My son shipped off today.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on March 8, 2016 at 7:40pm

you BOTH will be fine!

Permalink Reply by William J. McHugh on March 8, 2016 at 9:49pm

Our Son shipped on the 23rd of February, this is our second go at this because our daughter had her PIR 3 years ago this April.

Permalink Reply by bob s on March 9, 2016 at 8:09am

Prayer go out to you and your family. The fact that you state it was a somber day show you are a proud and caring father. The fact is your going to be even more proud the day he marches out on that deck at the PIRs I hope you able to attend it (if not they stream a live advent here on this site) for that's the day your going to see the start of your son becoming the man you always hope for. Its is a start of fantastic journey for him, to become, live and grow to his full potential and get the experience of a life time . It a start fantastic journey for you as a father to watch ,and you'll be amazed and very proud of your son as he grows every step of the way in years to come. Good luck and god bless you and your family

Permalink Reply by Kevin Pettit on March 9, 2016 at 8:58am

Hi Dimitri, My son shipped off as well on the 8th. They will be fine. As an Army vet I can attest that there will be a lot of growth and maturity gained. Good Stuff!

Permalink Reply by David on March 12, 2016 at 12:39pm

In his first letter home, my son expressed feelings of homesickness and there were subtle signs that the changes in his activities and lifestyle were taking some adjustment.  But I was pleasantly surprised and extremely proud that in the same paragraph he expressed determination and confidence that he would succeed in his career path.  He was already showing a maturity I frankly had not seen before.

Permalink Reply by NavyDads CoAdmin Jim Gramza on March 12, 2016 at 12:56pm

A little homesickness is normal and we hear of it many times from new recruits. But it sounds like he is trying to adjust and get through it all. It is a huge change of lifestyle, but I'm sure he will make the adjustments just fine. Just keep encouraging him in your letters from home. Try not to send anything for now that might make him even more homesick, like pictures of family, girl friend, etc... Unless he asks for them. Keep the letters up beat and light hearted.

Just you wait until he graduates from boot camp...you will see a very mature young man.

Hang in there. Only a short time to go!

Jim

Permalink Reply by Navy Dads Co-Admin Tom on March 12, 2016 at 1:32pm

Jim is exactly right! He gave me the same advice 5 years ago! Jamie's life has been turned upside down and he is going through an huge transition from civilian life to one of military bearing. The next letters will show the change as he becomes comfortable with his new life! He will be confident and you will see signs that he is becoming part of a team. Everyone goes through it. Keep those letters coming as they help him in ways that you can't imagine!

Permalink Reply by Bill Yoder on April 6, 2016 at 11:25am

WHen my wife and have our prayer time at night we always include the recruits serving with our son. They are in good hands, just a little different than ours.....at least mine.