dropping son off Wednesday night

[proud2bhismom]

Hi,

New to this site. I posted on main page but uncertain where to post to get feedback and support. So here goes.  Dropping my son off Wednesday night in Boston. (any others out there doing the same?) He leaves Thursday.  I'm sick inside but know this is what he wants and needs. I feel lost and in unfamiliar territory and not sure what to expect over the next few days, weeks and months. Any information anyone can give will be greatly appreciated.  I think this is the hardest thing I've ever had to do.  I know this is good for him and I'm holding on to that.

Thank you everyone.

[lemonelephant]

Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit will tell you that info. Your SR chose to send his writing materials home since he doesn't need them at BC and didn't want to carry them around in his valuables sock. He will get writing materials at the RTC and you will love seeing the RTC logo on the envelope when you get your mail and on the top of the page as you read the letter.

[proud2bhismom]

Thank you thank you so much. This was very helpful and made me feel much better.

[BunkerQB]

You should stop in and write more. You are a good writer.  Since your experience is more recent, it will mean more to the newcomers behind you. My son finished his commitment 2 years ago. It seems like yesterday and at the same time, like a lifetime ago. Good luck to you and your sailor.

[Momof3]

So encouraging, thanks for sharing!

[proud2bhismom]

Thank you for all your kind words and sharing your experience. It is helping me a lot and to be prepared.

[Skooter64]

You will be fine, and more importantly, he will be fine.  It's not easy, but it is worthwhile. Follow the suggestions below like joining groups.  I found it was therapeutic for me to write him every day or nearly every day. You won't get as many letters as you send, but you will be doing him a big favor to keep his spirits up by sending those letters. If you are like me, and you want to be doing something, writing to him will help you too.  Send him printed news articles, "memes", cartoons. They have some down time that could be filled with things you can stuff in an envelope. Plus any articles or things you print and send can be shared with the unfortunate few who get nothing from their families. I sent printed NCAA brackets during the tournament. If he likes sports, you can send updates on his favorites.  Good luck and hang in there.

[proud2bhismom]

I had been waiting until I got his address in the mail but you are correct it may help to start writing now. When he went away to boyscout camp years back he was a bit horrified I had sent so many letters as he was only gone a week.  He may at this point look forward to having the mail.  I can't imagine others not receiving mail that breaks my heart :(

Hearing is voice the night he called to say he made it there safe was good it was a huge weight off my shoulders to her his voice and not some soldier yelling into the phone. I had prepared myself for a much colder pre-scripted call but it was his voice that touched my heart and it was good to get that call even though I cried afterwards.

[Baby jay's mama]

It's been a whole since I checked in here now that my Sailor done with bootcamp! Lemonelephant, you saved me! And so did all the moms on here! I gave up fb for lent and I am truly missing my nuke moms the most! My son graduated Jan.23, he's now 5 weeks into A school, he's bought a car, phased up twice and is fitting in well! What I can say is that BC was the hardest for me, watching him leave, feeling sad for myself and the constant worry! I sent him letters everyday, pictures and sometimes just a quick note! I had families reach out to write him and we also sent letters to those who weren't receiving them! My boy said mail was golden! I cannot express how amazing the PIR ceremony is- to really watch your child transform over an 8 week period is priceless! I wish I could say not too worry or cry, because I did all the time! In some ways it helped me to let go.... But know that your SR is well, for the most part thriving and the light at the end of the tunnel is not far! This site will help carry you thru- when you're friends and family cannot! And it's okay to tell people that it's not the same as when their child left for college, gosh that was the worst thing people could've said to me!

[lemonelephant]

Thanks for sharing.

[Momof3]

Wondering how you are doing @proud2bhismom
Did everything go well dropping him off?

[proud2bhismom]

Hi,

Thank you for asking....

Well considering we hit 2.5 hours of traffic getting him into Boston barely in time for his time frame it was good to spend that extra time with him.  Got the phone call the next day at 2:30 a.m. It wasn't not nearly as brutal as I had prepared myself for it was his voice and his voice sounded good. He told me he loved me and I cried for about an hour afterwards. :(  I'm hanging in there trying to keep as busy as possible so the time will go by.  I worry and wonder what it's like for him. Make sure I don't watch Officer and a Gentleman..haha. He said he would most likely be able to call in about three weeks.  I look forward to that call but have anxiety that he maybe down or homesick.  It will be around the time of his birthday.  I can't wait to be able to get his ship address to be able to send him letters. It's so hard not being able to talk to him and wonder if he is okay.  HIs younger sister is having a more difficult time with his leaving. Not like they talked much prior but it has hit her hard and that breaks my heart.

[FREEBIRD6819 OCT 8TH BOOTCAMP]

I have a son who is Leaving Oct 8th for bootcamp and i have another who left 3 years ago April 10th .. he is now a 2nd class petty officer.. MM2 … (nuclear engineer)  it does get easier.. I promise.. make sure you get in touch with the moms that have the same PIR  dates and also same ship group.. i believe its the quality inn that will prepare a navy for moms meet and greet the night before PIR .. preparing for that will also make some time go faster.. also some small advice .. i came from ny and flying into milwaukee airport was a lot cheaper.. i can't wait for PIR again.. it was 1 of the proudest moments in my life as being a mom.. 

send lots of letters .. pictures.. news articles.. I went to the elementary school he went to .. and asked for the kids to send letters .. not only to my son but to the recruits in his ship because some of them don't get letters,,

theres also form questions you can find on this sight to send to him.. 

if you go on Facebook.. look for bootcamp moms.. they post pictures of the recruits  .. i  think every tuesday they ask a question and if your the first to answer it right .. they will go take a picture of his ship for all the moms to see .. and let your son know it was you that answered it right.. (at least they used too) 

good luck.. this sight helped me thru it 3 yard ago.. i intend on using it all over again..