i'm a newbie and need help

[complex14]

Hi all,

my son just left to bootcamp on Tuesday, Jan 26. I was so excited and proud of him for finally wanting to make something of himself. I fully support his decision.  Everything was great when I dropped him off the last day, we were all giggles and jokes and smiles, no tears. I said Im proud of you gave him a hug and kiss and a big smile.

The minute I got home and saw his empty room-it hit me-like a tsunami! felt like a freaking ton of bricks landed on my chest.I mean really really bad I cant stop crying. Mornings are the worst when I wake up and hes not here. I had no idea I would feel such emptiness. I keep reminding myself this a great thing he is doing and this is where he wants to be, still I am experiencing this incredible physical pain, like someone punched me in the gut.

I think of him every second of every day. I wonder if hes cold, if hes eating, if hes ok. I miss him sooooooooo much, it feels like someone severed one of my limbs. I did not expect to feel this way AT ALL!!! I cant wait till this bootcamp thing is over so we can talk and text like we normally did. but that's 8 weeks away.

its almost like im grieving, that's what it feels like.this huge giant gaping hole in my heart, its horrible.

somebody please tell me im not alone and not losing my mind. and PLEASE someone say it will get better ;(

[NavyMum]

It does better - especially once he can write and you start receiving his letters.  He's not cold - they issue them nice warm clothes :) He's eating - my son said the food was pretty good, just not home cooking. He's ok - it'll be rough for him in the beginning but once his division starts working as a team it'll improve.

No news is good news - the SR has to call home if there's a problem that interrupts training/delays graduation etc... so if you DON'T hear from him, he's doing fine.

On the other, if you do hear from him, don't panic - lots of time they have to call (briefly - it's not usually a conversation) to get additional information.

Write to him everyday - even before you get his address (you can mail them all at once when you recieve the form letter with the address - about 10 days). Be upbeat, remind him why he joined and that you're confident he's doing well and that you're proud of him. Share news from home.

((((Hugs))))

[Concernedad]

Yeah, many of us have been there. It's not like going off to college where you can call when you want. Just keep reminding yourself, he's safer there than in a college dorm. 
Don't count days, count fridays. It's much easier. Find the videos on this website that show you what they are going through each week. It helps when you know what he's up do.

Start writing letters now, put down your thoughts right now, but keep them upbeat. Add in his favorite comics. Seal the envelopes and number the outside so both you and he know which order to read them. You'll be getting his address soon. They love getting mail so you can't send too much. 
Then, be patient. They don't always get to send mail and not all of them get calls home. 
Start making your plans now to go to PIR to see him graduate. It is an experience you don't want to miss. 
And find the Mom's on this site who are in his division and talk with them. 

Hang in there