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My son just left yesterday
I work from home, and had him home with me for these past couple months since his high school graduation. He was my friend and helper throughout the day and now he's not here :(
I want to start writing to him right away.. can anyone give me advice on things to say and not say? I really worry about boot camp for him. Obviously I can't say that to him though. He has a lot of siblings that miss him too! I will include things from them as well.
Please tell me this gets better?? I am completely heartbroken that he has left (he's our first to leave the house, and to leave to join the Navy really freaked me out at first!!) I guess I'm just needing other moms in the same boat to go through this with!
Thanks ladies
Views: 1936
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by lemonelephant on
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navy.mom, he will get a calling card in his ditty bag or back pack. All will be fine. You can send a calling card if you want. See Phone Cards and Phone Calls.
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Permalink Reply by amos on
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My son is in his 4th week at boot camp; I write 2-3 letters every week and he says he really appreciates them. He only gets to write home on Sundays. I have included articles from our local paper about high school sports as my son played football and ran track. My mom sent him a funny Halloween card. I sent a picture of him and one of his best friends (copy and pasted to the letter). I usually find an inspirational quote and include it at the end of each letter. Other suggestions are song lyrics, Bible verses, hand written letters from siblings. I usually just ramble about what's going on back home. Just be prepared that he may sound a little forlorn when he calls but it will get better. Boot camp is not supposed to be like summer camp. I have a countdown calendar on my phone for his PIR date. Also, a suggestion for when he calls: have a list of questions you want to ask like how's the food, how is your division, do you like your bunkmate, etc. Have them written down because you will be so glad to hear form him that you will forget all your questions. Hang in there, mom! If you are facebook, there is probably a page devoted to your son's division based on his PIR date. That has been very helpful for me.
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Permalink Reply by mamakitty on
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Happy mama!! I just received my son's box! I didn't get teary eyed like I thought... it actually feels good to have the rest of his belongings in my possession!
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Permalink Reply by Mojo on
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Hi all, I just saw this and it brought back so many memories. I have had two go into the navy and it was so hard at first but believe me it will be fine. As far as the letters send as many as you can I sent many letters with funny things that were going on I talk to them as if they were across the table from me. Also I would copy pages from their facebook page and write on the back of them. Sent them clippings from the newspaper. I would go to Walmart and buy those cheap cards you get for like 49 cents just so they always had mail coming in. As for when you go to graduation bring some of their favorite things from the grocery store or that you cooked my son really loved that they miss your cooking big time. They hate the food. Make sure you go to graduation it is unbelievable it still gives me chills thinking about it and my last one was over six years ago!! You will be fine and it will be worth it in the end.
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Permalink Reply by HoneyBeeQueen on
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It gets better, ny son left on 10/2 also the first to leave home with 4 siblings, funny because I also work from home, we had breakfast together and although we were close got so much closer. I write everyday. Its different,I pit scripture verses, our daily going ons, sport stats, the kids are writing their own letters. Let him know how proud you are of course I tell him I miss him but praise him on this awesome life choice. Hugs!!
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Permalink Reply by Shelly on
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mamakitty, As my profile picture states. It doesn't get easier , you just get stronger =) I was directly in your shoes on 9/24/14. It will be three weeks tomorrow that my son arrived at G.L. I did the same things you mentioned. Cried in the middle of the grocery. Cried when I took his final clothing to his room. I even hugged his hoodie that was in "The Box". We pump all of our heart and soul into raising our children to become responsible , productive and happy adults. Sounds to me like you did your job well. It will get easier as far as all day crying. You will still think throughout your day " I wonder what he is doing now" I reached a point when I stopped feeling so sad for myself and became happy for him ! Don't get me wrong I still have hard days but you get stronger, knowing he is taking his first step toward his future and career .It also helps when you start to get letters =) What is really amazing is that we get to share this with them. You can do this... Your A Navy Mom
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Permalink Reply by Kelly on
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Our son just graduated boot camp this past Friday. He is our oldest (22 in Nov) and the first one to leave home. I remember the day that he left everything made me cry. I cleaned his room and did all his laundry. His room has been the cleanest it has ever been and it has been clean for nine weeks now, that is a record.
I would type something to him every day in a word document and then after six or seven days I would print it off and mail it to him. He said that hearing what was going on at home made him feel connected to home. My son wrote a lot back. We got a letter every week and his girlfriend received at least one but up to three a week.
I found that if he was heavy on my heart or on my mind that I would say a prayer for him. The first week or so is the hardest for him. These are the processing days and it is a lot of hurry up and wait. There is no talking and not a lot of sleep for the first two or three days.
If he has the support of the family and his head on straight I am sure that he will do well. The time goes fast and slow all at the same time. Our son arrived to Pensacola Florida for his schooling this past Sunday and he is happy and excited to be starting this new chapter.
Hang in there it will get better. Join the PIR (Pass in Review _graduation date) group on this site. Lots of good information there. The chat group here is an awesome group of ladies and have been very informative to the new moms.
I hope some of what I said helps!
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Hang in there. It will get better. My son left October 1st so it's 2 weeks today. I miss him like crazy too. I had him home for the last 9 months since he left college last December. I see his truck in the garage, hear his favorite songs, pass his room and want to cry. Just start writing to him and when you get the letter with his address send it out. Be encouraging. My son called on Saturday and didn't sound happy but that is normal. It was great to hear his voice but sad because he sounded down. Boot camp is really tough and a total life style change from what they are used to. What you are feeling is normal. If you feel like crying, just go right ahead. We are moms and have that right.
Prayers to your sailor and you!
Denise
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Permalink Reply by TerriNavyMom on
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Mama Kitty-- My Daughter left on 9-23-14 and its been really hard for me as well as she is my BABY Girl and i had a really tough time as well.. Soon he will get to call you and write you and it will be better.. WE are on our 3rd week now and I have been reading TONS on these websites about what is happening and what they are teaching our kids at BC and its getting somewhat easier. PIR gives you something awesome to look forward to. as WE are in the stages of planning for BC Graduation and that will help the time go by faster too. Hang in There we are all Mommies missing our kids !! Its really tough because they had the whole summer with us after Graduation and just like that it was time to go !! Time went by so fast this summer !! Heres Hoping BC goes by fast for you too !!
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Mama Kitty-- My Daughter left on 9-23-14 and its been really hard for me as well as she is my BABY Girl and i had a really tough time as well.. Soon he will get to call you and write you and it will be better.. WE are on our 3rd week now and I have been reading TONS on these sights about what is happening and what they are teaching our kids at BC and its getting somewhat easier. WE are in the stages of planning for BC Graduation and that will help the time go by faster too. Hang in There we are all Mommies missing our kids !! Its really tough because they had the whole summer with us after Graduation and just like that it was time to go !! Time went by so fast this summer !! Heres Hoping BC goes by fast for you too !!
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My son left Oct2. It has definitely been hard.We were able to talk alot before he left and it helps to know that this is really what he wants to do and was ready to begin his Navy career. His older brother also is in the Navy so I am one proud Mama. I've already sent him a letter telling him about stuff that's been happening at home and I know that helped my older son.
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josh'smama(ship14div026, I left info for you on your My Page
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