Lessons learned from boot camp

My son just graduated Friday December 12th. One of the proudest moments of my life. He's my only child, it was hard to see him off. Now that PIR is over and for those who are new, here are a few tips:

1) they are in the best of hands, millions have gone before them. The Navy will take care of your child and mold them into a self thinking, confident sailor.

2) wright every day, they look forward to your letters. They will go through many emotional cycles. Be positive, reinforce how proud you are in every letter. Your letters will make a big difference in the process, even if they are a paragraph or two.

3) immediately start or join a FB page with your sailors ship and divsion. The information from a broader group will help improve the communication around their training experience.

4) keep your cell phone nearby, you never know when they will call. Sunday's seemed to be the most common occurrences.

5) no news is GREAT!!

The time will go by, be patient and have plenty of faith. Before you know it, you'll be sitting in those bleachers with a tear in your eye overwhelmed with pride.