He leaves tomorrow and I'm SICK over it, literally!

[Linda]

I am making myself sick over the thought of my only child leaving the house, on his 21st birthday, to become a Navy recruit.  I literally can't stay out of the bathroom because of the way I feel about him leaving.  I don't want to cry in front of him, but I have a few times.  I am trying to be strong but I think by holding it all in, I'm literally making myself sick.  I can't leave the house for more then a few minutes because my stomach is so sick.

He leaves tomorrow for Detroit and then on Wednesday for Great Lakes.  I seriously think I need meds to get through this.  I'm calling my doctor tomorrow.  I'm already a heart patient and really can't take this kind of added stress.  And I'm totally being selfish, which really makes me mad (at myself, of course).  I am a giver and always have been, so for me to cry like this is STUPID and selfish and that adds to my anxiety.

Our son is 21 (on Wednesday).  He graduated high school in 2012 and has had a stay-at-home job (recording music) since graduation.  That means he and I have been together for the last three years, every day.  I can't imagine how quiet my house is going to be now and how lonely I will be.  I don't sleep much.  Five hours max a night and my son always keeps me company long after my husband goes to bed at 7:30 each evening.  (The song "Lonely Days and Lonely Nights" just popped into my head.  LOL!)

So just venting and trying to talk this all out....even if just to myself.  I know it's childish, silly, selfish, and even mean to put our son through my inability to suck it up.  I can't do this to him and need to somehow act like the strong, resilient woman I know I am.  I'm just going to miss the H, E, double hockey sticks out of him.  How did you all get through it?

[Angie61]

Linda, you have to be strong for him and yourself while he is away at boot camp! He will make it through it just fine! The one thing you can do for him and yourself is start writing him positive letters everyday and mailing it everyday! You will never know how getting a letter from home can be during such a strenuous life changing time he will be having soon! Praying all goes well for you and your son, and your anxiety problems subside!

[Angie]

Hi Linda, my son left for great lakes April 15th. Please write your son every day. And send pics. I talked to my son and he is having a difficult time. He is homesick. You don't realize how much you miss each other until its happened. This is hard on us both emotionally and mentally. Keep praying for him too.

[Birdiejr]

Linda, Girl, I feel ya!! I was where you are but I made some GREAT friends here in my Boot Camp group. Now, three years later we still keep in touch. It really got me thru. Please feel free to hit me up anytime if you need to talk. I think you'll find many women here would volunteer the same. Will be remembering you in my thoughts and prayers...

[MyboyAllgrownup]

One deep breath at a time is how we got through it. It's an emotional roller coaster but when you see his maturity at PIR, your heart will swell with pride. No doubt it's difficult but allow your son to comfort you in that it is the right decision for him. As a heart patient you cannot afford the additional stress and that is the last news your son will need to receive while in bootcamp. Focus on him, not how you do not want to let go and it will help. Do not be so hard on yourself, we are all selfish with our kids. Its only because we have no control in this matter but he is seeking his own way and you must allow it. Only child or not it's tough. We are here for you. Feel free to keep venting, it will help.

[Sarah's Mom]

Hi, My daughter left for boot camp Jan. 20, i had a total hip replacement the day after she left.. Also she was suppose to leave April 28th and then she got called and was leaving in 6 days. Not much time at all with her, i was a mess... out of work for 3 months only talked to her 3 times 2 for 30 seconds, and once for 3 mins.  And i wrote every day they can only write once a week. So she was so happy, never complained, loved every minute of it.....Please make sure u go to the graduation also go to Sarge's meet and greet the night before... it's awesome... the day of graduation make sure u get there really early.. They love when they open the door and they here all the cheering, they practice that the whole time there r there.  They have liberty for a few hours after graduating depends where they r going to A school... If they r staying in  Chicago... they have more time than if they leave... Go to Gino's pizza in Chicago  its awesome....Any question's PLEASE  contact  me... been there and done it....Lots of prayers and it's going to b OK .he will love  it.   just keep on writing to him every day they need and love the mail.   Stay safe   Sarah's MUM

[Sarah's Mom]

Oh ya send lots of picture's they love that send nothing else..