Son leaving for BC tomorrow in San Diego

[Lisa2so]

My son is leaving for BC tomorrow in San Diego. I want to be prepared for all of it. It has been an emotional couple of days as all of this has finally made its way to reality. My son is 23 and left college early to pursue his passion. It's in his blood as his Great grandfather, who recently just passed away was one of the 4 last remaining Pearl Harbor survivors, as well as my father being a Korean war vet. I truly thought I would be okay, but I can't seem to stop crying. I do not want to break down tomorrow, as I want him focused on the journey ahead, and not his blubbering Mom. So, I want to know how the day will most likely play out. This will keep my mind focused and prepared. I'm a newbie, and I love to write, so this will be my first of many posts, I am sure. Thank you all for your support in advance

[tammy]

hello my son leaves tomorrow from San Diego also look forward to hearing from all the  moms with sons leaving same day and maybe PIR dates also

[Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom]

Welcome Tammy and congratulations to your son on the start of his Navy life :)  All this info goes for you, too then!  

[ProudNavyMom (SHIP 11 DIV 099)]

It's ok to cry.I'm not sure about your MEPS station but when my son swore in last Tuesday in Sacramento we were told to be there around 8:30 and the ceremony would take place at 9:00. They allowed the parents of the recruits that were present to stand in the front of the room to take video's and pictures. After the ceremony is over, which only lasted about 3 minutes they allowed about 5 minutes for pictures and then the recruits went into a room where they waited for departure. I have heard that some MEPS stations allow you to go to the airport but ours did not. The proctor said, "This is it Mom! Say goodbye!" That was hard but I think it was for the best. It turns out that my son's flight was delayed because of the weather last week in Chicago but he finally left Thursday morning. Good luck to you! My son's recruiter was a very big help and gave us his address the day after he arrived in Chicago. Now our letter writing starts! Good luck!

[BMSgirl]

My boyfriend ships tomorrow from San Diego as well!

[Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom]

Congratulations!  Looks like you have a good start on joining groups, learning and making connections!   

[Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom]

Lisa, if you're able to attend, take photos during and after swearing-in - our CO was so happy to be asked!  Through your blubbering, let your son know you're so proud and not only will you be writing, you'll be waiting at the mailbox for HIS letters too!  Now promise me you'll start joining more groups on NavyforMoms TODAY - during the next eight weeks you can be learning so much and be a tremendous help to him when he graduates from bootcamp.  Find groups for his rating (job), where he'll be posted, and for your area so you can get to know other Navy moms.  Introduce yourself and start asking away - we all love helping newbies!  The first four weeks may be a Kleenex-fest, but the second four weeks you'll be getting excited and ready for the next step in his journey.  Join this group too - the moderator "lemongrass" will point you to the info you'll want right now -http://navyformoms.com/group/pirreferenceinformation.  If you have any trouble finding groups, ask again here, we'll all help you out :)  And…we all cry and our kids would probably be disappointed if we didn't!  You'll do fine though, I'm sure. Trust us, it's all going to be great. WELCOME to the Navy Family!!!!

[Lisa2so]

Thank you all SO much! We leave today for San Diego. My husband and I plan on spending the evening with our son until he needs to check back in with his recruiter and go back to his hotel room. I believe we may just stay out there as well, due to the early morning swear in. I feel so much better after reading your posts, and I already feel arms around me from all of you! I will definitely be joining many groups on this site, as well as the new recommended ones. Thank you again! Now…DEEP BREATH!

[Renee]

Lisa2so,

My daughter is also leaving today for Boot Camp but with one caveat, she is leaving from Dallas and I am in Ohio due to a transfer with work!  I am amazingly calm today and hope you are as well!  How awesome to think they may actually meet at Boot Camp!

[Monkey]

My son leaves next week for boot camp. Today his bet friend shipped out he went to San Diego to see him leave. It is o hard to know in 6 days he will be in Great Lakes.

[NHBBALL MOM]

Hello Lisa

Congratulations and Welcome. I became a member a couple of months ago when my son started DEP. This sight has so many helpful links, discussions and the support that will help you to make it over the first couple of humps. Lemonelephant and Aunti J were my saving grace they steered me to everything I need to read and what I needed to do to prepare for his departure they said don’t worry about him the Navy will take care of the rest.

My son shipped out yesterday to GL after several weeks of delays and anticipation I got “the call” after midnight. The one thing that I am so glad we made the trip for was his swearing in ceremony there were several other parents there and we  were all in the same boat. My son kept saying mom you dont need to cry I will be ok. That was when the Navy liaison at MEPS pulled me aside, she was fantastic she said to me my job as a Navy mom was to stay strong, it is ok to cry. She said it is a roller coaster of emotions but all good ones in most times the recruits are more worried about their Mom then themselves. She handed me a package of tissues and said he will have to wait at the airport for a couple hours to board his flights – pack him a snack pack with something to get him by like crackers, chips, trail mix etc.

I also gave my son a card that I purchased at Walmart these are especially for boot camp or deployment. I found it easier to put it on paper blubbering all the way when writing it, then crying my eyes out in front of him. Give him the snack pack and card and say for when you get to your gate and are waiting. I practiced telling him how proud I was and that I would will wait for his call. It worked :) Well at least until I left the doors. Today I am feeling a sense of relief that I know he is there and he is in good hands, each day will get better but I am so glad that I have this site.

This was the advice one mom gave me here and it was so true “He won't want to picture you being a crying mess. Come on here and we will wipe your tears. You will be his biggest cheerleader and he needs that. You will be stronger than you ever thought possible! Welcome to the world of being a Navy mom. It is time to enjoy the best ride of your life (and his life too!!)

[kbuddy]

That was such a great post- I am new to all of this as well- it has been 10 days since my son left for BC in Michigan- then pre buds- does anyone know how long I can visit with hi after graduation from BC if he is going to pre buds- also- I got the Box- cried so hard- his phone was not in the box- do the officers keep it- so confused

[CryptoDad]

kbuddy,

Appending a discussion that ended 5 months ago is not likely to get the desired results. Why not go to the top of this page and click on "+ Add" to start a new discussion?  You will catch more eyes that way.