Son left today (6-15-15) for boot camp

[lawlady1963]

Today was the day, and he left around 11:30 this morning.  I am bursting with pride for him, and very proud of the young man he has become.  But, man, am I sad for myself.  It was so very hard giving him that final hug and turning him loose.  For 20 years he has slept under my roof.  All I can think about is how fast those 20 years went by, and that although he is ready, I was not.  I know it will get better for me...I just hope it's soon.  He got teary-eyed when he hugged me good-bye, and that just tore me up inside.  He may be all grown up, but when I look at him I still see my little boy. 

Thank you for listening.

[Stacey L DeJong]

That is exactly how I feel and my son leaves on Wed. 6/17. I'm going to be so lost without him cuz it's been mainly myself, him and his little brother. I've been so stressed about this whole thing and don't know where to turn

[lawlady1963]

I didn't think it would be this hard, because he is not the first of my kids to leave the nest.  But he is the first to leave and go far from home.  We can help each other through this...I have found that there are some truly wonderful people here with lots of advice.  Plus, this site is wonderful in explaining military life.  Although my dad was Air Force and I lived all over the world...it's different being the parent.  Hang in there...you can do it.

[Betty boop]

My son also leave tomorrow. He is sitting in a hotel right now. I am excited for him knowing how bad he wants this. After Bootcamp it's off to diving school. I keep walking into his bedroom and just stand there.

[lawlady1963]

I've done that a time or two myself...walk into his room and just stand there.  Even tho I have other kids here at home, it feels different with him gone.  I have 15 year old twin girls who have shared a room their whole life, and I have told one of them that at some point we will move her into there...so she's just waiting for the word.  I just can't rush it, though. 

After boot camp my son will head to San Antonio to the MA school. 

[Ruth Ann]

Hi Betty,

I'm excited to see that you said your son is going to dive school.  My son goes to BC on 7/21 and then to dive school as a reservist.  I'd love to stay in touch so you can tell me how dive school is for your son.  I think I sent you a friend request....not exactly sure how this site works! 

[Betty boop]

Hi Ruth Ann,

Got your friend request. Would love to stay in touch! I thought this was going to be so easy not talking to him. I am beyond proud of my son. He has been training hard weekly for months and doing PST every other week. I did hear that something like 60-70% fail dive school. I told him to follow his dream and go for it! Is your son excited?

[lawlady1963]

Stacey L DeJong...Did your son leave for RTC as planned?  How are you doing?

[mom5]

My son left today also it was hard for me to see him say goodbye to his brothers . he my first son leaving home and its so hard looking into his room and his stuff he packed before he left its so empty in his room I hope these 8 weeks go by fast so I can hug him .

[lawlady1963]

None of it seemed real to me until he got in that van to leave Huntsville for Nashville.  Then...boom...it hit.  I walked into my sons room this morning and just stood there.  Although I suggested he pack things up, he didn't really lol.  He put things in an empty drawer he had that he wants me to try to bring with me when he graduates basic...PIR.  I will go in there sometime in the near future and organize it all, and although I'm not looking forward to it, I don't mind either.  One last thing I can do for him here.  He does have a sister eyeballing his room, too.  In due time...

I can't wait til I can see him again!  I will be one happy momma.

[smiley34]

My son arrived at BC on the 16th. Very emotional dropping him off at the hotel the night before. He did not sleep much and texted my husband around 3:00 a.m. questioning himself. At 4:00 a.m. he seemed to have calmed his nerves. When we saw him at swearing in, he was great with a smile on his face and told us he can do this. That made me feel so much better. My son is also 20 and was at home. We are so proud of him and could not be happier but at the same time, the no communication is tough and will take some time to get used to. They say the 8 weeks of BC goes by fast. We have a lot of military friends and they say they way my son felt that night and how we feel is all part of the process. We do not have one military friend who has one regret of going in. It is nice to know that a lot of us moms feel the same way and we will get through this. Thinking of all of you and our boys/girls as they start this new journey in their lives. 

[lawlady1963]

Yes, its the no communication that is killing me.  My kids have always been accessible to me, so this is quite a process here at home, too.  I keep reading things on this site, and it helps to calm my nerves somewhat.  At night is the hardest time for me...my mind starts wandering.  He's never been away from home, so I worry about him acclimating to military life.  I know it won't happen overnight for him, and I try to tell myself that this was bound to happen sometime that he would leave home.  I am so very proud of him at the same time...he decided upon this himself, with some guidance from us, but it was ultimately his decision.  I know that regardless of my feelings right now, that this is good for him.  Character-building, confidence-building, responsibility...those are good things for him. 

I'm so glad I found this site, and other mothers who are feeling the same conflicting emotions.  We can get through this together.

[edmie]

My son also left 6/15/15 and until now everytime i pass by his room i can't stop myself from crying. This is the first time he is away from us and i am so worried. I can't go to work  coz i'm afraid i will break down and cry if somebody ask for him. i am thinking something is not right with me, i can't eat, sleep and no energy to do anything at all.. i'm glad i found this group.