OK I'm ready for those virtual tissues

[spahappy]

 

My 17 year old son is enduring his first day at Navy bootcamp.  I can't keep my mind on anything at work. I keep wondering how he's doing and if some big drill sargent is in his face.

The swear-in cearamony was at the MEPS center in Fargo yesterday. It was a very proud moment in my life, but at the end they told him he was now the property of the US goverment. Gulp I cried for the first 100 miles on the trip home.

[HotTubMan]

My prayers are with you both.

[J._McD]

Having had a similar experience 40 years ago, I survived boot camp   AND it was atruley a life enhancing experience.  As a mother, I can only imagine what you are going through, but he's growed up now mom.  You can rest assured they will improve on what you have brought into this world and we all thank him for servicng our country.  He is now something you can be proud of, Not that he wasn't before.

[Steve]

You may print this off if you desire...

IF IT DOESN'T KILL HIM, IT'LL MAKE HIM STRONGER![/i]

You're welcome my dear...

Steve

[stuart]

I can truely say that I'm proud for you...I did the same thing in 1979! My Navy time was one of the major stepping stones to my becoming a man.

My Father got smarter every day that I was in the Navy!!

[spahappy]

Thanks guys! I feel a bit better today and I'm sure everyday will get better.

[Backpains]

spahappy:

You should be very proud! Your son's decision is a very generous one of sorts, he's decided to eneter a world that most of us only can stand by and watch. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless!

BP

[Lori]

*Passing the tissues*

You are a brave woman and he is a very brave man!  I'm sorry that you have to go through the trauma!  But, from what I understand, any time the youngsters leave the nest is a difficult time, especially for Mothers!  Seperation anxiety is very real!  

Hang in there, he will be back home and driving you crazy in no time!!    Throwing wild parties!  

 I'm crying with you!!

[stuart]

Having had a similar experience 40 years ago, I survived boot camp  

40 years ago!!!??? That would mean your...well....um...OLD!!

Hey, I was thinking of you tonight...I'm leaving for a 200 mile poker run bike ride at 8AM on the Shadow and thought I ought to ride up and see you sometime when I get the Royal Star...

[stuart]

40 years ago!!!??? That would mean your...well....um...OLD!!

Hey, I was thinking of you tonight...I'm leaving for a 200 mile poker run bike ride at 8AM on the Shadow and thought I ought to ride up and see you sometime when I get the Royal Star...

Or better yet, you could jump on the Honda and meet us halfway...(Yeah, leave the Harley at home. This wouldn't be a Testosterone run... )

[J._McD]

You tempt me, if I didn't have to do some numbers I would problably be on the Goldwing heading for Lake Tahoe for a board meeting.  You know I would have to go through Denver and you are on my list.  We took the harley out Rte. 66 3 years ago and I will never get my other half on the Harley for that long again, besides if I rode the harley out there, I have to kick your A$$ regardless of my age.

NOTE: You will never see a Goldwing at a bar, but you will never see a bar without a Harley.

[spahappy]

Well I got my first letter from my son, this is what it said...

Hey Mom and Dad, This sux I haven't slept in about 40 hours, I'm sore from standing in processing lines so much. It's not supposed to get much better so thats not cool. Well I don't get much time so I'd better go. Maybe I'll get to call soon so I'll talk to you later.


And then in very faint pencil on the back of the paper he wrote...Help me get out of here! I guess thats why they don't let them call home for at least three weeks.

I hope his next letter is a little longer and a bit more positive.

[Lori]

Hang in there Mom!

I'm sure his next one will be longer and more positive!

[r100rs]

Your son will grow up wiser and stronger then he would by going to college.  

Pass on to him that people he will never meet are proud of him and the sacrifice he chose to make.

He will not realize it now, but the benefits he will have after getting out are immeasureable.

I know employers that value an Honorable Discharge more than a college education.  

Another benny - VA Home Loan - I bought 2 houses using VA and avoided PMI.

He will become an unofficial ambassadiar of the U.S.
Especially if he is assigned overseas.

The list can go on-on.

And just as a humorous reminder - without the Navy - the Marines couldn't get anywhere.

r100rs
USAF - Retired

[J._McD]

Well I got my first letter from my son, this is what it said...

Hey Mom and Dad, This sux I haven't slept in about 40 hours, I'm sore from standing in processing lines so much. It's not supposed to get much better so thats not cool. Well I don't get much time so I'd better go. Maybe I'll get to call soon so I'll talk to you later.

And then in very faint pencil on the back of the paper he wrote...Help me get out of here! I guess thats why they don't let them call home for at least three weeks.

I hope his next letter is a little longer and a bit more positive.

Spahappy, I'm not sure I want to tell you this, but this is the way it is, so get a hold of yourself and realize they are making your boy into a man.  

They first wear them down without sleep or rest, then they begin to reprogram their mental processors into disiplined, machines that react to commands and work as a team.  They are in training and they have been doing this for a long, long time with very good results.  It will develope pride and performance.

When you see him at the conclusion of his training, you are going to be beaming with pride and you son will now be seen in your eyes as a MAN.  He will be all growd up and no longer mama's boy, but he will always be your son, and you will always beam with pride because he is YOURS.  You are going to see him as a man serving his country with pride.  And, I salute him.