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?

[29junkie]

I'm sure you will find lots as families start seeking out the site. I didn't come here until the day after mine left as I had done what I could to be as "uninvolved" in his decision as possible. I wanted him to do this for himself.

Hang out, snoop around...you'll find lots in the next few days with your same dates :)

[BunkerQB]

The barracks at the Recruit Training Command are named after ships - not to be confused with the real ones out there w guns. Here is a "map" of the ships at RTC, courtesy of Craig from NavyDep.com. Check out the videos and pdf files - if you go thru all of them - you can almost tell your recruit what to expect next. :)

Survival Guide for Navy For Moms Newbies (clickable link)

[29junkie]

You describe how I feel to a T. I do agree, you know when this is the right thing for you. Supporting him feels like a natural thing. Not every mom can say I'm a Navy mom :)

[Stephanie]

I think being a mother of someone in the Navy is totally different than having a spouse in the Navy. I can understand how you would feel this way oposed to going crazy and feeling heart broken, etc.

[29junkie]

I'm the wife of a soldier (now out) and the mom of a sailor. Some similarities & a lot of differences that's for sure!

[Tamijzr07]

Hey there!, your not heartless. Everybody reacts differently. Im the mother of 5. Ive  got 2 in the service. When they both enlisted I was and still am very proud. I had a lot of feelings too. When the first one went in I found the site to be very helpful as I knew nothing about the service and there were a lot of folks feeling the same way. It was great to chat and share/gain info. When there was a deployment I found that I needed to keep busy doing other things. There are many groups here. I found that all of the ones I was in very welcoming. There was one in particular where it seemed the folks chatted often and knew each other very well.I kind of felt out of the loop but I know if I had a question or concern they would be happy to chat and answer. I don't think people are looking to have anyone feed into the tears or loneliness. Some people just want to be heard an know that they are not alone in their feelings. Sharing your support and strength for your son may be very helpful to some one. Best wishes to your son for health, strength and persereverance. Take care!

 

[29junkie]

Deployment sure does make leaving for BC seem like a cake walk. I think that is what helps me the most. His dad was in Iraq for a year. Busy was the only way to survive deployment.

Talked to my son on Saturday - he sounds great. Actually better than I thought he would. I know this is the best choice he has made up to this point of his life.

[Kimba]

29Junkie- I understand where you are coming from. I was upset and cried a lot prior to him leaving( he is landing in GL as I write) part of my sadness was that for the past 1.5 years he has lived with his Dad and I have felt some loss in that. We had to sell our house when he graduated from HS and he wanted to stay around his friends as I moved 15 miles away. Big deal for an 18 year old, I guess. But I am doing good, feeling a little sad but more proud and happy for him.

You should be happy that you have these feelings as this is probably one of the best decisions our kids have made so far in their lives. Smile on!

[29junkie]

Thanks! I do feel a little sad at times, but it's funny how that pride comes up & whacks that sad upside the head. It never lasts more than a second. Doesn't stand a chance I guess.

Good to know you are doing well with all of this also.

[jayhawkmom]

My 20 year old daughter is in the DEP program, leaving in June, and the date can't come fast enough.  (Talk about heartless LOL).   Her attempts at college have been a disaster due to her immaturity and lack of interest.  The Navy has been the only thing she has researched and followed through on since she graduated high school -which says a lot. Still I am worried that she will change her mind before she leaves for Great Lakes, because of a boy that she started dating after she signed.  (More like they are joined at the hip.)   I'm sure I will shed some tears the day she leaves, but I believe the Navy will "save" her from floundering for years.   I just joined this site and, like you, want mostly information.      

[29junkie]

Reminds me of my hubby! He was THRILLED the day was coming. Original date was in June & I'm not sure we would have made it that long.

It's a great feeling as a parent to push that birdie from the next & watch it fly...just hoping mine doesn't flounder too long before he soars.

[rivermen]

I could not agree with you more .I also feel that you couldn'thave said it any better welcome