Emotional

[ProudMapi]

Since the day my daughter was sworn in I haven't been able to sleep at night. I worried, I'm scared. I wish the days could be longer, so I can't enjoy her more. Don't take me wrong, I'm proud of her decision but I'm scared. She will be graduating from high school in May and leaving to bootcamp in the summer. This is so new for me and my emotions are going crazy.

[zandys]

Thank you and just continue in prayer... It will happen, trust that the seeds we have planted as parents, will do nothing but grow them into the women and men that they are truly called to be in this world. They will all be light. You are very welcome

[Kenya (Lovingmyson)]

Hi Zandys,

I love reading your post. It helped to reassure me that my son will be okay. My son left for bootcamp March 10th. I swear it feel like a lifetime. I'm used to talking to my son everyday. Thank you for your advice on writing my son everyday. When I receive the address he will have alot of mail. I'm happy you got your phone call. I'm looking forward to mines.

[Kaylasmom]

Thank you for giving us your experiences with this transition in our children's lives. I have wrote down a few things from your message so that I can remember.

[Pipermom]

Our son flew away to boot camp yesterday and boy do I miss him.  It was exhausting at swear in, but I felt so much better talking to him yesterday at the airport.  We were able to spend the afternoon with him and received gate tickets to go over and eat with him prior to his departure.  He has truly grown up before our eyes.  He is excited for this adventure, so even though I will miss him I am excited for him.  He told me to contact his recruiter Friday and he should have his address.  This made me so happy! The 8 week count down has begun!  Go Navy! 

[Martha]

Hi. My Sailor already graduated on 1-18-16. He's in A school there at Great Lakes. Reading your words brings back those memories. I cried for a week before he left and cried for about 2 weeks after. Lol. It's hard to let them go, but I assure you they are ok. They become friends with those in their division and push each other through each day. Even though they are homesick, they're kept busy and they get through it. My son also said he ate well everyday. What I did was I wrote a letter each day after he left, sometimes 2 so when I got his address I sent him a book of letters to read from home. Lol. Good idea to mail them stamps since they may not be able to go to the exchange often. I wasn't aware the recruiter would have his address. Didn't try that. But yes my son was happy to get mail from home regularly. My son only called about 4 times the whole time he was there so don't feel bad if they don't call regularly. I think my son called about 3 or 4 weeks after he left, but when he did call we were able to talk for 30-45mins. The box with their items should come about 3 weeks or so after they leave. If they haven't left just try to enjoy the time together. Encourage them. There are some You Tube videos that will detail the boot camp experience.. search Navy Boot camp if you want to see what they're going through. My son was actually more concerned with me and how I was without him, so just assure them you're OK and everything is fine. They are strong and brave SR'S and we all are proud they've decided to join Our Navy family. Good Luck and God bless you all. Hooyah!!

[LalitasMom]

very encouraging words ,. thank you :)  

[Navyfamily]

My son left for BC March 7th. His box came on Friday, less than a week after he left. So far, I wrote a 5 page letter and I just keep adding to it. I can't wait to send it, but I do not have his address yet. I check the mailbox each day for the letter, to no avail. One day, I will get it. Looking forward to his graduation date so I can start planning the trip. I am so proud of him, but think about him all day everyday. I found a few blogs of what they do each day at BC which helps me understand exactly what he is doing. Thanks for listening!

[MyBoyAustin]

Hello, Mom-

My boy is home on leave this week so I have been through some of what you are going through now. My son left for Great Lakes after he turned 18.  He graduated at 17, but had to wait until fall until he was an adult.  He is my first born and I still remember playing Candy Lane and matchbox cars with him. They will always be our babies, but after 9 weeks of boot camp they walk up to us proudly with accomplishment shining from their whole body.  We see our children in a new light and it feelslike our cup is overflowing.  Your daughter will be your daughter, but she will carry a new power and strength with her that no one can take away.  Everything thing you have given her all these years: love, guidance, morals, laughs, hope will all come back to you when she does this thing for her self.

Now, about us.  While they are busy finding their wings, maturing, bonding with their new navy family and learning what they have inside themselves we are missing our children.  We have spent the last 18 years loving and teaching and now we feel a bit "un-employed" but we can still write letters of encouragement and remember that the only reason our child is in the navy is because we did our job...the navy does not take those not ready.  We as mothers feel like our beating heart is across the miles away from us, but we signed up for this once we taught them to walk.  Please be proud of yourself and trust your daughter's mother-given strength that she will be more than alright, but thrive.

It is hard when they go again to "A" school and then report for their first duty station.  They of course are very excited.  Know that your daughter will thrive. She is only a phone call away.  When you talk you will feel her growth and self-pride and you will glow.  When you see each other at graduation or on her leaves you will hug and hug and hug and talk to each other as successful independent women.  You will be more than mother and daughter, but close independent women that love and respect each other.  Your relationship will grow with your daughter.

The hard nights are good times to write letters or even a secret journal of memories, thoughts and advice you can give her on graduation from boot camp.  Go to Barnes & Nobles or really anywhere and get a blank journal (I use the blank ones with non-acidic paper so I can draw and tape pictures) and start writing thoughts, love notes, stories of funny things she did in kindergarten the surprise her with this personal collection for her to read and enjoy on her way to "A" school. You will have given her 5 months of your varied thoughts and you will feel a link to her while you are writing. 

It is harder for moms (and dads) that the kids. They are on an adventure and we are waving on the dock.  Good luck and reach out to other moms as needed. 

[Sue]

There are a lot of emotions involved with this exciting process for our loved ones.  It would be no different if they went away to college.  It is very difficult, however, they are starting their lives which is exciting.  I have a very strong prayer life and it has gotten me through.  My son graduated boot camp on, April 1st.  I am so proud of him, he looked so good in that uniform.  After boot camp is A-School which brought on another set of emotions when he left for school which was the day after graduation.  Turn your fear and worry into faith and confidence.  She will be fine.  You have to be strong for her to provide the support that she will need in boot camp. (prayer, letters, cards and pictures).  Believe me when I tell you that I know what you are going through.  My son is an only child so it was difficult but I'm doing well and he is happy with his decision.  Hang in there!

[lsb]

I too have a daughter leaving this fall.  She is my only child.  I am very proud of her and her decision but have been a emotional mess.  It will be so very hard on me because she has been my life for l9 years.  I was lucky to be able to be a stay at home parent for her.  We live remotely on a ranch and ranching is not her thing.  I am glad she will get to see the world and have experiences only the Navy can give her but it sure doesn't make it any easier.  I hope you find comfort with this site it is what I am trying to do.  I do not feel so alone knowing there are other mothers going through the same thing. Hugs to you and your wonderful daughter.   Just keep telling yourself she will be fine and love what she is doing. 

[Sallyjune]

I worried too, but had to make myself a promise not to worry till I truly had something to worry about. I was amazed during graduation ceremony how many girls were in- it is a great opportunity! My son will be shipping out in a few days aboard the Momsen. When he returns he will only have a few months left and he will be coming home. I can't believe how fast the time went by. Be strong Mama- your baby will be ok and needs to know you are standing strong behind her.

[BlessedMomof3]

I am going through it all too. My son is graduating  from HS in May and heading to BC around the first week of July. He made this decision last July and I am so grateful that I have had this whole year to prepare. Now all he wants to do is hang out with his friends so I feel like he is leaving gradually, I don't like it of course but I am thinking its God's little gift to me in making the separation easier once its GO TIME.