Mixed emotions about my son joining the Navy! He leaves Dec. 15th!

[The Chicken People]

I just found out he leaves the end of December! I cant breathe....

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

This will be a time of emotion swings....so very proud, but also so very scared for her safety. This is a noble decision and can be a great career choice if she chooses that.

My DD (now 23 yo) joined the Army Reserve 5 1/2 years ago at the ripe age of 17, left for basic training 1 week after her 18th birthday, has done numerous short active duty tours, just got back from a 15 month deployment to Iraq in April and is getting ready to go off for another short training tour (perhaps in Hawaii

) I have had every possible emotion...ups and downs...tears of pride and tears of fear.

All that said, it has been the best experience she will ever have and has prepared her for life in a way that nothing else can. In fact, she graduates college next semester and has already been offered an excellent civilian job as an intelligence analyst (her job in the Army). She will be making a great salary doing something that she was trained to do in the service.

I am always available to talk to...just PM me. I'll be happy to answer any question that I can. I know that the Naval experience will be slightly different...but the separation and worries are all the same, mom!!

 

[The Chicken People]

Thanks! I know He will be fine! I hope I survive!

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

You will make it!!!!! I was on the other side but I knew it bothered my parents when I left, I was the last "chick" to leave the nest. It was a great opportunity for me.

Steve

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

BTW, chickenpeople...I am a mom too. Some folks think I'm a guy because of my screen name.

And also...she is my one and only too!! I do think that it's a bit different for "one and onlys"!!

 

[The Chicken People]

I am now hearing from friends of his that he is having second thoughts on signing this friday! Honestly as much as I will miss him...I really want him to go! There I said it! Wow! I feel better having it out!! I know he will be fine and that this is the best choice he could make! I guess now I just need to go find him and we need to talk! I am planning to tell him that I will miss him like crazy and that its okay to feel sad and lonely about it but that he should go! This is the best decision he will make for his future and that I will be so proud of him! The last two years he has been floundering around from job to job and he always ends up hating the jobs so he should go!

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

I don't know how the process works now but when I went in I had everything in writting for all the schools I was going to. Came out to about 3 years worth of school and when I got to my first command the USS Los Angeles, SSN 688 they sent me off to another school.

Also put the bug in his ear about taking college courses, I came out just a few credits short of my bachelors degree.

Steve

 

[The Chicken People]

Sworn into Navy DEP today! Ships out for Basic on Dec 22nd! They day before he leaves he will have anothe rswearing out of DEP into Navy...Leaves the very next morning! He told me it could be the 14 th! And said I may want to have Christmas next week!

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
The adventure begins!

 

[Candiss]

I left for basic when I was 18 and for me I learned so much about myself and my strength during that time. For most people it is a learning experience like no other. There is nothing more honorable than serving your country. I now work for the Dept of Veterans Affairs, I love working with the veterans. Bless your son and you.

Candace