We both saw the amazing transformation he made in his 8 weeks of boot camp. We were astonished by the magnitude of information he absorbed, the recollection he had of what seemed like minut details - and the recall of Navy history that he so proudly shared with us.
He recognized that his limitations are far beyond what he experienced thus far, and that really charged him up. He not only has potential, he has extraordinary capacity that he hasn't even realized, yet. AND, he did this...no help from Mom, Dad or Step Dad. This was HIS accomplishment - shared by his shipmates, of course - but he owns it...all the way.
So on Monday morning when the workweek started and we tried to re-enter our routine as if nothing had happened, it was impossible. Still is. Impossible because our world is different now. This man-child whom we wondered at times would ever get a grip on reality and ease into manhood was catapulted into it and was on his way towards carving out an incredible experience in our U.S. Navy. He began a career...not a job...a LIFE in the Navy. Big difference.
Ironically, it was our 8 year old, his youngest brother, who wiped away his mother's tears and said, "Don't worry Mom, Lynch will always be with you here (pointing to his heart)...and I will NEVER leave you." He was right...on one count - and all we could do was smile at the second point - like the others, he WILL leave...physically, one day. But he'll still be 'with us'.
Bravo Zulu, Lynch! Carry on, Sailor. Mom will recover...with each passing phase - as will I.
Comments
Hi Cheryl;
Well, if the tears flowed when he left for boot camp...be prepared for a flood when you watch his PIR. Good luck to you and your sailor. It's a fabulous experience for you all.
This is a beautiful, touching story. The tears sre flowing as bad as the day my son left for bootcamp. I can't wait till September 16th for MY son's PIR.
The next few weeks will be probably be nerve racking for you and your wife. I recommend that you write to him at least once a week - not so much because he needs it (although he does - nothing lifts their spirits during BC more than mail!), but because YOU need it. Writing to him helps you stay emotionally connected. It's funny. Some of the letters they enjoy most are about silly things - like what you ate for dinner, how the local sports teams are performing or what the dog did today. But your wife and you will discover that the writing helps you to stay engaged and relieves some of the anxiety. BUT - don't get down if Eric doesn't write back often. Their free time is limited. One other note - keep your cell phone handy and charged. You don't want to miss their allotted calls. You'll hear from him about 3-4 weeks in and then again after they complete battle stations. Don't miss it.
Best wishes to you and your family as you begin this incredible journey together. We're only a week past PIR and the ride has ALREADY been awesome!
Rich
You pretty much summed up the feelings that I and, as far as I know, every other parent of a U.S. Sailor have felt at that very momment. Bravo Zulu to you , your wife, your son Lynch and the rest of your family. Congratulations to your Family.