my son to call me on Monday while I'm at work (knowing I wont be able to answer when he calls) and leave me a voicemail so I can listen to it whenever I start to miss him and want to hear his voice. I'm hoping it will help me on the bad days. Fortunately I will be lucky enough to go to PIR as I live in Michigan and GL is only 6 hours away. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has a son that will be celebrating his birthday in bootcamp. Can we send them cards on their birthdays or can they only receive letters while they are there? I think I read somewhere not to send cards as the other will make fun of him.

[USS Tennessee-Gold Crew-Mom]

Alex is at the hotel for the night and off to MEPS for swearing in, in the morning. I had to pat myself on the back because I stayed strong while I was with him and I didnt cry (the car ride home was a different story). There were so many boys at the hotel shipping out with him tomorrow. It gave me a little bit of comfort knowing that he wasntg alone tonight and the only one leaving tomorrow. I know watching him swear in tomorrow will be the real test and I'm sure I wont be able to hold back the tears. I am so so so proud of him. I'm not ready for him to be a man yet and wish I could turn back time roght now to the day I had him, time flew by too fast. MEPS in the morning for swearing in.... ughh