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

[lemonelephant]

kbuddy, I left info for you on your My Page. After reading it, you will probably want to delete your reply here (just a suggestion).

Look in every pocket and in his shoes for his cell phone. Usually the cell phone will be in one shoe or pocket and the battery in the other.

[Proud Parent Ship 04 Div 2341]

I understand all of your concerns and crying.  I myself was in your place 8 months ago.  I would like to say that it doesn't get any easier after they leave you either.  Just be strong for him and always positive.  He will need it in the road ahead.  He will be taken to MEPS the day before he leaves for testing, paperwork and more paperwork.  Then he will go sleep and do more of the same the next day before he gets sworn in and then taken to the airport.  As a parent it will be tough to say goodbye for now.  My son was injured two weeks in and it was crushing to him and I.  He eventually healed and pushed through his physical therapy to graduate bootcamp.  I must say I was stressed and cried many a tear over it all.  He is now already graduated for ATT school and almost ready to graduate A school as a FC and a Petty Officer.  I am beyond proud.  Just remember you and your son will see some tough times together.  It only makes your love and appreciation for each other stronger.  The best thing you can do for him is WRITE, WRITE, AND WRITE!  You will run out of things to say but still come up with anything about even his pet or other family members...You are his lifeline.  I hope this helps.

Jamie

[Lisa2so]

Good Morning! My son swore in yesterday. What a wonderful and proud moment that was! I wanted to thank everyone for all the amazing advice you gave me. It truly helped me be prepared. My husband and I met our son at the Hotel in San Diego. I was so happy that we chose to stay there and enjoy the evening with our precious son. We had a lovely time in the Gas Lamp district, had a great dinner and spent the rest of the evening sitting by a fire at the pool and just talking. The next morning (yesterday) we checked into MEPS at 8:30am. This is where the waiting began. Around 11:15, the SR's and the parents were taken into a room to be briefed, and then we all went into the room where the moment we all have been waiting for takes place. Our son ended up swearing in at 11:45. Afterwards, we were all allowed to take family photos in this room. I loved every minute of this. It was then that we were told that his plane would not be leaving until this morning. UGH! I was prepared to say goodbye to him, and now I had the dilemma of staying the night again and having a little more time with him, or say goodbye as planned. Well...I put my big girl panties on and decided it was time to let him go. I kept together, well for the most part, hugged my son for as long as I could without embarrassing him, turned around and waved goodbye. It was then that the waterworks began. I can't tell you how comforted I was in the knowledge that I knew I was not the first mom to experience this, nor by all means, will be the last. I love this feeling of having this site to build forever friendships with women like myself, and absorb all the knowledge and wisdom I can to support my son as well as all our brave Sons and daughters. I already feel like I have a new family! Let this AMAZING journey begin!

 

[Lisa L.]

Yes, and this is a great place for us moms to stay close, and help each other!  Welcome aboard! My son graduates the end of this month, and may be transferred to San Diego as his duty station.  He would love that. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.  If I don't know, then I will find out for you. 

Take care, and talk soon! 

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

Hang in there ladies!

[Lisa L.]

I am so glad to hear that I am not the only blubbering mom. LOL!  Yes, cry your eyes out, just not in front of him.  I know this is hard, but he is scared as well, even though he may tell you that he isn't.  Try and be strong.  Encourage him, and make sure that you write him.  Don't expect many letters, and don't make him feel guilty if he doesn't write often.  He is busy!!! He will be able to call you, but probably the first call you get will only be about 1 minute. "mom, i'm, here, I love you, and I am okay" kind of call.  But don't worry, another call will probably come in 2 to 3 weeks, if not sooner.  Carry your cell phone everywhere!  You never know when it might be him.  Hang in there sweetie, and welcome aboard the mom's ship!  We are here for you, just as all the moms have been here for me and each other. My son will be graduating the end of this month.  I can't wait.  Talk about blubbering mom! LOL! Let me know if you have any questions, if I don't know, I will find out for you as well.  Take care, talk soon! 

[Russmama93]

Hi Lisa2so How are you doing now? My son is leaving on the 27th (next monday) from SD MEPS also! I will be attending the swear in and I know i will be bawling and feared i would be the ONLY one lol!! I dont want to embarrass him! I am sooooo proud but so heart broken same time! Question: how do i get in to MEPS do i need "proof" he is my son or anything? we arent spending the night in SD (he is) but we arent! 

[Lisa2so]

Hi there!  MEPS is located off the 15. Take the Balboa exit ( this is BEFORE the 8 ) to Ruffin Rd. You will park in the back of the building. Walk to the front. You will go through security. Just tell them you are here for the ceremony.  No official "proof" is needed.Then you will WAIT. I would bring a deck of cards, or something to do while you wait. You will be there anywhere between 8:30am - 4:00pm. My son swore in at 11:45. Bring a lunch with you. They will feed the SR's, but not the guests. There are vending machines, but really just snack items. The ceremony is short, but amazing! Such a PROUD moment! Let me know how the day goes for all of you! :)