6 days left...

Comment by Alaina {Bob's Mom} on July 2, 2009 at 12:53am

I've read where a lot of recruits start acting differently before boot camp. Some times it's them withdrawing from the family in preparation for their separation. I think your son is behaving 'normally', meaning this is standard for what he is going through. He may be nervous, but who wouldn't be? Can you ask him how he is feeling? Would he share with you? Try not to feed into his trepidation, but let him know you support his decision (whatever that might be). Good luck.

Comment by Cori (Matt's Mom) on July 2, 2009 at 11:04am

Kathleen,
I experienced the same thing with my son. I started counting down the days at day 6. Everyday I would question him if he was ok, as he seemed to be different. He would always tell me he was just ready to "start" his own life, get boot over with, and most of all nervous. I was worried some of his peers were putting pressure on him for his choice to join the Navy and was also very concerned that he just might change his mind. I would reassure him daily what a great decision he had made and how "proud" we all were of him. He is now in BC going on day 9. If you ever need to talk to someone...feel free to contact me.

Comment by CAJUNMOM on July 2, 2009 at 11:51am

My son left Friday the 26th. He was suppose to leave in February but was so sick with the flu they sent him home and he just left for real Friday. I wasn't sure he would go either. From the time he joined in August 08 to February he met a woman that really helped him emotionally. So he was in a bad frame of mind in Feb. not wanting to leave her and then lost 2 good freinds the week before he was to leave, and drinking alot. I was really scared for him. God took care of us, he sent him back here with the flu and that gave us time to heal alot of his sorrows and talk out alot of things he was feeling. He left in a much much better frame of mind this time. I haven't heard from him yet. I check my mail everday hoping something is in there. He too was ready to get on with his life. He was 24 Sunday and he wasn't doing much with his life here so this was a good decision for him. My dad was Army and my sister was Navy so I wasn't scared for him to go. I was scared of his life if he would of stayed. He wasn't in to drugs(thank God) but the drinking was horrible. You will always worry about your son but he will be OK. God is watching over them and us. We will make it.
Take care

Comment by Jut`s mom on July 2, 2009 at 2:36pm

Kathleen, My son is at BC now , scheduled to graduate July31st, He left June 2nd, just wanted to let you know, I I didn`t receive that first phone call letting me know that he had arrived until 2 days later, and it came @ 2:30 in the morning, I was so worried , so if he doesn`t call right away, he will, good luck, I wish someone would have told me that ahead of time, My son has wrote twice and called once, but it seems like an eternity before you hear from them for the 1st time, Paula

Comment by emily on July 2, 2009 at 4:29pm

Ahhh Boot Camp. This makes me feel so old. My dearest son had been quite annoying before he left. It was a mix between high school graduation and that last bit of freedom. When he finally left it was adios. That night it hit me...he is gone. There are such memories from the time he was in boot camp...his smelly things arriving home in a fex ex box, getting his address and writing every day, sending pictures and getting his letters. The end crept up on me and all of a sudden we were at graduation. When we saw him he had grown into a man! After many years he is still a Navy man through and through. We are now a Navy family. God bless our sons and daughters who are part of the greatest Naval fleet in the world.

Comment by Kathleen on July 2, 2009 at 5:37pm

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful responses. Today he seems better, but I do believe it is a combination of HS graduation and leaving in such a close time that got him wound up. He's been in the delayed program since last August, so it's a bit of a shock to the system to actually be going.
He's also got a girlfriend... a very nice girl with a great future. I don't think he wants to leave her... so, my concern is that he'll do something stupid. But my better judgement tells me he's got more "smarts" than he is stupid ; )

Again, thank you everyone for taking the time to write to me.

Kathleen

Comment by Cynthia (#410) on July 2, 2009 at 11:47pm

Dear Kathleen, relax and take a deep breath This has come to pass - you sons's reaction is part of the passing. Since he has chosen to serve our country and defend freedom, I know you've done a great job as a mom. He won't sabotage himself. The Navy will make sure of that. As a depper, he should have learned his 11 orders and sailor's creed. The Navy will teach him the rest. And this too came to pass...

Comment by Cynthia (#410) on July 2, 2009 at 11:49pm

p.s.: Hang on for the ride of your life - NAVY ROCKS!

Comment by Mary, Proud Mom of Nick on July 3, 2009 at 10:05am

Kathleen, I think a lot of the Deppers that are getting ready to report may experience some anxiety or at least question...am I REALLY doing this?!! Our son got quiet, almost withdrawn those last few days but then the day came he was ready and has never complained since he left. He actually thought the food at boot camp was pretty good and boot camp was not...all that bad! So hoping your son finds the experience to be a good one as well. Good luck to the new recruit!

Comment by Carol on July 3, 2009 at 6:44pm

Kathleen, everything you are experiencing sounds like the normal stuff. My son retreated into himself and honestly became sort of a jerk for a couple months before he left. He was definitely second-guessing his choice and realizing that he couldn't back out at that point. He was a bouncer and injured one of his hands pretty badly a week before he was supposed to leave, and the thought did cross my mind that he'd done it intentionally! Shame on me, I know...BUT he made it through, just like your son will, and the pride you will both feel will be all that matters. Be prepared for some depressing, sad and angry letters home at first. They will get better as the unit works better together. BC is all about team work. You'll both be fine!

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