Unprepared

[mum Z]

16hrs since I received that scripted phone call from my son. Unaware of the "scripted" part and or length of phone call (48 sec). I could hear stress in his voice. Also unaware of being able to have accompanied him to his recruiter meetings for preparation on what to expect after final swear in. Maybe he thought I wouldn't have been as supportive had I attended. Definitely unprepared for this journey. Never been away from my three children. My heart feels heavy. Experiencing detachment with my children becoming adults and leaving NEST that's been built with a strong foundation with walls insulated with ADT security. Now not even being able to communicate with my middle child and only son. I feel as if I'm grieving or had a loss. Emotions from PROUD, SAD, UNCERTAIN, EXCITED for his journey, and LONGING to hear him say "I'm going fishing". Never thought it would be so hard to fold his clothes, walk past his door, pick up his shoes, or not hear his car crank. Wondering if there are other navy moms who have experienced these feelings? Today only cried once and here I am writing without tissues thanks to the support from another navy mom (whose ex navy chief).  

[itswendyb]

My daughter shipped out on the 9th of July. I am feeling all of those same emotions. It was the worst feeling ever watching her walk away at the airport. I heard the stress in her voice during her call as well. I think it was a 20 second one too. Stay strong. We will get through this, as will they.

[jaime2maggie]

Hello
I know the feeling to well, my 19 year old daughter left to bootcamp in April. I missed her so much i was soo anxious. All your feelings are normal. Please write to her as much as you can. My daughter said that really helped her. Lots of prayers. I only got 3 calls during bootcamp. So please keep phone handy. Also join your PIR FB group. Good luck. Im here for you.

[flacosmom]

I wish I got a call.:(... it's been a week since he left for boot camp

[jaime2maggie]

I got a call 10 days into her boot camp. keep your phone handy by your side. calls can come any minute , but usually on weekends.   Your sailor is having some long days and nights right now.  my daughter told me all my tons of letters really helped.

good luck

[Sassy7444]

Mum Z- I could not have said it better. It's the worst feeling in the world. Proud, sad, anxious...it's too much.

[michael's mom]

Mine has been gone a week, and i've been going through all of those same emotions. Although Michael was always on the go when he was home, it's a lot harder with the little to no contact. My cell phone dropped his first call at hi mom, but at least I got to hear his voice for a split second. You are not alone, and I have found such comfort in these groups.

[Lisa Lou]

It's 1:12 am. I just got "the call " my son sounded scared. I just want to hug him and say everything is going to be fine,but I can't.. I really don't think my son thought about the emotional side of this..My son doesn't show his feelings easily but,today I could hear it in his voice. A small fish in a big pond. I know today I will start writing him. This way I can send out the letters as soon as I get the address..I just want to do what I can do to help him with this transition .

[Bernapet]

Hi Mum Z...My son's bootcamp PIR was last friday, but just reading your post made me tear up. When he left for bootcamp, I thought I would die. I couldn't go by his room or wash his clothes either...nothing. It does get easier, and our little men are tougher than we think. One of my calls from my son, probably 4 weeks in to boot camp, my son said...it's hard mom, but they give you everything you need to succeed here. That was a wonderful turning point for me. My son is in A-school now and loves it. Hang in there, seeing your son in his white sailor suit will make everything all better!!! :-)

[tbird96]

Oh we are out here.  My son just left on Thursday of last week.  I feel like you typed all that I am feeling and have gone through in the past 5-6days.  Yes, a quick phone call that was scripted is exactly what I have been telling everyone.  I am sick to my stomach, sad, sleepy, won't / can't open his bedroom door and we moved his car yesterday to the of our road (out of the way).   Nomore loud music coming down the road.  I too am very proud, uncertain yet excited for him.  I think the loss is a natural feeling on our part.  Yet that answer isn't good enough to make you feel any better.  I thought I was done crying until my daughter asked when he would call.  I had to leave the dinner table.  I am so glad I am not alone in my feelings.   

[Sabrina's Mom]

Hi mum Z.  I just sent my daughter off yesterday and I was such a basket case I had to stay another night in San Antonio and drive home today.  I returned home a few hours ago and I am a mess.  Everything reminds me of her and I truly want to be happy and excited for her and I really feel horrible because I feel I am being selfish and only thinking of myself.  Her car is in the road, her things are all over, and her cats are here crying for her.  I raised her as a single mother which makes this so much harder.

I sure hope it gets easier.  Will your son be graduating on September 18th?  Is there a forum setup for this group of sailors yet?

[tbird96]

My son went in 23rd. I have not received the box yet. Looking at the calendar I believe it will be the 25th of September. According to the forum it , the PIR date has not been created yet. It is the worst feeling. I never thought for one minute that I would feel like this. I didn't belong to this forum until after he left so I was by no means prepared emotionally. After he swore in, he was gone within 2minutes. The last time my son saw me I was crying so hard I couldn't breathe. He acts strong and says he "can't wait". But what 18 year old really knows what lies ahead. The phone call that was late at night was the worst I have ever heard. However, I am sure its just me. Alteast that's what I am thinking. He was raised mostly single mom too until about 6 years ago. I would like to keep in touch since we will be taking this journey together. Where is your daughter now? Great Lakes?

[Sabrina's Mom]

Hi tbird96.  Yes, my daughter saw the same from her sister and I yesterday.  She is at Great Lakes.  The call I received this morning was scripted.  She was told what to say and didn't get to say much other than that she made it safely and would talk to me in 3 weeks.  She was strong and confident and I imagine mostly for my benefit.

Her recruiters told me her graduation would be on the 18th of September and I already have my airline tickets so I hope that is true.  Week one (this week) is processing and is included in the 8 weeks of training so when I checked the calendar that was correct.  

YES!  Absolutely...let's keep in touch.  We need to support each other because this isn't going to be easy.  They also have "meet and greets" on the Thursday night before RIP so if our kiddos graduate the same day we can meet up the night before. :)