He's gone =(

[kerbear2709]

Well, my husband departed the airport about 30 minutes ago. I am so overwhelmed with emotions. I want to be happy for this adventure, but at the same time am incredible sad at the lack of communication we will have for 8-9 weeks. I currently have a love/hate relationship with the Navy LOL. 

So for those of you that have gone through this, during a holiday, will he get to call home, get a day off during bootcamp? How long before I receive "the box" and then the letter with grad and mailing information? What would you anticipate being grad date?

I know this sight is mostly moms. My mother in law feels nearly like he has died. Questions on when and if she will get to see him again because of A School then where we will be shipped to. It's such an emotional process. I am already counting down the days until he can at least have electronics so I can hear his voice and see him, thank you technology. 

Anyone else have their sailor arriving at GL today and then going on to MAA? 

And anyone that can answer my above questions, I would GREATLY appreciate the insight. Much love and prayers to you all on this emotional rollercoaster we are all riding. 

[ally684]

My boyfriend graduated BC right before Thanksgiving.  I remember "the day" he left.  It's completely normal what you're going through and I was a wreck!  And don't get me wrong...I'm still just getting used to this whole thing so I'm still an emotional wreck..haha!..but I DOES get better.  The first 3 weeks..you can pretty much count on nothing.  I'll just say it.  You'll get your "Im here" phone call and that's it.  About a week-week and a half later you'll get "the box" which may or may not have his form letter a his PIR date.  I'd expect his graduation to be 8-9 Fridays from now (this week will be P-Days so doesn't count).  Once you get through 3 weeks...letters start coming once a week and surprise phone calls.  And it is all so much better.  He got a total of 5 calls while he was there (including his I'm here call and his I'm a sailor call).  He shipped out the very next morning very early to A school and is coming home for Christmas.  A school is better so far.  Still not with me...but a text message every morning is the best thing ever these days!   Take care and feel free to message me if you ever need!

[kerbear2709]

Thank you for this. I am and will support him, no matter what, always have. We separated then got back together almost 6 months ago. So this is hard for me because I just got him back and now he's gone again. Just on different terms. 

I can't wait to see where this will go and am grateful for this site and others like you that reach out to help lend advice. Thank you!!

[SC_girlfriend]

Hello! I know exactly how you are feeling. My boyfriend and I have been together for 2 years and he left 2.5 weeks ago. He got his first personal phone call today and I couldn't be happier. It wasn't until about 4-5 days ago that I began "accepting" the fact that he is gone. It's never going to be something you love, but you begin to accept it and realize that this is only temporary. Just be thankful that you know he is safe and in the United States and not on deployment right now…that is what I have to keep telling myself. The first week (he left 11/23/15, right before Thanksgiving) was so terrible. You can't eat, you dream about them, hoping it is a dream and resenting the navy and his choice to join. I still hate the navy at times! It is an adjustment to not have any communication for 2.5 weeks, but when you get that phone call, your world stops. I should also be getting a letter tomorrow, so expect both of those in about 2.5 weeks. The call tonight will be VERY short and scripted ( I cried when he called because I just wanted to tell him how much i love him and hated that it was so scripted, but it will be about 15 seconds long and he will able to tell you he loves you at the end). I wrote notes starting the day after he left and sent them as soon as I got the form letter (I got it 4 days after he left and the box 4 days after that). He is in an 800 division, so things are more sped up for them so that is why I got it faster. Write EVERYDAY and write everything! Writing is so therapeutic and makes me feel closer to him when I write. My recruit got all of my letters last night (15 days after he left) and he got to write me on Sunday. 

They do not do anything different for the holidays, unfortunately. They will have "holiday routine" like they do on Sundays (sleeping in a little later, no drills until the afternoon, and a nice Christmas dinner) but that is all. Your recruit will be in for 2 weeks by then, so you may be lucky enough to get a call on Chirstmas. During their 3rd week, keep your phone on you and on loud at all times from there on out. You will get a call when you least expect it, I sure did! They will be able to call about 2-4 times while there after the initial scripted call. They will write letters on Sundays and at night (though, it is not allowed) and they are sent out every monday. Depending on where you live you will get the Wednesday or Thursday. His grad date is exactly during his 8th week, that friday. I would plan around then, but it could be the 9th week. Wait to make travel plans until after you get the form letter in a few days! 

Thank you for writing, I know this site helped me so much prior to him leaving and now. The support is amazing and much needed during this VERY emotional time away from our men. Just know they will be missing you just as much, too. Hope you can soon find peace in all of this and remember that it is not forever. 

xoxo

[kerbear2709]

Thank you so much for all the information. I got the call Monday night around 11. I thought he was calling to tell me he was getting on the bus since our previous text was that he was fixing to get briefed then load the bus. BOY WAS I WRONG! I saw his face pop up and I answered with joy, then when the script started, like you, I immediately started crying. 

I have been writing since yesterday, only 3 days in. I didn't write on Monday when he left, because we were able to text pretty much majority of the day and I did get to talk to him while he was at the airport. I've decided to write my letters to him in the morning hours since I seem to be not as emotional. I don't want my letters to drag him down and am trying not to tell him too much on how emotional I am or get but just enough that he knows he is very missed. 

Hopefully I get the box and letter as quickly as you did! You are the first I've seen that's gotten the letter before the box. Monday I was dreading getting the box, now I can't wait to get it because I know that means I am one day closer to seeing him and I know his smell is still on those clothes. (creepy sounding, I know but I am looking forward to it). What is your boyfriend going for? I don't know how the divisions work to know what his is to see if perhaps his things may be quicker as you stated. 

Prior to my hubby leaving he purchased cloud pets for myself and our kids. He recorded a sweet message for us each and we all have our own. I listen to mine each night and morning. It helps. It's not the real thing, but at least I can hear him telling me he loves me, which is AWESOME! My daughter hasn't really played hers too much that I have noticed, but my little boy did this evening, several times. That is what is the hardest thing for me too. Is trying to see them deal with not being able to see/talk to Daddy, they are 5 and 3. My baby boy was excited when we got home this evening to see Daddy's truck, then said, but he's not there he's at work. So that got to me a little to hear the disappointment in his voice. Hopefully whenever he does get to call home, he will have enough time to at least tell them high, and they will be home or with me when he does call. This is all so much to take in! 

I am thankful for this site and people like you that are in the same boat, and reach out to posts like mine. It definitely helps to know others are almost in the same situation and can give so much insight.