Son left for basic today

[Amy]

I think this is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Walking away and leaving him at the recruiters office to shop and I felt as if I was abandoning my child. I am very proud of him and a proud Navy km om but knowing he won't be home tonight is breaking my heart. I need these 8 weeks to go by quickly.

[Janet R. (Ari & Bri's Mom)]

Yes, that is correct, I have been feeling nostalgic and haven't been on the site for a while.  I decided to see what the current boot camp families are up to.  It is an exciting time!

I have been fortunate enough to see my Sailor at least 3 times a year.  She will be home on Saturday, CAN'T wait to see her and her sister!  She has been home for Christmas twice since she left.  It has been 2 years since her last trip home.  I have done the most recent traveling.

How are you holding up?  I saw a great picture somewhere on the site..."It doesn't get better...you get stronger".  It is very true!  You are correct that this is different from them going to college.  I can't tell you how many times I heard that in the 10 weeks (delayed classing up and holidays) she was gone.  I finally tuned it out because we know the truth.  Anyway, once they are able to write it gets better.  I have all of Ari's letters but haven't decided how I am going to preserve them as she wrote on both sides of the pages.  They become almost like currency...they are a lifeline!

Have you begun writing to your son?  Ari didn't think she'd care about receiving letters but she told us they were a saving grace.  She loved reading what was going on at home and around the world.  I included family, local, national news as well as comics, word puzzles, weather reports.  She wasn't much of a sports fan but I included those as well.  She said some of her shipmates liked hearing/reading them.  I sent jokes and pictures.  I hand wrote some letters but typed most of them because I could get more on the page without taking up too much space in her small footprint.

Sorry to ramble!  I could go on for days!  Let me know if I can be of any support for you!

[Madeline]

Amy,

Looks like our boys left on the same date. We live in Wisconsin not far from Great Lakes, so we were able to sign him out of the hotel and go out for dinner. Walking away was ruff! Coming home and seeing his car in the driveway and then tripping over his shoes walking in the front door was even worse! But knowing that he is living his dream and remembering that everytime I'm having a moment... Makes it a bit better!

Hang in there! We raised Sailors we got this :)

[MelissaD(Ship 11 Div 089)]

My son flew to Great Lakes yesterday.. his first time on a plane. He was able to call me from the airport and let me know that him and the others that left from Knoxville all ordered a deep dish pizza to celebrate. He said he ate it all (he needs to eat all he can because he is pretty skinny). I got the last call saying he made it at about 10:30 pm ET. He let me know I would get a packet in 2-3 weeks and that he might be able to call in 3 weeks.  I feel so proud and sad at the same time. I hope these 8 weeks are over quickly!!!

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

Hang in there!

[lemonelephant]

It can be any time even into the wee hours.

[lemonelephant]

:o)

[Hurleygirl]

My son left yesterday.  I cannot believe how much I miss him and yet I am so proud of him.  I am thrilled to have found this group.  I am just a little confused and a little clueless about certain things yet, but I have been reading everything I can on this site.  I am just so happy there are other moms to talk to that understand this.  I think it is so hard since he is the youngest and has been my baby.  His Dad (my late husband) was Navy too and I get emotional and think about how proud he would be of our kiddo following in his footsteps.  He had told the recruiter that one of the reasons he wanted to join was to honor his Dad.  Just wanted to say hello and jump in on this forum since it sounds like their graduation date will all be around the same time.

[Kylee's Mom]

My daughter left yesterday. I thought her freshmen year of college was hard but this is the hardest thing I've had to do this far. We got to see her take her final oath and say or goodbyes. My husband had to leave directly from MEPS and go on a work trip so I've been home alone with nothing to do but think of her....
I know it gets better as time goes on. At least I hope so.

[lemonelephant]

You will eventually get used to the new normal. Use this time to learn about what she is doing at BC and what she will be doing in her contracted rating. Start writing even though you won't be able to mail letters until you get the form letter. Get connected with others who are going through the same thing.

Check your My Page for groups you can join.

[Leigh (Justin's Mom)]

My son also left on the 10th. I got my quick phone call and cried for a while again after that. It was very hard walking away from him but he is doing something that makes me very proud (they all are doing something that should make all of us proud). His girlfriend is having a hard tome as well. I told her we would get through this together. I've never looked forward to COLD weather as much as I am just to see him graduate. Come on February and get here already!!!

[Sue M.]

Welcome Leigh. My son also left the 10th.

[Leigh (Justin's Mom)]

I've had a hard time getting used to this. I never realized how much I was used to seeing and speaking to him on a daily basis!! I think the not knowing how he is doing is the worst..you know - the mother in you comes out and you want to be able and help!! I am extremely proud of him and I'm looking forward to "the box" and "the form letter"!!