DS#1 left for Marine boot camp today!

**Mom23boys** · 01-21-2007, 06:41 PM

It took me a few hours to adjust and accept it. I have a major headache from crying on and off for 2 hours straight. I did better when he moved out after high school....he eventually moved back in. But I didn't even cry when he left then. I don't know why I feel the way I do now. Maybe it is the thought that now there is a possibility he may be in Iraq. I honestly do not know how mother's of military families get through this.....sending your young child going off to boot camp.

I pray he is mentally strong enough to make it through this. His recruiter was kind enough to give us his mailing address this morning before he got on the shuttle bus to go to Dallas to fly to San Diego. I have already written him his first of many letters.

He was a little nervous before he boarded the bus. He said he was excited and nervous at the same time. I know he will be scared for the first few weeks, especially the first few days. I know I would anyway!! Everyone I talk to tells me that Marine boot camp is the hardest of all the military boot camps. Even my uncle and brother who are navy and air force told me that. My uncle also said that if he had it to do over he would have chosen the marines which made me proud that my son made that decision.

I am very proud of him! I just hopes he makes it through in 13 weeks and not 15. I miss him already.

**fernykins** · 01-21-2007, 06:53 PM

Marine boot camp is supose to be the hardest. My youngest son's friends most of then went Marines. They told me it was a piece of cake. My son is at the Naval Acadamy. He' be an officer in the Marines. His best friend was just excepted at the Naval Acdamy. He was in the Marines already. Also he had been to Iraq......... Your son will do just fine. You know the Marines only take the best of the best. San Diego is nice this time of year. I'm about 3 hours away from there.
Fern

**brenda67** · 01-21-2007, 06:56 PM

My Dh was in the Marine Corp.. I know I'm not his mom but I wanted to say the day he left I cried for hours and the days to follow ..I feel your pain.. ..All I can say is write,write and write to him it will be his only contact with you for a little while..I pray that he doesn't have to go to Iraq either...
((HUGS))

**Mom23boys** · 01-21-2007, 07:32 PM

Thanks Fern for the update on the weather. I worried about that too cause I know they will be outdoors doing drills.

Brenda, I think wives have it hard too. I don't know how wives do it either. I hate when my husband goes away on a business trip for a few days or weeks. I couldn't stand it for months at a time. I think military wives and families are special because of the trials and tribulations they must face.

**Cricket1** · 01-21-2007, 07:32 PM

Considering my oldest boy is just 5, I have no idea of what you're going through. I just wanted to send you a big hug!

**PrairieRose** · 01-21-2007, 07:33 PM

I know it's hard for you Michelle. I'll say some prayers for him and you as well. He'll make it fine, but I know you're worried and I would be too.

**baronmom** · 01-21-2007, 07:34 PM

I feel for you. I will be in your shoes in a few months when my ds1 goes to boot camp for the Marines as well. Keep thinking positive.

**FrugalMomof3** · 01-21-2007, 07:37 PM

My son who's 17 thought about going into the Marines, instead he is going to college, I dont know what your going through but I am sending many many hugs your way. Take it easy!

**Darlene** · 01-21-2007, 08:24 PM

Big hug Michelle. I know you're proud & scared at the same time. So many emotions. Your young man is about to become his own Man.
Mom to Mom big time hug.

**SewCrafty** · 01-22-2007, 05:51 AM

Oh Michelle, I have no idea what you are going through either, but wanted to add my

**JustJoy** · 01-22-2007, 07:50 AM

Michelle

I know it's going to be a long few months for you. I still remember vividly the weeks my son was in boot camp. I cried all the time. It's going to be ok

**Dixie** · 01-22-2007, 05:40 PM

I'll say a prayer for him.

I was worried about my dh when he went away to Ft. Benning, but everything was ok. He was an officer's kid, so they were harder on him and he still made it through ok.

**jamie79** · 01-22-2007, 06:45 PM

I know you are proud of him and you should be

**3-boys-4-me** · 01-22-2007, 07:02 PM

First, allow me to say thank you to your son. His courage is what keeps the United States of America the most wonderful place in the world to live.
Second, Marine Corps bootcamp is by far the hardest (I've heard this from many sources, not just those in the Corps). However, he will come home a MAN. A wonderful, sensitive, understanding, mature, strong, courageous MAN. If you thought he was great before he left, wait until you see him on graduation day.
My Dad spend 30 years in the Corps. My DH was in for 6.
What MOS did he go in under?
You're a great Mom. You're supposed to worry, that's what we do. It only shows how much you care.
Hang in there. He will be/do great! Before you know it, he will be home on leave and telling you all about his very first duty station.

**thriftstorequeen** · 01-22-2007, 07:07 PM

I know what you are going through. My oldest joined up during dessert storm. It was the worst thing i had ever gone through. it was wonderful for him. He missed us very much too. After his time was up he got married to a wonderful girl from nc. They have blessed us with a sweet little grand-daughter. He went back in when all this mess started up again. He didn't see any action because he had a medical discharge. Good for me but bad for him, he wanted to go! I'm so proud of him and his willingness to lay his life on the line for my freedom. I thank the Lord for you and your son too!! I'll be praying for you all!!