sad and worried

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Permalink Reply by Navy for Moms Admin on August 27, 2008 at 12:08pm

Hmm- Can he get involved with his passions (IE music) though the Navy? I don't know much about it- but I have to believe there is some opportunities to express what he loves to do.

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Permalink Reply by Linda D-IA on August 27, 2008 at 1:34pm

Hey, Maggie- Sorry you didn't enjoy your time as a military wife. But, we are all so proud of your son and the accomplishments he's made. A friend of mine that I was in boot camp with came in to play in the Navy Band. He's done a wonderful job still serves his country doing what he loves. Maybe your son can check into the music program. It's great. Be proud of your sailor. Good Luck Linda D-IA

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Permalink Reply by Mary, Proud Mom of Nick on August 27, 2008 at 2:13pm

Your son might have been looking for something more. I find often young folks even with a free spirit often want a plan or structure in their lives. We often hear from the new Sailors that they miss the structure of boot camp when they move to A school.

He has a busy week this week going thru the final steps before he earns that Sailor ball cap but I assure you that when you experience his PIR next week, not only will you be VERY proud - your son will be proud of his accomplishments as well.

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Permalink Reply by Ginny Mattson on August 27, 2008 at 2:52pm

Hi Maggie, the Navy needs creative thinkers as well. He made it through Bootcamp, soon you'll be hearing all the stories of his adventure. Enjoy PIR you may surprise yourself yet and get behind your wonderful young man.

peace
Ginny

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Permalink Reply by Rebecca M. on August 27, 2008 at 2:54pm

Maggie,
Be proud of him. He is almost there. PIR Sept 5th. I'll be there too. Adam is in Div 327 ship 09. It's so hard to let our babies go, whether it's in their best interest or not. He made his choice. And he is diffinitely no quitter. Support him. Be proud of him, cause after Battlestations and he has EARNED that Sailor cap. He will be so proud of himself. He still needs you. He needs you to be okay with his decision. He's on his way of being a man.
God Bless you Maggie.

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Permalink Reply by TheyGrewAgain on August 27, 2008 at 7:08pm

Maggie,

Please know that he's still him, even under his new "military" veneer.

The Navy won't take away his love of music and talent, and perhaps a tempering of his "free spirit" isn't all that bad of a thing, learning to balance that with discipline and structure will probably help more than hinder.

Keep writing him, encourage him to make the best of himself, and tell him you are proud of him. Once he's in A school, then on to his duty station and doing his job he may finds that he actually likes the Navy!

The selfish part of me wishes my two daughter's had made other choices, they'd be close to me. One ended up in Italy, the other is an NROTC student at school 1200 miles away. It's scary to see your child really head on out into this great big world alone... but in the end, the experience makes them much better for it.

And remember, proximity doesn't make two people close. It's the love you have for one another. Be there for the calls and the emails. Let him have a safe outlet to unload and process through the challenges, and celebrate the accomplishments and adventures.

Kathleen

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Permalink Reply by Sheryl Sullivan on August 27, 2008 at 7:29pm

My son is in A school now and had PIR 8-1. He to is a free spirit and I was worried they would change him, make him someone else. That wasn't so, he still has a great sense of humor and is doing well. He likes it there and he knows he made the right choice for him. Your son will do well, I would not worry.

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Permalink Reply by Ramona - Proud Mom of Andrew! on August 27, 2008 at 7:48pm

Maggie -
My son, Andrew, a very talented trumpet player will also PIR on 9/5. I have received many letters and have found that he is happy and still the same boy underneath the maturity that I am sure has been happening. We are going to PIR, even though at first he didn't want us to come - but wild horses couldn't keep me away.
Andrew's recruiter talked to him at great length about the music programs that are available in the Navy but his heart was set on something else. Don't lose hope - his music may still come in handy and think how wonderful it will be to hug him on PIR!
Praying for you -
Ramona

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Permalink Reply by Joy Leist on August 27, 2008 at 9:32pm

Maggie:

My son is third generation US Navy. I felt trepidation the moment the recruiter sat down at my table. I wondered if he was doing it for his college career or because he felt the need to follow in the footsteps of so many of his family members, we have every branch of the military covered except Coast Guard. But then I realized, whether it was a right or wrong decision for him...it was his first decision about his future that he had made on his own and I had to support him as I had done his entire life. He left today, 8/27/08 for boot camp, and I have to say...I am proud of my son for showing his love of country, family, and for caring about his fellow soldiers and sailors.

As a military wife, you know more about the military than others who have not endured that experience (one I share with you). The military experience for your son and yourself will be simply what you make it as it is for you and your husband. Sons & daughters look to their parents for support, it is our job to help them transition into adulthood. If he feels a non positive feeling from you, he is going to carry it with him (at least my kids do), so think of the positive aspects of this adventure and know in a few years, he can choose a different path for himself that you may enjoy more.

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Permalink Reply by Kim on August 27, 2008 at 10:21pm

He needs your support whether you agree with his decision. This next week will be one of the hardest weeks of his life. Write to him and encourage him. He needs you. My son made his decision to join on his own. I wasn't sure at first how I felt. But seeing at his PIR almost 2 yrs. ago I knew he made the right decision. He graduated A school top of his class. This kid never brought a book home from high school at all. He was so proud of himself. He achieved his goal. He is now in war zone and received the Sailor of the Month award last week. They will change yes but in good way. More mature and polished. When those big doors open next week you to will change the way you feel now. Bring lots of tissues you will need them. Keep in touch and know you are not alone.

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Permalink Reply by carols_kitchen on August 27, 2008 at 10:44pm

Maggie
Love yourself as a good Mom and love your son as a wonderful gift from God. Music is indeed a great talent and will serve him where ever he is. PIR is coming up--know that we send our love and best wishes as he goes through battle stations. Plan for happiness at seeing that wonderful new sailor. And give yourself a pat on the back for being both a wife and mother in the Navy.
You are blessed and in God's time the plan will become clear to both of you.
Carol

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Permalink Reply by tronda whitfield on August 27, 2008 at 11:06pm

i'm a first time navy anything, and it has been so painful, because i know that my child don't deserve that yellin' but that's a part of the process.and what was really hard is that i've always done things for my child so i was very worried. i'm preparing for this graduation also i haven't checked any flights because idon't know where to start . in the same boat financially. but god will see us through this. i've been trying to find parent's with a child graduating thank god he sent me you.i'm traveling from dyersburg, tenn.help me with any information as far as travel exspenses.

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