Navy Dads

My son is in the March 17th PIR and we are going up to see it (anyone else going to this one? We'll talk!). This has been quite a journey. I didn't hear from my son for the first 3 weeks or so and when I did , I got the sense that he was pretty stressed..the two calls I got calls in this early period were short and I was always left with the thought that there had to be some piece of advice or encouragement that I must have just missed saying. I remember one time thinking I wish I'd reminded him he was halfway through already. (Like he didn't know, right?)  

But then by the time week 4+ rolled around I've gotten a couple of calls since then.. and he sounds confident, good. I've personally written around 15 letters and encouraged my family to send some too, and I definitely think letters from home helped. Anyhow, he's got this.

I was just thinking-- I was 30 years old before I had kids, and I remember reflecting that I didn't really know what "adulthood" meant until I had kids of my own. Now that my son's about to be a sailor- I feel as if I hadn't known what fatherhood is until this moment. Now I reckon that Fatherhood is really about the responsibility of bringing someone else into capable adulthood or at least as far as you can get them. And if I can mentor my son to pass his drivers license test, graduate high school, that's a pretty good start. What he has been able to do all by himself (well, I'll find out here in a week I guess) is become a US Navy Sailor, so I guess I done my job alright.  I couldn't be more proud.

Stay free,

Peter




 

Views: 168

Replies to This Discussion

Congratulations to you and your son, Peter!  My son just arrived on Monday, so am waiting in anticipation of his box and the form letter.  Long way to go, but I'm keeping the faith!

Great words of encouragement for those of us just beginning! Thank you and congratulations!

Sarah and Dan-- thanks so much. Didn't realize anyone would write back, haha. 

If I can give you one piece of advice as a parent at the beginning of a Boot camp - go to http://www.write2them.org/ (or there might be some other places that do the same thing). You register your sailors boot camp address and they can turn emails into actual letters. i was able to write most of my letters that way. I sent a few hand written letters and cards before I found out about this service but I think it was well worth it. I'm probably  going to keep it going when he goes to A school too.

Excellent advice thank you!!! Will do! Good luck in A school:)
I've sent 17 letters to him and my second call was way better than the first. I think he's definitely doing better and I'm so excited for him!! (And you've done a great job as a father! )

I should have known better than to try and compete with my sons girlfriend...

Looking forward to the trip with you next week!

Becky Liberatore said:

I've sent 17 letters to him and my second call was way better than the first. I think he's definitely doing better and I'm so excited for him!! (And you've done a great job as a father! )
Thanks for sharing your experience Peter. My son graduated last September and the feelings are still fresh and I am still adjusting. People tell me constantly I did such a good job. I credit God and the others who crossed my sons path also. One thing I learned from him. I didn't always do evethrjng right, but he appreciated me modeling consistently, and morality. And doing what I asked him to do. Good luck to your sailor. I firmly believe a community raises a child. Thanks for you and your families service. Enjoy PIR

Peter.....When that door opens on March 17th, you will feel an unimaginable swell of pride in your Son. Then you will realize the reward for all of the years of setting the example and being a great Dad! It is a moment that you will always remember....so shed a few tears of joy....you have earned it!

I just wanted to help the best i could c: im about to start counting down hours instead of days!

RSS

MISSION STATEMENT:

NavyDads mission is to Provide Support, Encouragement, and Knowledge to Sailors and their Families throughout their Journey together in the United States Navy.

NavyDads can only succeed with your help.  We receive no outside funding and every dollar you donate helps us cover operating costs and helps keep this site running. 

Google-Based NavyDads Search


  only search NavyDads

Events

Blog Posts

Phishing for Info

Posted by Michael J Conway on April 18, 2023 at 4:08pm 0 Comments

USPS MILITARYKIT - **FREE**

Posted by Joseph Hernandez on January 28, 2023 at 11:54am 1 Comment

Before A School

Posted by Philip Steinert on January 2, 2023 at 2:10pm 2 Comments

My little sailor

Posted by william joseph wolfcale on December 3, 2022 at 4:08pm 2 Comments

my dad skII Wolfcale

Posted by william joseph wolfcale on December 3, 2022 at 4:00pm 0 Comments

Off to A School

Posted by Michael J Conway on November 13, 2022 at 9:55pm 1 Comment

Son leaves for San Diego

Posted by Jeff J Sperekas on June 25, 2022 at 7:33pm 1 Comment

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER

Posted by John W Hensman on October 9, 2021 at 4:21pm 0 Comments

Form letter

Posted by John D O'Rourke on September 16, 2021 at 5:58am 2 Comments

Boot Camp

Posted by Mark F Durovka on March 22, 2021 at 8:46pm 2 Comments

RTC

Posted by Thomas ODonnell on January 10, 2021 at 3:00pm 7 Comments

Bittersweet Happiness

Posted by Jim Lisi on December 13, 2020 at 1:21pm 3 Comments

Pride and Honor

Posted by Elliott Peigen on September 7, 2020 at 9:56am 2 Comments

Introducing Myself

Posted by John Lillyblad on March 18, 2020 at 4:38pm 5 Comments

Mail problems

Posted by Fernando Bolano on March 17, 2020 at 2:36pm 3 Comments

SHIP 06 DIV 100

Posted by Chris Koning on February 9, 2020 at 3:54pm 0 Comments

Ship 10 Div 114

Posted by Mike Cunningham on February 3, 2020 at 2:15pm 1 Comment

Day ONE

Posted by Mike Cunningham on January 15, 2020 at 1:23pm 2 Comments

Ship 2 Division 907

Posted by Mark Poindexter on December 17, 2019 at 2:36pm 0 Comments

© 2024   Created by E.G. - ND's Creator/Admin.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service