I raised a US Navy Sailor

We (meaning my family and I) leave for Great Lakes tomorrow. My son is graduating on Friday! In some ways these last 8 weeks have flown by, in other ways, they've crawled by. I can't wait to see my son as a real-life sailor! The others moms on this site have very generously provided lots of love, support, and prayers over the last 2 months. I especially want to thank the moms in the "Love Boat" division (the moms of sailors who are graduating this Friday). You all have been so supportive and com… Continue

Today was a GREAT day. It's Thursday, which is letter day at my house. Brad wrote his usual great letter. Things seems to be picking up there (in terms of the pace, I mean.) Brad's had "Ricky crud" (a cold that hangs on...seems very common to get it during the first few days at boot camp) for 4-1/2 weeks. He was really sick on Monday (pink eye, a bit of a fever, etc)...but now he's finally feeling great! Yaay! Last time Brad called I was on my way home from work and missed his call. This time, I… Continue

The good news is: Brad got to call home today (it's only day 3-3 for him, so that's pretty good, I think!)...the not-very-bad news: I missed his call!!! (boo hoo) Luckily his dad and sister were here to take the call. I pumped them for information for about 1/2 hour and he only talked to them for 10 minutes or so. =) They both said he sounded happy, but tired. He's glad to be there and glad to be in the Navy. If he can say that during survival week, I figure he's doing pretty well. He says one o… Continue

I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes, I'm so happy! The first "real" letter came today! HOORAY!!! Brad seems to be doing really well so far. According to him It's not easy, that's for sure, but he seems very upbeat in his letter. I'm pretty sure he hadn't received any of the letters I'd sent yet. The more I think about that, the more it makes sense. I've been writing a letter every day, but didn't have the address until LAST Tuesday. I mailed all of the letters on Tuesday (and one everyday sin… Continue

I'm feeling sad today. It's Brad's 19th birthday and he's there with hundreds of "strangers" instead of here at home with cake and ice cream and his parents. :-( I'm missing him like crazy and feeling sad that he won't have any birthday celebration. I probably won't get my first "real" letter for another 2 weeks or so...that's hard too. Ah, here come the "purple puddles" (tears) again. It is very encouraging to read that other moms are getting through it, too. Just read a quick post that a sailo… Continue