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.

[lawlady1963]

I'm having moments, too, where it just builds up and I cry a little.  I want to sob, to be honest.  I have twin 15 year old girls who have shared a room their whole lives, and I promised that one of them can move into it.  They are eyeballing me asking, 'Now?'  I told them we will do slowly.  I have to work through it first. 

There is nothing wrong with you, edmie.  It's hard, hard, hard to let our babies go.  I even asked my husband, "why do we even have to do it?"  Because as far as I'm concerned they can live with me the rest of their lives lol!  I'm even afraid my son will think I don't love him because I encouraged him to do this.  But that is ridiculous to think that, and I remind myself of such.  I'm doing the opposite  with the eating thing; I'm eating more than I usually do because I'm an emotional eater.  I even ate two candy bars yesterday...not at the same time tho lol.  And that's wrong, I know.  The trouble sleeping though, I am experiencing that.  I stay up later, and I've been waking up in the middle of the night.  The night time is hard for me...mind starts wandering.  Again, please don't think there is something wrong with you...it's a process for you, as well.  If you ever need to talk, I'm here.

[edmie]

thanks, i received the box yesterday with his stuffs. anxiously waiting for his call and the form letter so i can send him my letters. i'm counting the days.

 

[lawlady1963]

I haven't received the box yet...I suppose it will be here mid-week, I'm guessing.  I've already written letters to my son also, and am waiting for the form letter to mail them.  My goal is to flood him with a bunch of letters as soon as he is able to receive them lol.  I want him to still feel a part of our family, ya know???  That just sounds silly to say out loud! 

Are you feeling any better?  I have my moments where it just gets me.  I think that's normal.   

[smiley34]

We are still waiting for the box too and his address so we can start sending our letters. My son left on June 16th. One of his best buddies graduated on Friday, June 19th. He loved it and is doing great. He did not get to call home for almost a month after arriving. I am hoping it does not take that long. We are so happy and proud but still cannot believe he is there and taking on this new chapter. I walked into his room this morning and just looked around for a few minutes. 

[lawlady1963]

I received the box today.  I'm also awaiting the form letter so I can mail him his letters. 

[smiley34]

We received his box yesterday. Hopefully the form letter/address is not too far behind. I already wrote him a letter so it is ready to go. 

[lawlady1963]

I got two ready to mail him, lol!  And before I go to bed tonight, there will be a third.  I write him every couple of days lol.  Still waiting on that form letter here.....

[Lucille⚓️Nicoles Mom]

My daughter also left on June 15, well actually June 16 her flight got cancelled because of severe weather. I just wanted to drive back out there to spend one more night with her but I knew I had to let her go. I also go in her room and it's so empty just her boxes we packed. Her little brother is missing her so much they were very close. I have 5 kids and she's the oldest and the little one is five. I can't wait till she is able to write to me. I can't wait till graduation.

[lawlady1963]

Did your daughter leave out of Nashville, Tennessee?  I ask because my son was scheduled to fly out of there and the flight he was on got cancelled, and they went up in a van driven by an 'old guy'...my sons' description, lol.  Wouldn't it be interesting if they went up together???!!

He is one of six, the third to leave the house, but the first to REALLY leave, if you know what I mean.  My other two that are out live nearby.  The 'no communication' is killing me.  If I could just talk to him once a week...that's all I need.  I understand the reasoning, but I feel like he is sooo far away because I can't talk to him.  I, too, can't wait for graduation!!!  I just want to see him so badly!!! 

[Gr8tefulgal]

      As the days are dwindling and we prepare for my sons departure on August 4th, I could feel myself

choking up as I read your post.  I am extremely proud but pray that God will hold our boys in the palm of his hand and guide them each day while we stay strong at home.  Best of luck on this journey.

[lawlady1963]

I pray the same thing, Gr8tefulgal.  I am so glad I found this site...it's been beyond helpful.  We all have each other, and with God's help we will get through this all. 

I remember when my son told me he had his ship date.  That was April 15, and he told me it was June 16...and I thought to myself, "that's still so far away!"  I'm not gonna lie...those two months flew by in the blink of an eye.  Enjoy your days with your son, and stay strong.

[ckathy122]

My daughter (19 yrs old) took her oath on June 10th, it was proud moment for my husband and I.  It was a bittersweet day as we watched her take the oath and then leave in the van to head to the airport.  Our hearts broke as they filled with pride.  Sitting waiting for the 1st letter is tearing me up but I know she is doing well as she has been speaking about this since joining the US Navy Sea Cadets in the 7th grade.  I received her personal belongings, clothes she wore to boot camp, 5 days after she left...the coldest feeling overcame me opening that box.