Leaving Sept 24th

[narob01]

My son leaves for Boot Camp Sept 24 from Dallas. Would love to touch base with other 24th moms no mater where you are from. 

[allboyz5 (Ship 12 Div 16)]

Hi Everyone, I was having a really bad day today.  I couldn't stop crying and then something happened that I thought I would share with all of you. I was going to the grocery store to pick up a few things for my youngest son's b-day but when I got to the parking lot the tears started to flow just thinking about my older son leaving. So I eventually pulled myself together and wiped the tears away and went into the store.  I kept my head down and went directly to the aisle I needed to go to. I was looking down and and wiping my eyes when I suddenly looked up and right next to me a man was standing with his back to me.  On this man's shirt it read "US Navy Firefighters, Great Lakes IL.  I couldn't believe my eyes!  I was speechless, then he walked away, After immediately calling my friend whose son is in bootcamp right now, we decided I needed to find him and talk to him.  I found him and his wife at the checkout and I told them all about my son and how he was going into bootcamp next week.  They told me their son had been in the Navy for over a year now and LOVED it. They were so sweet to talk to and at the end of the conversation his wife started to cry with me because she says you never truly stop missing them.  I couldn't have asked for a better sign telling me that everything was going to be all right. So I may not know how I will feel tomorrow or the day after but I know tonight I am going to be just fine.

[Shesh]

What a beautiful story.  I truly believe people are placed in certain situations when most needed.  I am so glad you sought him out and they were receptive to your situation.  It was just what you needed at that moment in your life.  I think once we Moms get through this initial BC portion, we may breath a little easier.  At least that is what I'm hoping for. 

[allboyz5 (Ship 12 Div 16)]

Thanks Shesh, Your right it was just what I needed at that moment. I still can't believe its only a week away before he goes, but today is my Birthday and I got to spend a nice dinner out with him and his four brothers.  It was also just what I needed. As much as I don't what him to leave, I can't wait for BC to be over and done with!  We can all give a big sigh of relief then and before you know it we will be on here talking about our graduation weekend.  As you can tell I am having a good day today, as for tomorrow I can't make any promises.  Hope your day is going just as well.

[Shesh]

Happy Birthday allboyz5 !  I'm glad he was home to celebrate with you.  My BD is in Oct. and my son won't be here.  That's okay.  I can't believe it's a week away either !  My mind is occupied with the thought constantly.  Today at work I even got a little panicky.  It's really happening.  I'm sure once boot camp is over I'll be better too.  We'll hang in there together and support each other.  Stay strong !

[Jacks (Ship14 Div020)]

So last weekend was really hard. Everything hit me like a two ton brick. I am internalizing everything and can feel it ready to release. My husband is holding it together quite well, and the kids haven't shown any type of realization yet that in 5 days their dad will be gone. Power of Attorney complete, had my husband get a Birthday card for the youngest that will have a b day during boot camp and he also wrote the boys a personal letter to read after he leaves. Still waiting to hear what time he has to be at the recruiters Monday to leave for MEPS check in and what time we can meet him at the hotel for a last dinner together. This site has helped with a lot of information, and I definitely think others words have helped to ease my mind a little. Hoping that this transition is smooth and November comes fast!

[narob01]

Had my last big outing with my son tonight. Dallas Stars beat whoever they played in a 2 to 0 shoot out. About froze to death but we had a great time screaming and hollering. Then cried the 45 miles home. The 24th is coming too soon. Sigh.

[Barb]

Well it is really getting close, isn't it.  In less than a week our boys, our husbands, our boyfriends will be side-by-side with each other!

It almost seems surreal for me, being so far away from my son already.  I can't be there to help him with final prep, etc.  It seems that he has most things in order.  Still hoping that there is a miracle in the works that allows us to attend graduation.  I suppose that it doesn't make any sense to plan ahead, though, since there is no guarantee that he will graduate with his group.  Other information that I've read has said to plan way ahead...any advice from you all?  Also, my son was told Nov 15, but in this group I've heard the 22.  I'm guessing that he's making a mistake.

Make some memories and love-up your men!

[Jacks (Ship14 Div020)]

I think the not being able to plan the trip now is causing the situation to be more stressful. I guess its something to get used to...having no control. I have so many plans to make...time off of work, where to stay, airfare, whats the weather going to be like????, I have now just let it all go and came to terms with being powerless :)

My husband and I have now switched roles and the situation is finally coming to terms that in 4 days we will start this new journey. Both of my sons want to join the military, to think I will be in this role again in 4 years, at least I'll be a little more prepared. I hope you can make it to PIR BarbinJapan, miracles do happen :)

[Barb]

Thanks, Jacks...that's what we're counting on!

[Shesh]

I can't believe it is almost here.  Leaving in three days !  I'm not prepared to let my son go yet. He goes to Milwaukee on Monday and then they bring the new recruits to Great Lakes on Tuesday.  It will be hard knowing he's in Milw. and hasn't actually left for BC.  I think I'll stand by the Interstate on Tues. and wave one last time.  (I'm sure my son would disown me if I did that lol)  But it sounds like a good idea to me.  I'm running in the Susan G. Komen race on Sunday so I'm hoping that will help with my anxiety level.  I guess I just want to get this BC thing done & over with.  Two months......

Good luck all you other Moms with your goodbyes.  We will be strong for our "kids".

[allboyz5 (Ship 12 Div 16)]

Its going to be so hard on Monday.  I want BC to be over but I don't want my time with him to end. Although we did get some nice news today.  His friend got to make his first phone call home from boot-camp today.  His mom told me that he was in very good spirits. Even though he told her that the first 48 hours were the toughest 48 hours of his life he still seemed very happy. when she told him that my son would be there on Tuesday he was shocked because they don't really keep track of the days and he hadn't even realized how much time had already passed. She was so excited after talking to him because he was doing so good and was happy.  This made me feel so much better today.  He also said he has made friends with a good group of guys there and they all get along really well. All and all it was a really good phone call.  It made me feel much better today.  Hopefully before you know it we will be talking about our phone calls home.  Well, good luck on your race tomorrow, at least it will take your mind off of things for a little while.  I am also going for a run tomorrow morning because I also need the distraction even if its just for the morning.  Stay Strong, we can do it!

[Shesh]

Well, he's gone.  :(  I don't know how to feel.  The time is finally here and I just feel numb.  Already I miss him terribly.  He is even going to call me tonight because he doesn't actually leave for Great Lakes until the morning.  I told my son what you said about the first 48 being the toughest.  I know he was getting nervous now that the time has finally come.  I'll try & stay strong.....you too!  We CAN do this for our boys.