My son just left yesterday

[mamakitty]

Hello all. My son just left for BC yesterday and it's been so hard for me! I find myself crying looking into his room, at the grocery store (not buying his favorite things), and I am even half tempted to sleep with one of his blankets :(

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

[kaycee]

Hello,

I know how you feel, It DOES get better!! I cried at the drop of a hat and I couldn't even say the words that he was gone without crying. My son has 3 weeks left now and it went by fast...REALLY! :) When you write, keep positive, I often just write about my day and what is going on at home. Don't let him know how much you miss him, it will only make him sad. Keep positive things in your letters! And, yes, I write him every day!

Be strong!

Good luck

[lemonelephant]

Kaycee, I left info for you on your My Page.

[Navymomnow]

Hello Mom-

I'm not sure it I am really the right person to respond to this- but I can say that I cried when my son went, which was just in August.  I cried for days at a time, and the day we took him to the recruiter when he left I could not stop crying.  At the present, my son has graduated from BC and is doing well.  I got to hear from him more than I expected-  He wrote us and other members of our family.  It has been an emotional journey for me, but I keep saying to myself, "it's not about me".  That mantra seems to help with the tears.  I completely understand what you are experiencing, and having just gone through it- know that the PIR is amazing and to take each day as each day.  My dad reminds me that the Navy will take good care of our boys.  I hope that helps-  for now, I am better and staying strong for my son and his next chapter in the military.  Peace

[Sara2dmax]

Thank you.

[Sara2dmax]

My son leaves this Sunday. I find comfort to know I am not alone with my freak out moments and that it'll get better. I find myself crying in my closet because I feel like a fool. I feel foolish because I know this is his dream and he will be fine, it's what he's lived for all his high school years. I've always thought of myself as a toughie, I'm clearly not. Glad to be in the company of you all, I can see I'm not alone.

[Navymom904]

My son has been away for 2 weeks as well.  We all  miss him dearly, and hope to get his letter soon.  I know where he is, that he is in good hands, and beginning his life.  That's what gets me through everyday..  I have already started writing to him, all positive things - of course and letting him know what we've been doing to include him within our family things while he's away.   He is missed dearly, and we are very proud of him, and love him.   Yes, we do have this!! 

[mamakitty]

HE CALLED ME THIS MORNING!!! I am so extremely happy to receive his call and hear his voice! We got almost 20 minutes of talk time! :) it seriously made my week! He sounded a little emotional in the very beginning of the call, but then he sounded good!! He says the first few days were really tough and he questioned whether he made the right decision... but now it's getting better. I loved listening to him talk and tell me about it so far. I miss him so much and can't wait to see him at his graduation!!!!!

[Navymom904]

Hello Mamakitty,

My son has been weighing heavy on my mind and in my heart these last few days. And when that does I say many prayers.  Its been more recently than when he first left to BC.  It's been two weeks today, and I haven't heard from him yet.  The first thing I do when I get home is run to the mail box, in hopes to find his letter there.  I know no news is good news, but I am flooded with strong feelings and emotions and miss him. His entire family misses him beyond the moon, and back.    

How soon after your son arrived at his initial day at BC did you receive his letter and then his almost 20 minute call? That is super exciting!  I'm so thrilled for you!  You mentioned you received his letter, so you know his PIR - that is a blessing!    

[mamakitty]

Hi polo,

I'm so sorry that you've had a rough last few days.. I have my moments too. He left for boot camp on the 7th and about a week later is when I received his form letter (it was the day after I received his box). Then just this past Saturday early morning is when he called out of the blue. So that would be 11 days after he left. I'm now waiting to receive his first hand written letter home. I've already been mailing him letters, and I'm going to print some pics to include and even got him a few cards to send out (for Halloween, etc).
I'll be thinking of you, and hope that you hear from your son soon! Keep your phone with you at all times, as it could be anytime!! :)

[Navy Mama]

Hi there- I was right where you are a few months ago. My son left for Boot Camp on July 16th and he had PIR on 9/12.  I wanted to write to my son the day he left and so I did- I just kept the letter going for a bout 10 days and wrote when I needed to "talk" to him. Since it was a while before he could send me letters I got 12 letters at one time on the first batch. In all the letters I wrote to him I just gave updates of what was going on in our town and with out family and a lot of the letters seemed like the same old thing each time but it was great for him. I sent him a letter every day the mail ran so he would have something to look forward to. Even if it was just a little card that said Hi and I am proud of you. It does get easier and you will be amazed at your son when you get to see him at the graduation! Be strong Mom!

[Navymom904]

Thanks NavyMama,

Yesterday I received his form letter, that may be one huge reason why he was so heavy on my heart and mind.  I am grateful, and thrilled to finally be able to send my letters to him.  Plans are underway to attend his PIR!   I'm staying STRONG without a doubt!  I'm extremely PROUD of HIM and the accomplishments he has achieved so soon!  :o)