My son left today 6/5/13, I am full of feelings

[JoeR's Mom (Ship 04 Div 283)]

We witnessed his oath, and sat with him and the other boys while they ate lunch, then watched and clapped as they received their official send off.

Ismile, I cry, wow major separation issues! I am so very proud and so very sad, my hubby is keeping busy packing up the rest of his room and figuring out what to do with Joe's basement "man cave".  I know we should expect the scripted call this evening, and it will be good to hear his voice, but I am missing his presence already, it feels so strange knowing he is not coming trough the door at any moment. Boy I am truly having a break down. :(

[JoeR's Mom (Ship 04 Div 283)]

Today has been a BAD day! I drove to work in full tears mode, and everytime someone asks how I am doing, the crying starts again! I am a complete mess today, my sweet hubby is holding it together (well on the outside anyway) he politely remined me that how I feel is normal, and my feelings are to be accepted and respected.  How sweet is that??!!

[proudmom of PH]

That is very sweet.

[aster]

JoeR's Mom...it is hard...some days are harder than others, and it does get easier, saw my son off at MEPS 6/4/2012...enjoy the calls....attend PIR if you are able....bring home-baked cookies to share after PIR... take lots of pics...start writing daily letters with positive and/or funny stories. I got most of mine from e-mails and he shared the stories/jokes with his rack mates (bunkmates)...hugs to you...keep positive when talking and writing to your son!

[JoeR's Mom (Ship 04 Div 283)]

It really warms my heart to know my feelings are legit, and you all feel the same. thank you

[proudmom of PH]

How in the world is your sons PIR date 7/27? That seems too early if he left on 6/5.

[FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW]

proud - asters Sailor was in BC in 2012 at this time :-).

[lemonelephant]

proudmom, aster's Sailor was in a Push Divison when he was at the RTC. If that is a new term for you, check out What does ??? mean?  (A Guide to Navy Abbreviations and Terminology).

[JBsmom4]

I know exactly what you mean. We got "the box" today. It has been a week tomorrow since he left. I spent a while last night crying. I have not been able to go into his room yet without water works. I hope you are doing okay. It helps a little to know that you're not alone, I think. Thinking of you! JBsmom

[JoeR's Mom (Ship 04 Div 283)]

I am right there with you, I washed all his bedding on Saturday, my hubby had packed up the remainder of his room except for some small stuff, so I decided to do it...I cried all day.  Being home alone is hard, looking at his dog, who seems to be sad all the time is hard too. I am afraid for when the box comes, more tears I am sure.  Try to keep busy, I find myself looking forward to being at work so I can keep my mind busy, as long as no one asks how I am doing, I am ok.  JBsmom4 you are right, it does help to know that we are all in the same "boat"sort of speak :).

 

[mrsb]

JoeR'sMom, that part about his dog brought tears to my eyes!  Poor baby.  :(   The first couple of weeks are very difficult, and the last couple are difficult as well.  Once you get to the half way point the days seem to glide by much faster.  I had jury duty the week my son had battlestations and missed his call-I was devastated!  I saved his message on my phone so I could listen to it over and over.  That helped, and knowing I would be seeing him soon.  We got to spend last friday with him at GL and he left saturday morning for sub school.  Short visit but so wonderful.  Ladies, just hang in there-you can all do it!  Keep your letters positive and happy and write as often as you can.  They really appreciate the letters and read them more than once.  Just count the fridays!

[JoeR's Mom (Ship 04 Div 283)]

Thank you, I hope it does get better soon, well at least I did not cry today, so today was a "good" day?

My hubby was has been very melancholy for the past two days, he an Joe were buddies, they spent a lot of time together.  mrsb do you still have the voicemail? I would make myself sick, playing it over and over again, like I do now with the Oath video :(.

I am on letter number 4, keeping them positive and light, I've been including silly jokes I find on the internet.  Joe always made fun of how I can't tell jokes lol. 

[GiaMarie]

It's been a week since we took my son to MEPS and I still am pretty sad. The box was just delivered; I almost was afraid to open it. Weird? I thought there was going to be information in the box, but it just had his processing papers that he took with him to the airport. When will I get his mailing address? Also, I found this site too late and never set up a direct deposit for him. We were told it was better to use the Military Bank on base, I hope this isn't going to be a problem.