Unprepared

[mum Z]

16hrs since I received that scripted phone call from my son. Unaware of the "scripted" part and or length of phone call (48 sec). I could hear stress in his voice. Also unaware of being able to have accompanied him to his recruiter meetings for preparation on what to expect after final swear in. Maybe he thought I wouldn't have been as supportive had I attended. Definitely unprepared for this journey. Never been away from my three children. My heart feels heavy. Experiencing detachment with my children becoming adults and leaving NEST that's been built with a strong foundation with walls insulated with ADT security. Now not even being able to communicate with my middle child and only son. I feel as if I'm grieving or had a loss. Emotions from PROUD, SAD, UNCERTAIN, EXCITED for his journey, and LONGING to hear him say "I'm going fishing". Never thought it would be so hard to fold his clothes, walk past his door, pick up his shoes, or not hear his car crank. Wondering if there are other navy moms who have experienced these feelings? Today only cried once and here I am writing without tissues thanks to the support from another navy mom (whose ex navy chief).  

[Jolene2Sailors]

I invite you to read my blogs. I was right where you are last year when my oldest son left for boot camp. This is week 2 for my second son. It is decidedly easier this time. Let me know if I can help. 

[bisbee73]

Mum z how are you doing?  I have a week until my son leaves and I have the same hole in my heart.  I feel like I should have talked to him about other options when he first told me he was enlisting.  Not that I'm not proud of his decision but it's such a long time.  Six years! When is your son's PIR?

[djk's Mom]

Oh Red Robin we have 32to days till he leaves and i am a complete mess! Missing the phone call would kill me! Thinking about you!

[lemonelephant]

Check your My Page.

[Milette (Ship13/Div 037)]

MumZ, trying to calculate on if your son had PIR yet?? Just seen this post from you and wondered how he is doing. My son has been gone 12 days :-( Only scripted call that went to his dad and box came, also to his dad....I am waiting on form letter to get to his dad so i can start sending letters. I feel like I am right where you were when you posted this back in Aug.

 

[lemonelephant]

mum Z hasn't been on since 2 September, so we don't know how things are going. Her SR could have had PIR last week or may have it this week depending on when his division formed.

[acp904]

I received a call from my son last Saturday, Oct 12th.  Wasn't expecting it at all but hearing that he was doing ok was all I needed to hear. He graduates the day before Thanksgiving (Ship 04 DIV 803) and I was told that he will have liberty through that Sunday.  So glad we will have a little time before he begins his next training.  Each day is getting a lot easier.  I am guilty of not leaving the house this weekend thinking that he may call but he never did.  Also I am anxiously waiting for that first letter.  So proud of him but miss him terribly. 

[djk's Mom]

???

[djk's Mom]

thank you !!

[allynbabs]

its been 24 hours since I got the 48 second call.  we weren't able to see his final swearing in before he shipped yesterday - primarily because the changed his ship date at the last minute.  but so lucky I got to see him swear in early in the year... he called me from the airport and sounded stressed and nervous.  but seemed much calmer during the 48 second call... I know how could I tell it was just 48 seconds!  but I was so relieved - and while I knew it was a scripted call - I was completely floored by how different he sounded.  every time he called over that last 24 hour period (from recruiter to hotel to MEPS to airport to basic) i'd cry when i hung up.  when i'm working i'm ok... but at home i get to thinking about him ... been through the whole leaving home thing with my two older girls, but this feels different...

 

[PeachyNavyMom]

I can totally relate mumZ. the first few weeks every night walked around the house like I was just lost. I cried and cried some more the night of that phone call, I was so mad at everybody and just wanted him home. Now, that is not to say that in the middle of this I was not proud of him and his decision it was just letting go a little was so hard. It does get better though. We made it through graduation 8/23/13. since then he has been at A school in Pensacola, Fl. The contact at the BC was sparse, and I always wanted more. Now, I test or email him almost every day. He gets packages and mail from me. We skype at least once a week. Tomorrow is his birthday, so this is the first one I have ever missed, really hard on me. My mother and father are going to visit him though and that gives me comfort. he is doing well and genuinely has not once regretted his decision. Its great to see them grow so much. Its just hard having to let go a little and let them. I know its hard, but you will make it through. Stay strong for him, be proud, and cry when you miss him its ok. Bless all the SR's and sailors. 

[grandmalyons]

My son told me I could not even accompany him the recruiting office the day he left. I would also have like to attend the DEP meetings with him, but got the impression he felt this was something he had to do on his own.  Our entire family and practically all his friends are extremely supportive of him.  The separation would not be so difficult if we could communicate a little more often.  I look forward to Dec 13, 2013, when I will be sitting next to my father (retired Master Chief) and mother during his PIR. In the meantime, I will bombard him with letters from home!