Sad

[tori'smom]

My 19 yr old daughter just left for boot camp on Tuesday and I was fine until that last phone call....  Hearing the tired tone in her voice and knowing what was ahead of her- it just broke my heart.   She stated that I wouldn't hear from her for at least three weeks.  Wow, I thought it was only two weeks!  I would love any suggestions for getting through these next few weeks of no contact.  I thought I of starting a journal so I would remember things I wanted to write or say to her (about funny things that happened, etc).  But every time I think of her or see her picture, I get emotional.  I am so proud of her but miss my girl!  I am very happy to have found this group.  :)

[Bobbie]

You will have those emotional moments for longer than just boot camp just because she is your child.  However, there will start being more and more of those moments where you are almost in awe of what your daughter is accomplishing.  When my son was in boot camp there was more being imagined in my head than could ever possibly happen to one person in that short amount of time! LOL  The letters are like gold to them.  Even the most mundane boring things that are going on puts them in touch with home and as much as we miss them, they miss us, too.  I printed a picture of my son's fiance holding our dog on a letter that I wrote to him from the dog with a little paw print as a signature.  He said it was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever seen but that he would pull it out and look at it when he was feeling homesick and it always made him smile.  When you get that "I'm a sailor" call you will be so proud but the best part of it is hearing the pride in their voice when they get to say it to you!  Hang in there and come vent to us when you need to or ask questions no matter what it's about.  We're all in this together and it DOES get better!

[Anna]

Hey Torismom ~ My son is also heading toward Corpsman, like your daughter!  I was all "momma big girl pants" until today....I found something called SHIP5 that just plain freaked me out.  Thank you everyone who recommended writing letters.  I started one, but it was on the computer and thought that wouldn't be as personal, although he'd get a kick knowing I had to type it because of the little pup that won't let me write! 

Thank you all for the support, this is a hard, yet extremely proud moment for us as parents (and for the kids!!) I am just ready for this to be over with!!  

[tori'smom]

Thanks Bobbie! I have started the letters and at first felt funny writing about such basic everyday things, but know your right- it keeps them in tough with things here... I write just as if she were sitting here. I went out today and bought several kinds of fun cards to send here and there... Everyday I grow prouder of her taking such a great step in her life! These kids are amazing!! And I love having this support system.. :-)

[Nick's Mom]

This site is helping me so much. I have been watching the videos, and they do really help. My son left for bootcamp the 27th. It is so hard not hearing from him, but it helps me knowing he is getting to do what he wants to do. I am so proud of him. Thanks again for sharing.

[tori'smom]

I agree this site is fantastic!! And I imagine you are very close to a call and form letter since he left on the 27th... YAY!!

[kk]

write letters and send them as soon as you get her address, she will love every letter and they will help her and you    time will go by and graduation will happen soon and communication will open right back up  :)  just write write write

[tori'smom]

Yes.. That's what I'm doing :) I went today and bought a whole bunch of fun greeting cards to add in as well! My hopes is she'll roll her eyes and laugh at all the mail she get - just like she does at home when I ooze how much I love her... lOL

[Shelly]

Hello torismom,

My son's  PIR was 11/21/14. He is currently in Great Lakes A school. I am no expert but I would suggest you write and write to your daughter. Save the letters until you get official address and send them all ! I sent a letter everyday even if it was a paragraph. They treasure communication for home . I too was in bad shape when my son was in boot camp as everyone is.  I couldn't walk past his room without crying. I would even wash his clean clothes just to feel like he was home ( weird I know ) lol.

I believe we received a total of three calls including the scripted. Hang in there, it will get better. You will stalk the mailman weekly waiting for her letter . As the weeks pass you will be planning your trip for graduation to see your beautiful Sailor. Before you know it she will be in your arms again !! I couldn't have gotten thru this experience without the support of this amazing site. When you find out her Div. & Ship join that group.

[tori'smom]

Ok so I don't feel silly or crazy that I have her scarf on my chair in my bedroom and I hold it and smell it sometimes... It makes it a little easier some days :)

[Marixi]

I'm right there with you. My son left the same day. Maybe they'll graduate together.
What has helped me so far is writing a letter to him each day. I try to stay positive in each one. It helps me not to dwell on the negative. This is a new experience for me as there isn't anyone in our family under the age of 80 that has military experience. Oh, well, I have a cousin, but he's been retired for some time. 
Yesterday I received "THE BOX". I thought it would just make me miss him, but when I saw both his pant legs rolled up, it made me tear up with pride. I've felt more proud of him then I ever expected. I pray for him every day that he gets stronger and can succeed in this. 
This is way tougher than when he went off to college. No contact is tough!

[tori'smom]

Wow you got the box already?? Oh fingers crossed hers comes soon.. I pray the same thing each day- that she fights through any negative feelings during this hard part and remembers her passion for being in the military.. I know she has what it takes and I am truly beaming with pride.. And yes going to college was much easier! Of course at that monument I couldn't imagine her leaving- lol!!!
And that would be great if the graduated the same day.. We will have to compare dates :-). Keep in touch!!

[Cowboys]

Just keep your calendar close by...counting the days down....keep yourself occupied... before you know it....8 weeks go by quickly....Emotional wreck I was when my son left for his bootcamp and now he has gone to school..Always pray..keeping God close will get you through!