Not fitting in

[29junkie]

I really think this site is a great resource, but I don't think I'm fitting in well. My son left for BC yesterday and we had know since November he was. I'm not heartbroke, I'm not crying at the slightest thing, not sleeping with his pillow/shirt/stuffed animal, etc.

Not saying it wasn't hard to walk away. I cried. I worry. I'm concerned & hoping things go well, but also knowing he's going to have hard times. This is his journey though, not mine. I'm here to be strong for him & support him.

I guess seeing everyone's post make me wonder if I'm heartless. I would love to comment on posts, but I think my posts won't really feed into the tears & loneliness.....

Any others out there like me just looking for information & friends that are on the same page I am?

[Publichealthgal]

I agree. I always wonder what he's doing and how he's handling it. I also know that the best thing we can do for our recruits is to also take care of ourselves as well. I know for sure that if we're strong we can be strong for them too. I wrote my first letter today and I kept it real upbeat and motivational. I put some pictures of the Blue Angels and some great quotes from Lone Survivor and Heartbreak Ridge on the letter. We would always watch military movies together and go to every air show that came to town. I think he'll like that. He doesn't want to hear about my 2 hour crying jag after he left :)

[BunkerQB]

He is now married. He, his wife and dog live just 45 minutes from us. I cry like a baby when the dog leaves.

[judy r]

Each of us reacts differently I was one that didn't cry, sleep with the shirt,ignore his room etc.. This site is wonderful for support but...it can make you feel different if you don't react in the same manner as others..You are you and what is right for you or me is not someone else's cup of tea. This site wasn't here when I put either of my sons through boot in fact one of mine had retired before this site came about. Take what you need from here support those that are having a hard time and make some pretty good friends. You are now part of the biggest family in the world the U S Navy welcome aboard

[29junkie]

Good to know I'm not the only one :)

I think prior Army experiences with my hubby are why, 9 weeks of becoming an amazing thing to me seems like a cake walk compared to deployment. I'm more excited & proud than anything else.

[Di & Rocky]

My son is swearing in this monday.I too am going through alot of emotions right now.One minute strong another minute crying,but I am so glad he has chosen the Navy to become a fine young man.So proud of him!And like I say it is a new journey for everyone in our family.

[29junkie]

Congrats! Definitely a wonderful journey. I like wearing my pride like a banner.

[Navy mom 49]

Congrats! Its emotional roller coaster for sure... This is a wonderful site for support! It has helped me get through everything. Good luck to your son!

[Calamity Sue]

My son was sworn in Monday as well.  It's taken such a long time!  We are so excited for him!  There isn't any better feeling than being proud of your child!  When does he ship for BC?

[Anti M]

I'm here as a Navy aunt, and for my "acquired" kid.  I was Navy, too, as was my husband, and my father... born and raised Navy.  Dad was away a lot, to me, that's normal.  Kids who have never spent one night away from home?  Weird to me.

But this big Navy family here, we have all sorts of people from all walks of life.  However you react and deal with this new life, that's your norml, and that's okay.  I don't fit in well some days, and that's okay.  I dearly love the terrific people here.  Hang around!  Also, once you explore the different groups, you will likely find a group you will click with.  There's a ton of groups.

[29junkie]

Thanks for the kind words. I see my purpose in life was to be able to let him go....means I did something right. There are some really great people out here willing to reach out & help...definitely a great place to be.

[lupner88]

Your not heartless... your just a strong mom who is excited for your son on his new journey.  I am one of the crying (on the first night), wrapped up in his jacket, slept on his pillow (at least a couple of times lol) kind of moms. But we all handle things in our own way.  I have known pretty much for years that he was going. He decided when he was 12, no lie, what he wanted to do with his life.  So I should have had PLENTY of time to prepare.  Saying goodbye I guess was harder than I thought. 

I think we are all just proud of them.  And showing or not showing our feelings doesn't make us heartless, nor does it make us emotional wrecks... it just makes us different.  We are all in this together.  I am very proud of him, and I know he is right where he needs and wants to be.  I know he is a strong determined young man, like all of them. 

Good luck to your son.  Sounds like you have raised him to be independent which will take him far in his new journey!

[29junkie]

Thanks! Goodbye was definitely hard & yup, had a couple tears. I know it was hard on his dad a bit too. Mine is the sailor who needs the Navy more than I think the Navy needs him. I'm so excited to see the person that comes out on the other side. I have quite a few worries and concerns about him right now...but this is his journey & something that is solely his. My kiddo is also almost 23, I know a lot out here are fresh outta high school...I think that makes a big difference. In part we were excited to just have him off the couch & making a difference in life.

Best of luck to you & yours!