The lack of communication from my son isn't just an emotional issue for me.

[heidi86]

The lack of communication and information coming out of boot camp in general, from divisions 111/112, and my son specifically, is a real problem for my husband and me. I'm not here asking for emotional support from the group because I miss my baby, who hasn't called or written. I would like to assure those moms asking for emotional support, I'm always deeply touched, and am left a bit teary-eyed by their posts. I personally fall into the group of parents experiencing a bewildering mix of grief and pride. However, my biggest issue with the absence of communication with my son is practical, and yet, exasperating. My son has only written once, and called once. From an emotional standpoint, I can live with that. From a practicle standpoint, no communication is causing me real problems. Problems which are sending my blood pressure sky high!

I really wish the kids from 111-112, who have thier PIR date rushing toward us in less than two weeks, would be able to give us a call, or that my son would pick up a pen and write. The problem is, my husband and I are concerned about our son passing the Fitness Test, specifically the running and push up portions. My kid is not overweight, or physically impaired or anything. In fact, he's a little underweight and has legs like a giraffe. His arms are too thin and wiry for impressive push ups, and running is just not his thing. He's tried to learn to run. He even joined the Cross Country team for two years in middle school, but his times for the mile-and-a-half run were...less than impressive. He was often with the stragglers at the end or the pack. Now, here we are again facing a mile-and-a-half run, which at the time he left for boot camp he could easily finish, just not anywhere within the time limits required. He was hoping at boot, they would get him into whatever physical shape, or frame of mind he needs to beat this obstacle. I won't even get started on the push ups and his wiry arms. Assuming he beats the run, my recruit is headed to Nuke School. He's definitely the brainy type; not the brawny type.

So now, I'm sitting here, staring at my usually all-knowing ipad, which is offering no answers on this topic. The mailman similarly is no help. And there is no phone call letting me know if my son is going to make the PIR with the rest of his class, or be held back. Refundable plane tickets are financially beyond my reach. We're looking at the possibility of driving the 600 miles each way from Tennessee to Chicago, with a grumpy fourteen-year-old in tow. That's assuming the drive isn't impossible because of more freezing-rain and snow between tennessee and Chicago. If we knew for sure our son is graduating on time, I might be able to pick up some cheapo, last minute airfare. Being able to fly instead of drive would be so wonderful! We could arrive calm and slide into town in time to check into our hotel and make it to Sarge's. :) Because of the lack of information I have about my kid, right now, I'm left not knowing if he is going to PIR with his class. I just wish he would write or his division would be allowed a phone call. Argh!

I am considering putting a bounty on information about this kid. Someone must know something. Do you know something? Like perhaps everyone in Div 111 has passed? Is anyone in a same or similar boat? Any advice for not losing my mind? Should I plan away, assuming he's passing everything?

Thanks for letting me vent,

Heidi

[mcrmom4]

I am so sorry!  My son has been in for 2 years and lack of communication is still an issue for us.  My son is not a writer but whoever was in charge of his unit when he was in boot camp, required him to write home.  I maybe had 3 letters the whole time he was there.  My email address is [e-mail] if you need to talk at any time.  I check that more often.  Take care!

Rebecca

[brittanyrmc]

Usually no news is good news, so I would plan on him graduating on time. If they fail a test or are held back, they call home to let you know they will not be graduating on time.

[jrk'smom]

No news is good news.  ALWAYS!  I didn't hear from my son for three weeks before his PIR back in November.  His DIV was just crazy busy.  And then the Wednesday before I left for PIR, I got the call that he passed BS 21.  I know it's tough to not know what is going on. But know that if for any reason he wasn't in line for BS 21 or PIR, he will be required to call home to you.  Keep your phone charged. I promise it gets so much better after this.  I thought I wouldn't sleep soundly at all while my son is in. The biggest problem we have now is that he forgets he's an hour behind us and calls later than usual at night! Hang in there, sending lots of NMH!

[CryptoDad]

Some kids write, some kids don't.  Pen and paper are unknowns to some kids raised on electronics. Then you have to fall back on "No news is good news".

Regarding flying: Southwest has no penalties if you have to reschedule. If you cancel, your airfare is credited to your account and can be used for up to a year. Not quite refundable, but way less expensive.