Daughter leaves for Great Lakes on Tuesday

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Permalink Reply by NavyDads CoAdmin Jim Gramza on September 12, 2016 at 6:02am

Craig,

No need to apologize. You are on that emotional roller coaster that a lot of moms and dads ride during this stage. Honestly, you just brought a new perspective to this that I can't recall anyone else ever talking about. The part about the boy friend and all of her friends that spent time at your home. Sounds like you were more than a dad of just one girl! I'm on a different computer this morning, and I wanted to share something with you, but I can't right now. Hopefully Paul will see this and put it on here for you, but it's something that was written by another dad some time ago that is still relevant today. 

Rest assured, you are not alone in this new adventure.

Jim

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Permalink Reply by Edward Fields on September 12, 2016 at 10:33am

Craig, You are not alone in feeling this way. When my son went to boot camp my wife was a basket case for about a week. I didn't let my feelings show cause I had to be strong for my wife and his siblings. I too missed his friends and his quirky since of humor. I missed playing Call of Duty with him and his best friend. It just makes it more enjoyable and you get a great deal of pride when you go to their graduation and when they get to go on liberty with you. Now that my son is out of boot camp and has been since 2012. I love every time I get to see him.

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Permalink Reply by Glenn on September 12, 2016 at 1:49pm

Good luck to your daughter. My daughter graduates September 23

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Permalink Reply by Glenn on September 12, 2016 at 1:53pm

I felt the same way you do when my daughter left. All I can say is when I got her address to write that helped a lot. I write my daughter everyday. She has told me the letters she received helped her get thru boot camp so much.

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Permalink Reply by Stan on September 12, 2016 at 6:27pm

Craig,
I , like Glenn have a son Graduating on 23 Sept. (Glenn what div?Mine is 821...I will throw out an extra cheer for your daughter!)
And yes it is exactly like Christmas to a ten year old....that date just seems to always be just out of reach.
My NAVY son's identical twin is currently serving at Ft Benning finishing his Army basic and graduates from A school in October. I have a unique perspective, we sent two off in the span of about a month.
We got to see the Army son for 2 days over Labor Day and I wouldn't have traded that moment when we picked him out of the crowd for anything in the world. This time away truly will make you appreciate the time you get with your daughter and that first hug will stick with you forever!!!!!....write tons of letters( it really is as good for you as it is for her....just like talking to her) and don't get discouraged at that first call home. I have had two now and they get that call at the rock bottom intentionally both son's wondered what they got into but love every second of it now. Congrats and good luck my friend!

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Permalink Reply by Glenn on September 12, 2016 at 7:17pm

My daughter is in division 327. Good luck to your son. And can not wait till I see my daughter. Just 11 more days.

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Permalink Reply by Craig B on September 13, 2016 at 3:45pm

Well...she's gone and should be landing at O'Hare as I type. Thank you to everyone for your comments. It was nice to know that what I was feeling is normal as I was a bit surprised by the emotions. dropping her off at the hotel last night was rough but today was much easier. I'm extremely proud of her and I already can't wait to see her at PIR. Gonna take a bit to get used to the hole in the family though. How tough has it been for younger siblings and how have you helped them deal with it? Thanks again!

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Permalink Reply by Navy Dads Co-Admin Tom on September 13, 2016 at 4:16pm

....And so it begins....I don't know how much younger your children are, but involve them in writing to their Sister. Make them feel included in the whole process. It is a good thing for them and your recruit!

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Permalink Reply by Augie Rocco on September 15, 2016 at 9:25pm

My daughter will PIR September 30. I know just what you are going through. Remember this, it means So much to them--WRITE WRITE WRITE and don't forget pictures. It gets easier...

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Permalink Reply by John Alan DeMarco on September 15, 2016 at 9:44pm

Craig,
This site is an amazing resource and know there are always those of us on here who know what you are going thru. Share when you need to. Someone will listen and relate. We have all been there and it does not end after PIR. It just begins. So the habits you make now will help you tremendously dealing with life as a Military parent. These next 8 weeks will be filled with lots and will seem to move like molasses in the beginning as you anxiously await everything. Suddenly you can't stop the days from passing and before you know it you are saying goodbye again after PIR. Mine just graduated 9/2 and it will be 9 months until I see him again. Yes write lots. I had to send mine a mailer to return letters home because he ran out of room. But he said the love and support of his family got him through. They will get homesick and during those first 2 weeks and you will have no contact. By the time they can write, they have already made it farther than they thought they would. And they don't know it yet, but they are on their way to becoming a sailor. The I am here call is quick so be prepared if you haven't already gotten it. Good luck. God will see your child, your wife, your family and you through this.

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Permalink Reply by Sean on September 17, 2016 at 10:24am

You are not alone.  I felt similar feelings when our daughter left on July 6th.  That 4th of July celebration was very emotional, to say the least.  I really did not know how I would handle things when our only daughter left for boot camp, but there were certainly times when I broke down.  Write your daughter letters, lots of them.  Send pictures if you can and if you run out of things to talk about just tell her some things that are happening in the world.  They like that.  My wife and I wrote some letters to friends our daughter made in boot camp too, a couple of other girls who were not receiving mail.  We sent NEX cards and phone cards and stamps just to help those girls get by a little easier.  Be encouraging and positive in everything you write.  No news is good news!  Our daughter is now in Pensacola at Corry Station and enjoying her Navy experience a lot more.  She phased up and gets to go off base for liberty this weekend and wear civilian clothes.  She still tells us she misses us, but is so excited to embark on her journey as an adult too.  It has been a crazy ride and we are proud parents for sure and I bet you are as well.  Go Navy!  Good luck to your daughter!

Sean

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Permalink Reply by Tony Strickland on September 18, 2016 at 11:31pm

Thanks for sharing Craig. Your feelings are the same that I have had and will have soon. My son ships out this Wednesday 9/21. Will get to spend the eve with him and then see him swear in the next morning before he leaves. So proud of all our kids making such an awesome commitment!

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