My son leaves for GL this Sunday and my heart is broken. I am sad, worried, and very proud all at the same time. Whenever I start to think that he wont be around anymore I get very emotional. He is my first born, my only son, and my buddy! I am going to miss him so much. I also worry hoping that he knows what he is getting into. Although some of our family has served our Country, we are not what you would call a military family. I know all of our children must leave the nest. We do the best we can and then they must move on to build their own lives. It is just really hard letting go and not being able to know if they are okay.
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MARK,
MY ONLY SON (I ALSO HAVE A 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER) WHO IS 19 IS IN HIS 5th WEEK OF BOOT CAMP.
I FIND WRITTING TO HIM THREE TIMES A WEEK VERY HELPFUL. SOME LETTERS ARE JUST SHORT NOTES. NOTHING MORE THAN WHAT HAS GONE ON IN BETWEEN LETTERS.
THIS WEBSITE HAS BEEN WONDERFULL AND HELPS US GET THROUGH THE TIME OUR SONS ARE AWAY. READ AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ABOUT BOOTCAMP. I TRY TO FOLLOW THE WEEKS SO I KNOW WHAT HE IS DOING.
I AM NOT AN EMOTIONAL PERSON, KIND OF A TOUGH GUY THAT DOESN'T LET ANYTHING BOTHER ME, BUT I HAVE MY MOMENTS, EVEN TEARING UP AS I READ THIS POST AND THE REPLIES, DON'T BE AFRAID TO HAVE YOUR MOMENTS ALSO.
DON'T LET YOUR HEART BE BROKEN BUT LET IT BE FILLED WITH PRIDE AS OUR SON'S SERVE OUR GREAT COUNTRY.
Hi Mark: My son is one week into boot camp. His recruiter shared the address with me, I have already mailed two letters. Michael is my second of four sons; he is the one who worked the hardest to achieve. He researched all branches of the Armed Forces and he chose the Navy! Thankfully, the Navy saw his fine qualities. It has been an emotional time for me, as well. Always thinking of what he is doing and how he is coping. I have only been at this website for a couple of days - already feeling the support!!
Hey Pat, Thank you for your response. I am still waiting for my sons address but I decided to write him a letter everyday and then mail them together once I have the address. Like you I keep wondering how he is doing. I think the hardest part is not being able to contact them. The other part is just plainly missing them. I seem to be doing okay but then something will remind me of him and my mind will wander. The bad part is I am finding it difficult to focus on my work. I am in sales and just don't feel like selling anything to anyone. I spent most of my day yesterday on this website and looking at You Tube videos trying to gain a better understanding of what he is going through and what happens next. It is nice to know that us dads are experiencing similar emotions and that the support is here for us. Maybe our sons will get a chance to meet while at Great Lakes. Thank you again.
Focusing......yes, indeed.....I was chuckling when I read your reply.....ditto here, especially the first few days.....I still find myself imagining what he's doing........Remember, no news is good news, and - it will be over before we know it - ..... have a good day - go sell - i have to get to work, too!!
Hang in there Mark - I post this often on the Navy Mom's site - but just change the wording and it can apply to a dad too! Share it with your wife too ;-)
Thank you B'sNukemom&dad,
I sent the picture to my wife and she loves it!
We went to MEPS in Chicago this morning to be there when our son was sworn in. First of all I have to say that the people who work at MEPS especially the officers and other military personnel were great. My wife and daughter came with me. Afterwards we got to spend some quality time with Stephen before he got on the bus that will eventually bring him to Great Lakes. They also had a great presentation for the family members on what to expect next.
I have always been an emotional person, wearing them on my sleeve. I did my best to keep it together but it was really hard watching him get on the bus. The thing that I did notice was that my son seemed really excited, also very nervous, but mostly excited. That made me feel a whole lot better. I am filled with so much pride not just because of his impending service in the Navy, but mostly because of the man that he has become. He is such a great guy. Funny, handsome, caring, and very smart.
I am unsure how long my heart will remain this heavy. I know things will get a little easier day by day. But for now whenever I see one of his baseball caps, or his car sitting empty in the driveway, or the messy room that he left behind, I start to well up and need to find a place to shed those quiet tears and pray that God and the Navy are taking care of my boy.
Barry,
We received the I am here call Sunday night. It was good to hear from him but everyday I wish I could just pick up the phone and see how he is doing. All the best to you, your family, and your son. Let me know when you get his address it really helps me to know some time frames. I will do the same.
Mark
The worrying is relentless. I keep trying to get my mind on other things, the things I need to focus on but my thoughts get carried back to my son. I had a weird thing happen to me this morning. I woke up at 4am, I never do that, and could not get back to sleep. Then I remembered reading that today reveille was at 4am at Great Lakes. That freaked my out a little. We have to resolve ourselves into know that our sons, daughters, and loved ones are in good hands and being taken care of. I can't wait to hear from him and see him again.
Thank you
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