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Its been 18 days! I never in my life thought this would be so hard! I thought I could coast through this transition of him not being here. But im not. Im really sad today. On the virge of tears. I miss not talking to him on a daily basis, I got a letter from him yesterday, It was short but sweet...Just needed to vent

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It was the hardest thing. My so has been in for 3 weeks. Talked to him yesterday and I feel a little better
You usually can do dinner. They just have to be at hotel at a certain time. You can go to the swearing in, ask your SR where it's at. Should be same plac they had their first MEP done. Usually they go to the airport with a group, so best to say goodbye at the swêar in.

I just went through this. My son was picked up at 2pm Sunday.  I still did not have an address for the swearing ceremony scheduled for Monday.  I texted my son and finally got the address. He said I should arrive at 8:30 .  Not sure why it was so last minute to get the information but in the end I did see him swear in. I got to talk to him for only a few minutes.  

bella - I'm right there with you.  I cried today because I got "the letter" with PIR in it.

How soon after they leave for BC do you receive the PIR date?  My son leaves in one week.

The form letter arrives an average of 10 days after the recruit arrives at the RTC. See Arrival and What Happens at the RTC within Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones). You may get it sooner than that though.

Check your My Page.

It's ok - go ahead and vent. My son hasn't been gone 18 days (only 5) but I feel it. It's really hard - especially this no contact business. It's so different for kids going away to college - parents maintain contact with their kids, but it's different for us. Hold that letter close and read it often until the next one arrives : ) But I'm sure you already are. Hang in there. 

bella - My son has been gone 14 days.  I do have days when I really struggle with that empty room upstairs, but I remind myself that this is what he really wanted to do. He has made a choice to be there and is happy to be on his way.  I don't know about your son, but if he's like mine, this is something he's wanted to do for quite some time, and he's off doing it.  I guess that's the way it's supposed to be…it sure is hard, though.  It is good we moms understand each other and have this site to share.

I am right there with you.  My daughter left 6 days ago and can't sleep.  Miss talking to her everyday.  Miss texting with you.  Have written a letter everyday just waiting for address to send them.  Thought I could handle this but extremely hard!

In a short time, you newbies will be veteran moms posting comments like, "It'll get easier, we promise.", "Don't worry, he is well taken care of.", "The crying does stop at some point.", "Time will fly by.", "This will be a distant memory."  Welcome to the club.  The the meantime, keep the following in mind (I posted this earlier this month).

Food for thought.

1. About 23% of young adults in the USA (those under 25) are unemployed. Your son is not going to be one of them.

2. About 36% of those between 18 and 31 are living at home with parents. Your son is not going to be one of them.

3. Half of the college students received support from parents with tuition, books and housing. You son will not have to be one of them because he'll have the GI Bill.

4. There are 317,000+ enlisted individuals in the US Navy. With any luck, your son will go thru Boot Camp and become on these elite individuals. In short, he about to begin a Navy career filled with endless opportunities, generous benefits and the chance to make a difference in the world.

A part of you might want to keep him at home FOREVER (human nature for most moms - I am no different). Be very careful. Don't get all tied up emotionally with the thought that he'll be gone and you won't be able to text, call, see each other whenever you or he want to. You need to put on the best act of your life. Your son's future may depend on it.
He may miss you so much that he'll get depressed and have a panic attack during boot camp. In which case, he'll probably sent home. He'll come home and sit in his room, comparing himself to recruits who are progressing, wondering if he could have made, thinking about what the future will hold for him and trying to find a job because sitting at home will get old real fast.

Are you going to miss him like crazy? YES.

Are you going to feel like someone took away a piece of your heart? YES.

Are you going to cry, cry and cry until you can't cry anymore? YES.

Welcome to the world of being a Navy mom. Go out and buy a dozen cry towels and enjoy the best ride of your life (and his life too).

Thanks for this.  Needed it this morn.

This was a great post. Thanks for sharing BunkerQB. :-) 

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