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...

[regina1991]

My son graduates on 15th of november.He has written every week and he called last night. the first call they make home is hard all i can say is be upbeat and encourage them. i found cards that were cheap and sent them often and my son said it helped out. try to just let them know whats going on at home and keep telling them to try their best. it will pass very fast and i cant wait to see my sailor

[Aj'smother]

I to have my son going away he only has 24 days

[lemonelephant]

Check your My Page.

[mermaid⚓️]

Xoxo my son left with yours on 10/9 too

[Coach Shelia]

Hi Blakesmom! Keep coming on this website! Even if you don't have a lot to say or you just want to see me "singing" (on chat only)! lol My son left for bootcamp in March and is now with his assigned ship deployed until next year! Ugh It does get easier to realize that The Navy is his Mama now...but you're his Mother forever! They get them prepared, but your son will survive and you'll realize it at the PIR ceremony. You'll find comfort in bootcamp phone calls and letters, then comfort in text messages and phone calls by Skype. Then comfort in sending him care packages! I'm still pedaling my tricycle with training wheels with this Navy Mom title now! Sending prayers and well wishes your way today and forever!

[christophersmom]

My son left Sept 16 and graduates PIR next Friday. I am full of emotions. We have only had one phone call. I totally understand how you feel. I am extremely proud of him though.

[BunkerQB]

This is the way our boys feel. But hey, they never gave childbirth. Moms, this is my favorite cartoon - it is soooo apropos.  Print this, put on refrigerator door, look at it everyday.  BQB.

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

BQB - cute cartoon - I'm going to borrow it to post in another of my groups!  Hang in there Blakesmom!

[desertdweller2674]

I totally understand your concerns about your son.  My oldest son's PIR was Aug 30th, and I was honored to attend it.  Boot camp is tough, but from the stories my son told me about it - it is not as bad as it used to be (i.e. they aren't allowed to physically abuse recruits, etc.).  I must say when I reunited with him after his PIR graduation, it was definitely one of those moments I will never forget - right up there with childbirth (okay, almost!).  I tried not to cry, but failed miserably - so be sure to take tissues to your son's PIR, even if you don't cry easily (I don't).  Fast forward to today ~ I STILL cry sometimes because I yearn to just hug him & see that he is A-ok.  I am ridden with anxiety right now as he told me they will be doing oral surgery to take out his wisdom teeth on the 14th.  When he told me (over Skype - nonetheless!) about it, I had to choke back tears as I immediately started to worry about him desperately......wondering who will help "take care of him" after the surgery?!!  I feel like I should be able to talk to someone there on base about it.....but he is Navy property now, so I guess I have no say.  Anyways, I hope the time your son is in BC goes by quickly.  Writing letters frequently helped both of us cope - my son did say receiving cards & letters REALLY helped everyone in boot & he felt bad when someone didn't get something that day.  He had several days of not getting anything.....and said he was very disappointed.  Again, I'm sure your son will come out okay.  Be prepared to meet a very different son at PIR........I was amazed & actually somewhat shocked by the changes in my son after BC.  I am so very proud of my brave, tough Sailor son & have my fingers crossed that he may actually be able to fly home for Christmas!

[Jess' s Mom]

My son just finished RTC for the Airforce I was thinking the exact same way seeing Full Metal Jacket and other movies. I was surprised to learn it is nothing like the movies now. I am sure years ago they may done it differently but my son actually said they rarely cussed if at all they were not called names now he did say it was mentally exhausting but no where near what we have seen on TV. He actually said he wished they would of said what the he** are you doing dumba** at some points but it appears our thoughts of boot camp are way different than the reality of it. I wish your son all the best. My daughter actually just swore in today to the Navy and I am feeling a little numb as it was a total surprise. She leaves for RTC in March. Hang in there and from what I have read and heard this group is always there and very supportive so turn to them whenever you need I know I will be :)

[bball4ever]

My sons PIR is 12/13, I am still a wreck but seem to be getting better.  I still cry everyday and I probably will cry until I get to see him.  I will visit for Thanksgiving and that's going to be a tough ride home, but I need to see him.  The first call I received was Nov 2nd it last 5 minutes and then tonight another one for approx. 6 minutes.  I cherish the time but bawl like a baby when we hang up.  Tonight he got to talk to everyone at home, his little brother misses him something terrible and isn't even able to talk about him, but he talked to him tonight, then he cried. Letters help the SR;s so much.  Mine said he wouldn't write, but he has lol..and he wants everyone to write him all the time.  The SR's are tired, sore, and a whole lot of them are sick right now in my sons division, but they are not physically hurt by anyone, that was my big worry at first as well.  I hope it gets easier but I don't' know if it will.  Everyone says it will, but everyone deals with things differently.  I keep myself busy and informed on what is going on.  I wish I had known about these sites before he went in, but blessed that I found them when I did.  It has helped me so much to read everyones stories concerns etc and know that I am not the only crazy mom in the world that is crying about her son.

[deanam]

I feel you pain and still have my son until June - hes still a Senior in the DEP - I already cry all the time.