may 27 leaving for boot camp - so upset

[jaysmom]

My son is leaving today for boot camp and I have been an absolute mess. I'm so proud and happy for him, but he has never been apart from me and this is extremely hard for me. Everything at home reminds me of him. I know this seems silly to some of you, but my son and I are very close. I'm hoping maybe some of the other moms have felt the same and can offer some advice or support on how you got through this. We live in Missouri and we already know after boot camp he is going to Connecticut so again, more distance between us.

[Phoenix Mom]

I wish I could tell you it's okay. But I know you won't really feel okay. I was in contact with my daughter while she was in Denver changing planes and when she landed in Chicago. She called me while she was eating and trying to find the USO office at the airport. (it was her first time on a plane) . at about 8:30 last night...no more contact. And I got the scripted phone call at 11:30. She sounded tired. 38 second phone call. "hey, my phone's dead.I'm here. I'm safe. I don't have much time. I have to tell you about the box you will be getting in the mail with my stuff. I have to go. I love you mom." all I could croak out was "okay, I love you too".  I have written her three letters already. It has been hard for me to concentrate at work. But I don't want to be at my empty house either. :(

[jaysmom]

Oh I dread The Call. I went to work yesterday and was so upset that I had to come home early. Was off today since he swore in and left. Hoping I can at least get through work tomorrow.

[Phoenix Mom]

I took yesterday off for her ship out. and ..... I'm still a mess. I didn't think it would be this hard for me. 

[jaysmom]

Me either. Everything here at home reminds me of him and I have to see all his stuff and his car out front. I just keep crying.

[IslandGal]

Hey, wait a minute...turn that thought process around! Seeing all his stuff should comfort you! He will be back for his car! It is GOOD! My son has not lived at home for 6 years; I went to his house and helped him pack everything up and put in storage ( think about THAT a minute) and then hung around the empty house for about 4 days with only his car in the garage and bed waiting for Goodwill to pick up. That was tough. I wish I had more stuff to see around my house, other than just photos. It would comfort me. I do have the Navy flag flying tho, and that makes me feel good because I think of him.

[Phoenix Mom]

I know where you are coming from. When they are a constant and then gone. It does comfort me that I know she is safe. That if she gave in at " the moment of truth" , I would have already heard from her.  They will be fine. I will still continue to cry. I will still continue to miss her tremendously. And maybe, they will earn a phone call home :)  I will pray for your comfort. I am glad I met you :) Maybe we will meet in person at graduation.

[jaysmom]

good point. I should be happy to see his things, but I just keep thinking that he isn't going to come back and live here or sleep in his bed and that I will eventually have to pack up his things. I'm just losing my little boy. I know he is a man, but he has really been a huge support to me as well the past few years.

[JakesMom]

My son also shipped yesterday.  Jake is 21 and I could have written your post myself.  He's such a great kid and always a Momma's Boy.  I was so great at the airport and made sure not to fall apart in front of him because I didn't want him to worry about me.  I almost lost it when I was leaving him, but was able to keep it together until after the scripted phone call from him at 11:47 last night.  I let myself have a little cry and now I am back to thinking of this as his great adventure.  He told me when he was 8 that he was going to join the Navy and you would think that 13 years would be long enough to prepare myself...  *sigh*.  I know he will be okay and come out of boot camp the man he always wanted to be.  I guess I just miss my little boy!  Where does the time go?  This website and forum is great.  I am so glad to meet others who are going through this right along with me.  Soon we will be going to PIR to see our Sailors!  

[jaysmom]

Thank you so much. I held it together until I did my final hug and unfortunately I lost it.  When he hugged my husband, he said, Dad, make sure you take care of mom.  I am so thankful that I am able to talk to all of you.

[JakesMom]

Yeah, when Jake hugged me the last time I couldn't even talk.  He said "don't cry Mom, I'll see you soon!"  It was so hard.  But that last scripted call was the worst because I know that is it.  He won't be texting me every day like normal - usually bugging me at work for something trivial.  I think that might be the hardest part.  Knowing how dependent he really is on me - even though he is an adult.  But the Navy will take care of that, I'm sure.  So bittersweet...

[jaysmom]

It's 7:30 & I just got my scripted call, but he did sneak in an I love you mom b4 he hung up. Now the waiting begins.

[jcr95]

My son left may 4th . Not a day goes by yet that I dont drop a tear, it gets better after you get those phone calls and you hear their voice , keep encouraging and try not to sound bad on the phone they need to know you are ok ( even if u don't feel ok ) . It gets easier for them and you as time goes by . It will be ok .
{{Hugs }}