My son left for boot camp 11/24/14

[Kris]

My son is probably on the airplane to Chicago right now. This is much tougher than I ever imagined. I knew I would be upset but I feel like my heart has been ripped out. I hope it gets better.

[Kwill]

It will get better, I promise.  I had no idea how hard it would hit me either.  I thought I was ready, but... Hang in there and know that he is in good hands.

[willsmom93]

Dear Kris, I really feel for you. I cried buckets when my son left 2 weeks ago. I still get caught off guard and erupt into tears. But it does get better. Keep talking to the Navy moms. When your PIR group is formed on Facebook, be sure to join. They are the parents of the SR's that are with your son. You will all get involved in planning to go to the PIR. Also, read everything you can on the site. Information is your strength. Good luck and God Bless.

[cjsmallfry]

Willsmom93, can you please tell me where I can find my PIR group.  I am still kinda new to this site.  Thank you!

[cjsmallfry]

Hi Kris,

It is hard for sure.   I am know everyone says it is "normal" but that does not make it hurt any less.  If you see all the comments on this site, you are sure not alone.   I just got a phone call from my Son yesterday for the first time in over 3 weeks.   It was sooo good to hear his voice.  You will get that call too and it does seem to help.   Take care and remember you are not alone!

[Lilo54]

My son left today too.  He had to be at the recruiter today.  They are taking him to the regional processing station.   He won't fly out until tomorrow to Chicago.  But, I know how you feel.  It was really tough leaving him with the recruiter and realizing it will be 8 weeks before I get to see him again.  I behaved myself and didn't cry and wasn't clingy (it really required self control)!  But, he has been waiting for this since last February and was definitely ready to go.  

We are going to really miss him and I'm sure it won't sink in until Thanksgiving!  But we are proud of him and his decision to join the Navy and make a career for himself.  The recruiter had a brochure on this website and said it is a great place for Mom's to get information and share experience.  I told him I was already a member and it has been so helpful already.

I'm told it will get better so I'm hanging on to that thought!

[Kris]

Thanks everyone, it is nice to know I'm not alone. He called me from the airport and it helped to hear his voice. He told me he will probably cry himself to sleep on the airplane and then he would be ok after he gets there. He was very ready for this step so deep down I know he is ok but it us still hard.

[Mitch's_mom]

My son is on the plane to GL as I write this. I am so proud of him. Can't wait until graduation! I am just focusing on that. It is difficult, but the comments about the other sailors praying and finding God in the Navy has really helped me feel better. I know he's in good hands.

[MommyL]

Im so glad for this site and you ladies. Im experiencing the same. Im at the hotel where he will leave from tomorrow for GL. Im questioning my idea to drive him here. I have to drive 2 hours home. Im not holding up like I thought I would. I will c him for grad. But then he'll be in training. I feel like Im saying good bye. For a very long time.

[Pennyrh]

Kris my son has been gone almost 3 weeks. It was the hardest thing I've ever been through. Day by day you will get used to him being gone. Then the box will come and you will cry like it was the first day. The form letter comes soon after. That gives you hope and you can write him letters and plan your trip to Great Lakes. Maybe a week later, you will get a call. Hearing his voice will get you through a little longer. Write him every day. Letters are everything to him. You will feel more connected. And stalk this site like it's your job. Knowledge is power. It helps to know other people are in your situation.

[Kris]

Thanks Penny, knowing what to look forward to makes me feel better. As it is day one - he just let us know his plane landed a little while ago - I feel like this is a death. I lost it going into his room today. I know every day will get better. Thanks for the info. on writing to him. We will be sure to write every day. His sister is taking this hard. They are very close so writing should help her as well. I thought I was mentally prepared for this day, but I guess I wasn't. I know he is in good hands. Thanks again for your reply.

[Drece]

how do I find when my PIR group is formed on Facebook? I generally don't use facebook, but I will if it will give me information. My son PIR is 1-16-15.

[lemonelephant]

Someone generally posts the facebook groups in the PIR group and in Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones). If you don't use facebook, then stick with the PIR group here. Keep checking PIR: 01/16/2015 TG 10 and join when it is up. Your PIR group, Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones), and the RTC's sites, https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand and http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil (especially http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/fam_guide.asp and http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp) will give you all the info you need and more.