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).  

[bmc321]

I can relate! My daughter left on the 26th and that phone call had me in tears all over again. Today I had to go back to work and found myself not able to concentrate at all. I am counting down the days till I can hear her voice. I just need to hear her say she's ok. This is one of the hardest experiences I have ever gone through. My prayers to you and yours.

[Beckyg65]

yes i know how you feel.  i was i guess luck enough to have had my son very involved in Boy Scouts, to which when he turned 14yr. he wanted to be a Camp Counselor. so in a similarity him going to boot camp is somewhat like him going to camp. i.e. there was no cell service at camp and although they were landlines,unless it was some dire emergency they were not allowed to use. so when he left me for Navy bootcamp it was a little easier.  but yes i have picked up the dirty clothes he left in his room,and not washed them yet. he has been gone only since sept. 2 i got my scripted call. which was not so bad cause i talked to him when plane landed in chicago. he called as soon as it touched down and before they picked him up from airport.  But now im on pins and needles still awaiting the arrival of his"box" of dirty clothes!!!  and then the letter to have his address.  im doing a "journal" type letter,which i may or may not send to him.  Maybe this type of letter may help youo journal you day thoughts feelings etc.  journals have helped me personally at different times of my life. but ill gladly be an internet friend if you like!

[jax]

I had to reread your msg because it felt like something I had written myself. I too have three children and my middle and only son left on the same journey as yours (PIR 10/23). This our first to leave home and its really hard! I think we are just now realizing this is nothing like going off to college until the holidays. I'm praying that first letter brings some comfort.

[bmc321]

Jax I too agree, this is nothing like going off to college. The no contact alone is so stressful. I have read a few comments that some people with same pir 10/23, have been fortunate to hear from their loved ones! I have never been one to carry my phone with me, but now it is glued to my side! Good luck to you and your family.

[Jesses mom]

My son left sept 1st. Still no call. Only the box of dirty clothes that just had me sobbing. Glad the mamma here understand. Uugh. I have to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

[TheRocksmom]

Hello my son left today, I share all the feelings you have already shared I am such a wreck at this very moment, I am not sure what to do. Currently the absence of him is just overwhelmingly. II have never been so proud and heartbroken in my life. I can't stop crying.

My phone is attached to me like a third hand. I have found strongest signal in my house and attached speaker.  Dear god almighty this is only day 1, I think I'm in shock............

k

[MA2009Mom]

You've got this! My son left August 18th I still
Cry when I write his letters, I still long to hug him and give him MY WORDS of reassurance. It is very hard to watch your babies grow up. But remember YOU molded that child gave them values, morals and the honor and strength it takes to belong to something bigger and greater than they are. YOU DID THAT!! So no matter how much the Navy tries to
Tell you that "they will take great care of your child" you know no one can do it better than you. Mom's are sailors compasses, always guiding them home. Our babies will return although the "kiddos" that left will
Not really be there, but instead a more
Mature refined young man or woman That you helped to create. So cry and know it's ok, laugh at everything (because you need to
Smile too!) hold the stinky clothes and think of how happy you will
Be to
Hug your babies once again. I'm still a
Mess but I stay encouraging for my son. I miss the boy that left me but I am
Anxious to
Meet the man that will return. ((((Hugs)))) YOU can do it!!! Remember nobody can ever take MOM'S place in their child's heart.

[TheRocksmom]

Thank you for your words of encouragement. I did get call llate last night veery short saying he got there and in 2 to 3 weeks and would have contact information, I told him hiow much I loved him and that I was so proud of him. Christopher is the youngest. Of 2 sos he has always been the type of kid where everyone would come to for advice.including me at times. He is the strength and glue that holds our family together even at the age of 18, he is honest and conducts himself with integrity which will serve him well. This is what I will cling too. I was not prepared for all the emotional feelings I am having, I sob like a uñcontrolab!e child,  I am so glad for this site, I will be spending ALOT of time here. Thank you everyone , and a special thanks to you MA2009 xo

[TheRocksmom]

Thank you I will go check it out

[My Sailor daughter]

I so understand you. I'm also a new navy mom. Its been a week since my daughter left. I still start tearing when I think of her or people ask me about her. Some had told me when I recieve her box with her belong I was going to be so excited. That was so true when the box came I had never been so excited to do her dirty laundry. I just recieved a letter giving me her address and I tell you I already mailed her one out. I also never been apart of my daughter. I've had people tell me you should proud of her and etc. I am very proud but that doesn't mean I shouldn't miss her. Sending you hugs..

[jenn72675]

Talked to my son when he got to hotel in Nashville. He will fly to Great Lakes tomorrow. Luckily he met someone at hotel that ships with his and also has the same rating so they will be in Pensacola at the same time as well. We actually said goodbye 3 times today..... Recruiters forgot he was shipping so they had to find a ride for him. Then once that happened I had to come home and get his glasses and take them back to him. He sounded good and that made talking to him easier.

[Tinamarie105]

Oh my gosh!!! You hit everything right on!  My son has only been gone since Tuesday and a big part of me is with him.  Today is better than yesterday, but still have those random moments.  Can't even go into his room yet and I have piles of laundry to fold, but don't want to see his yet.  What do I do with his stuff, pack it up or leave it there?