Officially a Navy mom - Day 1

[AlohaBell]

Hello all, I just wanted to introduce myself as I am a very new Navy mom. My son signed his contract yesterday and took his oath. Its surreal and I tear up quite a bit at random lol.  I am not afraid for him, I am just going to miss him terribly. He has been the man of the house since he was about 13. He has one little sister and grandparents that love him at home. He leaves for boot camp April 26th which sounds far, but I know it will be here in a blink of an eye. 

I am sure I will have questions later, but right now I just needed to share and so thankful for this site. I have been a single mom for 8 years and very soon it will be just me and my little girl waiting for phone calls and updates.  My boy is like a best friend, it feels like we grew up together. wahh ok Imma go cry now. Stay Blessed! 

[turtlegirl428]

Congrats Alohabell!    Savor every minute from now until April.  You're right - it's sounds far off......but it is just around the corner.  My son had signed his contract in September.....and wasn't leaving until July.  I blinked and the time was gone.....

We are all here to help you through those teary, but proud moments....  XO

[ChristinaInWA]

Lots of teary moments for sure.  My son signed his contract in June and is leaving mid-Jan.  Exactly 3 weeks from now!  Not sure how I'm going to get through that day but I will suck it up and be tough, even if it's through tear filled eyes! 

[Hotwheels]

Hi,our son is leaving Jan 13. When I woke up this morning, I felt an emptiness in my chest. I am afraid of that emptiness after leaves. I am so greatful for this website. I don't know what we would without our 14 year old daughter. Sometimes, I enjoy having my arms around him while he watches TV.

[ChristinaInWA]

This is the same day my son leaves. And I have a 13 yr old daughter. Today I just stood in his room for a while thinking how empty it will feel with him gone.

[Hotwheels]

I do the same thing.

[lemonelephant]

gabbsmom1, check your My Page.

[mcountrygal1992]

Hi Beki! My son leaves Jan 19th as well. I am freaking out as well! Time went by so fast! Now the anxiety has kicked in. ~Mary

[lemonelephant]

mcountrygal1992, I left info for you on your My Page.

[Fran]

I went through the same thing with my son. He was in the DEP program starting in October 2014 and left for boot camp in June 2015. I would randomly cry when I would think of him leaving. Stay strong momma and enjoy your time with him, it will go by quick!

[Shay dog]

Tuesday is the day my son will leave for bootcamp. I too can cry spontaneously. I know I raised him to be strong and follow his dreams I just wish he wouldn't be so far away doing it.

[NavyNukMom]

AlohaBell,

My son left in Dec.  I cried when he left the recruiters office and drove away to MEPS.  Then was glossy eyed when he swore in knowing that we had maybe 30 minutes before I wouldn't see him till his graduation.  It's going to be rough I won't lie.  He's my oldest and first to leave.  I will tell you the only thing to send him with is his phone and a pullover/zip up light jacket .  They allow him to call when he gets there to let you know he arrived safe and that you will receive a phone call in about three weeks.  If you send him with what the brochure states it comes back to you in a box and is taken out of his first paycheck.  Less expensive for him if it's only his phone coming back. Once you have his address (might take two weeks for the first letter) you can send him a writing tablet with some envelopes.  Tell him to keep the ten dollar book of stamps in his wallet. You can pre-address some envelopes for him.   I received all brochure items in his box.  I would go purchase a calling card for him.  Activate it prior so he doesn't waste his calling time in doing so.  If you can or know someone who can purchase you a Navy Exchange Card (NEX) that does help with extra boot camp supplies.  Soap, shampoo, deodorant...etc.  Don't get worried if you see it posted that some moms have received calls and you haven't.  There is numerous recruits and it takes days for all of them to call.  Was in the worry department for 2 days stressing, letting my mind wonder.   The call can be from different area codes so don't think the number will always be the same.  I look for the state id.  

Write to him all the time, my recruit tells me all the time our letters keep him connected with home.  You may think sometimes what else could I write?  Tell your son a joke, tell him about the episodes of the shows you watch. Something new you attempted.  Date them even if it's a couple of 1 pagers in one envelope.   Make sure you don't send glitter cards or colored envelopes/stationery.   Grandparents made that mistake.  Nothing that can rub off and dirty their uniform should be mailed.  Not good for the recruit or division if one is dirty.  

I'm still learning and have weeks to go but this is what I can add so far.  This site is a savior. Trying to learn all I can, stay updated and work for plane tickets.  This is a first for a lot of us and I know we all want to be apart of our recruits next journey.

 I'll share if I learn anything else.

Stay positive!

  

[Kelly]

Hello to you!

First off congrats! I am a new navy Mom as well. Daughter is scheduled to leave 1/25/2015 and this is her second round in DEP. First round in DEP got booted for weight and now she is under weight and back in DEP. I am very nervous and would love to keep you updated as we go through the journey. Keep in touch!