As my son sits waiting for the plane that will take him to RTC, I have a series of mixed emotion. As a vet, I know what the military will do for him but I don't know if you are ever ready to say that good bye. I am excited and worried for him at the same time. Anyone else have someone leaving this week?
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My son is about to graduate. I'm former USMC and had the exact feelings you are having right now. Nick graduates this Friday, the 15th. I literally marked the days off on my calendar and was very anxious for the first week, day by day. As the days turned into weeks, things improved. The first phone call was the "I'm here and well", lasted just a minute. The second call came in about two weeks and he was very emotional, just happy to talk to me, etc. As the calls trickled in, he sounded stronger and stronger and this eased my worry a bit. Now, he's a week away from pay-dirt and he sounds like he's a darn Flag Officer! Good luck to you Stan and I wish your son well in basic training. It shall pass before you know it!
Although my son left for RTC one year ago this Labor Day, my emotions from that day are still fresh in my mind. It was hard to move on from seeing him everyday to suddenly having no contact at all. Reminders of him were everywhere and his absence was a huge void in my life. Fast forward 11 months and he has already completed Boot camp, NACCS, A School, and SERE. By the time he hits his 1 year anniversary, he will have begun Fleet Replacement School. As a parent, the longest period of time in the last 12 months were the first few weeks of Boot Camp. I cannot describe the feeling of pride that I now have in my son and his accomplishments. You are most definitely not alone in your emotions.
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My son is about to graduate. I'm former USMC and had the exact feelings you are having right now. Nick graduates this Friday, the 15th. I literally marked the days off on my calendar and was very anxious for the first week, day by day. As the days turned into weeks, things improved. The first phone call was the "I'm here and well", lasted just a minute. The second call came in about two weeks and he was very emotional, just happy to talk to me, etc. As the calls trickled in, he sounded stronger and stronger and this eased my worry a bit. Now, he's a week away from pay-dirt and he sounds like he's a darn Flag Officer! Good luck to you Stan and I wish your son well in basic training. It shall pass before you know it!
Hi Stan,
Although my son left for RTC one year ago this Labor Day, my emotions from that day are still fresh in my mind. It was hard to move on from seeing him everyday to suddenly having no contact at all. Reminders of him were everywhere and his absence was a huge void in my life. Fast forward 11 months and he has already completed Boot camp, NACCS, A School, and SERE. By the time he hits his 1 year anniversary, he will have begun Fleet Replacement School. As a parent, the longest period of time in the last 12 months were the first few weeks of Boot Camp. I cannot describe the feeling of pride that I now have in my son and his accomplishments. You are most definitely not alone in your emotions.
Congrats to your son!