Newbie Navy Mom, thank God for this place!

[Blakesmom]

My oldest son, and first to leave the nest, left for basic in Great Lakes, on Wed, October 9th. Tonight was the first time I caught myself thinking about him, and feeling guilty because it had been all day and I had not stopped to think of what he might be doing right now, or if he is ok. I don't mean physically, I'm sure the Navy is well prepared to handle all of his physical needs. I wonder if he is ok emotionally, if he is happy with his decision, if he is scared....I'm your stereotypical overprotective mother, if you hadn't guessed. I'm a nurse, and very used to making all the ouchies go away....I'm powerless here, and scared because I have absolutely no control. I didn't raise a sissy by any means, but how bad do they beat these kids down? I only know what I've seen in movies, and from my father who was a Marine...

[taylor]

I'm not a navy mom but I'm a navy fiance. And my guy arrived at bootcamp Oct 8. Its turned my life around. We have been together for 4 years and we haven't been apart for more than a couple of days during that time. I think everyone has worries. But I've heard from other parents and recruits that after 2 weeks it gets easier after they settle into routine. I'm really hoping for my first letter soon.

[Blakesmom]

It must be hard for you as well. I'm sure you don't think of your guy as your baby, but love is still love.. I hope I get a letter, I'm sure he will be expecting one from me! It's going to be a long couple of weeks, I have to go by his room every day,where I was constantly turning off the light and TV, now it's so quiet. I can't bear to go through the laundry yet, that will have to wait for another day. I still have 3 at home, so I should stay busy, and it should get easier....I pray

[melissa]

My daughter left on Tuesday and I am feeling the same  way.  I was not prepared for how emotional I would be on a day to day basis.  I also have not done her laundry or gone in her room to straighten it out.  At any time through out the day I will start to cry..Is this normal? My daughter and I would talk or text many times through out the day so having no contact at all is very hard.  Does anyone know how long it will take to before the first letter gets here or how long before the "box" comes.

 

[Mindy4boys (ship 04 Div 806)]

Melissa, it is completely normal to cry. Lots. My son has been in for almost two years. He is our youngest and it was so hard to let him go. I wrote to him every single day when he was at RTC. It helped so much, I wrote about everything that was going on at home, with his friends, family. Write about even the things you think are trivial. She will love hearing about it all. And it's great therapy for you. And when you start getting your daughter's letters it will be a huge relief. I also remember how much better his letters got as time went on. The unit starts working as a team, and he started opening up more about friends he'd made, stuff they were doing. Boot camp seems like it takes FOREVER. I hope you get to attend PIR, it is an awesome experience to see and you will be so proud. After that you can get back to texting and phone calls with your daughter. Hang in there! Thank your daughter for serving.

[bisbee73]

How are you doing?  My son leaves the 18th.  I am already a mess.  I don't know how to get through the next 2 months.  I know its not forever but not having any contact is going to be awful.  I hope you can tell me it got a little easier as the days passed.

[chaki36]

My daughter left on the 5th, and I am a total mess!  I miss her so much.  I am hoping this gets better as the days go by.  It does help reading your stories and let me know that there are other mothers going through the same thing.  I am truly drawing strength from your messages.

[lemonelephant]

Check your My Page.

[Lisa&JohnBurke]

Our son left 11/5 and arrived at RTC on 11/6. We received the form letter today. Ship 02 Div 907 PIR 1/3/14. This is our second time through this. There are some great parent groups on Facebook that have helped us a lot. https://www.facebook.com/groups/620387841347045/

[lemonelephant]

Join PIR 01/03/2014 TG ?? to connect with others with loved ones training with your SR. I also invite you to join Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) and to check out the Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) there. The Page, 800 and 900 Divisions, will be of interest to you since you have a recruit in a performing division. I believe that Division 907 is Sticks/Flags.

Check your My Page.

[Dvincismom]

You are not alone. My youngest son left on the 18th as well and I have been an emotional mess since. I had to pick his personals up from FEDEX last night and I started to cry. I find myself thinking of him all the time. I know that it is not forever and that he is doing such a wonderful for his self. What I have found to help a little is all the support on here from other parents that are going through the same thing and my family and friends. I am a civilian that works in the military and just seeing all the soldiers everyday puts my mind at ease some. I am friends with a few retired Navy personnel and they talk to me about all the great things the Navy has to offer. They tell me that boot camp is the hardest for us parents to go through because there is no contact with our sons/daughters for some time.  We will be able to write to them soon and once we receive all the paperwork in the mail it will ease our minds some.  We have to hang in there and be strong for our children. I know deep down in my heart I have to be strong for him.

[jamieRN Div. 073 PIR 1/24]

Blakesmom, I am so happy to have found this site and other mothers going thru this experience , as well. I will be honest with you. I have been worrying, anxious and weepy for several months now. I kept thinking, "my goodness, i am a mess" then i found this site and other moms going thru the exact same thing.  My son doesnt leave for 35 days ( but who's counting, right?) :)   I am so over the moon proud of him and confident  he will do well.  I am on the overprotective side, a single mom and ... you may have guessed:)  a NURSE.  I have watched the boot camp video several times, ask questions of the veteran mothers, tried to prepare him for certain things like the short scripted initial call, the box etc and hug his neck while i still have the chance.  I am thinking of you today.... a great big Navy mom hug for you

[jamieRN Div. 073 PIR 1/24]

Melissa ship 02 div 904, Big hug for you too, and i certainly hope its normal because i have been doing that very thing( weeping at odd moments in the day and at the drop of a hat etc) for months now!!  My son leaves in 35 days.