My son is leaving tomorrow for MEPS.

[Kristn (Ship 14 Div 426)]

He's leaving for Great Lakes on the 11th. 

I am a complete mess.  I wanted badly to take off work Tuesday and Wednesday, but can't. :( I teach pre-k and have classroom visits tomorrow and the first day of school on the 11th.  Hopefully, I won't be the sobbing teacher on the kids' first day.  Lol.

I've spent the past week in tears for no reason...and have already warned my co-teacher. 

I think that this is harder on me than it is on him.

Deep breaths......

[EmilyD]

It is definatley harder on you than him. If your son is like mine, he could not wait to go to bc. He's been in the dep program since jan and is very well aware and prepared for what will be happening at bc. I tried to hold it together and be excited for him until he left, but after he was gone the dark cloud hit. Hang in there and know that you are not alone. It breaks all of our hearts to have our sons/daughters go out to serve, but it is a very brave choice they have made.

[Kristn (Ship 14 Div 426)]

Emily, thanks so much for your reply!  Yeah, I think that I was just in denial for his whole dep thing.  Sort of if I just pretend that it's not really happening....or just keep telling myself that it's for the best...I should be thrilled...

...and then...oh my god.  It's happening  Yikes.

I can rationalize like mad.  I KNOW that he is going to do great.  I KNOW that this is just perfect for him.  My mind just doesn't want to listen sometimes.  Lol.

Thanks so much for your support.

It is great having people that are going through the same stuff.

[popwithastraw]

My son left for MEPS today. He will be leaving for the Great Lakes tomorrow as well. I did not take off work either but did go in late so I could drop him off at the recruiting office this morning and see him off from there. I was busy at work all day which really helped me keep my mind off of everything, but I still felt a sadness all day.

I hadn't cried much until last night when I was spending the evening with him and realizing it was already time. He has been in DEPS since sometime in February so I've kept it pushed to the back of my mind. 

I just talked to him on the phone from the hotel about 1/2 hour ago. He met 2 other guys that are  also headed to the Great Lakes as well. He said there are men and women from all the services so was happy to meet a couple going where he was in the Navy as well. He has been excited about this time in his life for a long time and looking forward to it. He sounded great on the phone and isn't nervous at all. It's only me having issues!

I'm taking deep breaths with you....all the while using this time to break down and let it all out. I know it's only a temporary absence so that helps! :)

[Kristn (Ship 14 Div 426)]

Thanks so much for your reply (popwithastraw).  Yeah, this past week has been a crazy waterworks for me.  I actually did ok at work today, but gosh the parents almost felt guilty coming in for classroom visits while my son was being dropped off at the recruiter's by dad.  Honestly, it was probably best that I wasn't there.  I would have been bawling.

I'm actually somewhat thankful that I could not get off for his swearing in tomorrow before his flight.  One of my co-teachers got the call that her terminally ill mother probably wouldn't make it much longer.  I would have hated to have caused some extra craziness at the school trying to find another sub...on the first day of school no less.  It also really puts things into perspective for me.  Babies leaving the nest...let's face it, it sucks.  But losing a family member?  No comparison.

My husband went in late today and took our three kids out to breakfast at a bagel shop.  There were awkward sibling hugs with my older two (my daughter is 21 and my soon-to-be sailor is 18), but it was nice that they could be together.  After, my daughter drove little brother (11) to school and the hubby took Lars to a bookstore until it was time to go to the recruiter's.  They got to chat, so it was good. 

After work, I came home and eventually the four of us drove up to Baltimore to Lars' hotel.  We were able to go out to eat dinner.  I was fine until right after we took one last picture of the two of us.  He looked a little upset and then went back into the hotel.  Tears were just a-flowin' as I walked back to the car.

It sucked.  Literally, it felt as if I just couldn't breathe.  I thought I was going to throw up my dinner.  Just awful. 

I did send him a text telling him that I loved him and to have a restful night (he hasn't slept well in at least a week).  He replied saying the same.

And then I saw that he had replied to my Facebook status from last night...he seems more worried about the flight to Great Falls than the basic training.  Oh, sweet boy!  He's never been on a plane! (My fault really...I've developed a phobia).  He's nervous about the flight.  Bless that sweet child's heart.

So yeah, came home...drank some beers.

My husband and youngest are going up tomorrow for his oath.  I'll be at work.

Gulp.

[sockmonkey]

It is nice to know I am not the only one struggling with my son leaving for bc.  I actually signed paperwork that allowed him to enlist when he was 17 - he has been in the DEP since January and he left on Monday.  I actually have a sock monkey stuffed animal in my car - that he won for me at a fair in August - I hold it's hand in my car on the way home from work.  Makes me feel better (:  I also  warned my students that I may be sad - although I teach high school students - I didn't have too much trouble.  I try to pretend he is just out of town and will be home soon.  Have a great day.

[Kristn (Ship 14 Div 426)]

Thanks so much for your reply.  Your sock monkey story is just sweet.  Maybe I'll look for one of his old stuffed animals.  Lars started the road towards enlisting when he was 17 as well.  It was a crazy process that almost didn't happen (he has a concave chest).  I'm thinking about getting my students (4 year-olds) to write him notes and draw pictures or something.  Most of the parents are aware of the situation and were very empathetic.

I spoke to him around 45 minutes ago.  His plane was just about to board.  He should be getting into the air now, actually.  Hoping he's doing ok.  He's a bit freaked.  Lol.

[Kberry8377]

My son left for Great Lakes today and I just got the 30 second phone call that they get to make to let us know they made it safely! It's going to be a long nine weeks but I am so very proud of him. Prayers going out to everyone and their future sailors!

[popwithastraw]

My son called me today just before he got on the plane to the Great Lakes. His flight left at 3:45.  it was a sweet call, more for my benefit than his I think. I am still waiting for the 30 second phone call to say he made it safely.

I have a friend who lost her son on this day 12 years ago, the same fateful day as the terrorist attacks. He was in a car accident that same evening. Reading her memories of the day that included not only hearing about our country under attack, but the death of her son later that evening did help put things into perspective for me as well. Having our 'babies' leave the nest to join the military, sad for our mama's hearts...but losing a child or other family member...you are right....absolutely no comparison.

Thoughts and prayers to all saying a temporary good-bye today to our sons and daughters as they head out.

 

[popwithastraw]

I just received the phone call! Feel much better to finally hear from him.  so why am I crying my eyes out? He is safe and sound. And I am happy, sad, relieved and oh so proud!