She decided to join the Navy....

[Susanw004]

Hello everyone!

My daughter has recently informed me that she will be joining the Navy.  This is something I did NOT expect from her as she is what I call a "girly girl".  She has done her homework on the Navy, she knows it will be the hardest thing she will ever do.  But she is determined to make something of her life and this is the path she has chosen.  She is 17 and will be graduating from high school in May.

When she first told me (and she was scared to death to tell me), I was shocked and kind of angry that she would want to do this.  However I didn't let her see that.  I have been 100% supportive and encouraging.  When she is not around, that is a completely different story.  I am sad.  She is my only child and I can't imagine her being gone so far away and for so long.

Tonight, for the first time, I sat outside and bawled my eyes out.  You know...the ugly cry!!  She wasn't home.  I keep remembering her a small innocent child, playing in our pool and calling me "mommy".  This is the memory that continues to go through my head when I think about her leaving.  Are there stages of emotions, like there are with death?  I would love to hear other mom's stories about how they felt with and dealt with the news that their child was going into the military. 

I look forward to getting to know all of you other moms out there as time goes on.  Thank you for reading, thank you for supporting each other and God Bless!

Susan

[New2Navy]

Hello Susan....I have the same experience.  My daughter is 18, will be 19 in a couple weeks.  She decided to join the Navy DEP.  I am counting the days til October 7th, and like you, when she is not around I am bawling my eyes out.  I am keeping a good front on when she is around, but inside I am in tears.  I HAVE to accept her decision and be proud of the fact she WANTS to prepare for a good future for herself.  Within a 2 month time frame, she got her GED, and took the ACT determined to join the Navy to further her education.  I am proud of her and so meloncholy at the same time.  Know that you are not alone in your feelings Susan.....God bless both of you.......

[Michiganbelle]

I appreciate and relate to the parents and family members that shield their Navy folks from their angst thanks for expressing your thoughts!!

[Marty]

Hi Susan,
I was really devastated when my son told us he was going to enlist. We literally spent 2 months in shock, and trying every way we could to talk him out of it. He has been in college and we thought had another path carved out for himself. He ultimately enlisted. Delayed enlistment has been a real blessing for it has given me time to find out more about what he will be doing in the Navy, how he will be trained, etc. I now completely understand and support his choice. Gathering lots of information and having lots of time to listen to him has been the secret for me. Also other members of our family and friends have been understanding and supportive. Sharing our concerns with them has really helped. This video is a great introduction to boot camp "Faces of NAVY Bootcamp" I found the link on this website. Best wishes, Marty

[lemonelephant]

The link for the "Faces of Boot Camp 2013" video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQXXnMpJ6Ws.

[Marty]

Thanks for the link, I had lost it.  I'm going to start a new discussion because I have some questions for you all.

-Marty

[lemonelephant]

:o)

[NuttieGirl]

Hi Susan,

I just want to let you know that my 20 yr old step-son is currently in A school at Fort Meade on track to graduate in July. If you had told me last year at this time, that this is what he would be doing I would have told you that you're nuts. Long story short. My husband and I are so proud of our sailor and the decisions he has been making for himself since flying off to boot camp 19th of November last year. We are grateful that this opportunity was an option for him and that he took it. And our boy has in the process grown up to a young man and the hard work he has put in is paying off and the skills he is adding to his repertoar each day will serve him a lifetime. I hope this will be your experience too as your daughter's adventure starts...

Welcome to the Navy family!
Cissi

[mom3angels]

My daughter just left June 10th for bootcamp.. I must say, it has been the hardest thing I have had to do so far..The Navy was something I never expected my daughter to choose. She just turned 18 on June 1st and now she is gone..She has always been one to go out and achieve,she graduated high school at 16 and completed her AA degree a week before her birthday, but the Navy?? I had to say, I was very scared and worried when she told me she wanted to join, but I could'nt say no.She was so determined and although it is so hard, I could'nt be more proud.. It has only been 3 days..yet it seems like months.I miss her so much..I worry about her every moment..The happiest day for me is when these 8 weeks are over.

[Rebecca]

She will be fine.  Sarah was my third child to join the Nav but my first daughter.  Really hard.  But she is having the time of her life.  Awesome.

[MrsC]

Both my daughter and my son left for Navy Boot the same day. Although I supported them there have been times that I struggled with all that Military Service entails, especially for a woman. They have both grown, met some really great people, and have seen places like Africa, Korea, Greece, Spain, France, Bahrain, and Dubai. Not many their age can say that they have that experience. I'm grateful that the Navy opened up their world. We are lucky that we can Skype world's away. Even when my kids are deployed I am usually able to talk to them on a frequent basis. I miss them terribly but I love the people that they have become. Having a child that is secure enough to be away from home says a lot about their parenting. We Navy Moms are very supportive and we'll help you every step of the way. 

[debraannhug]

Hi,

My eightteen year old daughter left today for bootcamp.  I have been having lots of emotions for the past few weeks leading up to today.  Crying alot and thinking all kinds of thoughts but deep down I know she made the best decision. She will do great I'm trusting in God to keep her safe and guide her and I through this new big step in her life. I,\'m going to being counting each and every day till her graduation.

 

 

Debra

[joysuetrow]

HI Susan,

   My name is Joyce and I identify with you so much. I went through this 4 years ago, And tonight 4 years later, is the first day my son is home and finished with his time at the Navy. Getting through these years has been very hard. Like you, this was the last thing I ever expected.

  I can tell you that it was not as bad as I thought. Jason was stationed in Virginia the whole time, and was never in any type of danger.

  I am so grateful for his return, and would like to reach out to you and help support you in any way I can.

I live in Long Island NY and I am a Professor at LIU in Brooklyn. If you would like to reach me directly my email address is [e-mail]

 

  I wish you and your daughter so well,

 

Joyce