I'M A BASKET CASE

[bisbee73]

I hope someone can respond and give me a few words of encouragement on how they got through the days immediately after their son/daughter left. I feel like I'm not going to be able to function.  Any advice is appreciated.

[mishka422]

That is an awesome way of looking at it.  Thank you for reminding me that I raised my son to make his own decisions and live his life the way he sees fit!

My son doesn't leave until next August 5th but I'm already finding it hard to face all of the 'lasts'.  Reminding myself that he's spreading his wings will make it better.

Thanks again!

[Storymom]

I remember being sad for those 'last moments' too, but soon you'll have many firsts!!  First hug after PIR, first phone call from boot, first letter from boot, first photo of him in uniform, first deployment, first time having no idea what he's talking about because he uses acronyms-Navy code words when talking about his awesome job, first 'care package' you send to him,  (I've sent SO MANY of those )  first video-skype session of his  new apartment/house at his station, first promotion, first time he asks for a recipe, because he wants to make it for his roommates,   etc etc.......what an adventure!

[Scout]

This is  great source in more then one way.

 

[Tonya]

My son left on November 6, so it is still fresh.  I have received a letter which made me feel better.  Once you begin to open the lines of communication with the letters you will not feel as alone.  Time will pass quickly, but keep yourself busy as possible.  You know how the holidays are, they come and go so fast and before we know it, we will be proud loved ones of a Sailor for the US Navy!!  Write, write, write.........it helps.

[CQEOC]

Bisbee73, my son finished BC in September. I understand completely how you feel! There is no words that help when you feel that loss-what I can tell you is that it will soon be over and you will talk to your son ever chance possible.

I kept busy, I started my own bootcamp journal to my son-and started running and exercising more-and writing him what I was doing. This was my way of feeling connected to him. As I would tackle a hill, I was able to channel my thoughts to the hills that he was climbing as well.  That journal became part of my writing campaign, as Majorityrulz said, writing helps!

Just know that it is temporary.

[Tonya]

Thank you so much.  I think that is a great idea.  The more I write, the better I feel.  So where is your son now?

[sharon Anderson]

My son left about two months ago and its very hard.This is my.first Holiday without him. I try to stay in contact. Write letters .it makes you feel closer.

[grandmalyons]

Hi Moms,  while I am so sorry we have to experience such heartbreak and sense of loss, I am grateful to know that such tremendous love exists on such a grand scale.  There is great hope for our country when such loved individuals are our future leaders.  Thank you Ladies!   Side note:  my parents have been sending "brain buster" type puzzles to my son at BC and he tells me his mates really enjoy them. 

[Tonya]

Where do I get the puzzles?  From the internet? 

[grandmalyons]

They were copied from a book titled " Brain Games", available at any bookstore for about three or four dollars.  However I imagine similar types of puzzles can be found on the internet.  Also, Mom and Dad do not send the answers with the puzzles initially, but with their next letter.  Gee, I hope that made sense.

[djk's Mom]

My son was dropped at recruiterthis am staying in a hotel tonight then sworn in in the morning! This is crazy hard

[Tonya]

Yes, it is crazy hard, but you will get through it. The first week was the hardest for me, but once I got that first letter and we began to communicate back and forth, it made things a lot easier.