Ron, eloquently written! I am positive every dad on this site shares those same feelings. As I have tried to tell people, it wasn't that my son was joining the Navy that led me to tears when he departed but rather the reality that he is about to become an independent man no longer under my care. When you are accustom to a way of life for 18 years (or 23 in the case of my son) this is not an easy matter to deal with. As a matter of fact, I would say it is the most difficult thing I have had to deal with thus far as a father! However, we know this was the right thing for our sons. The Navy will make them strong, productive, well respected men of our country. The military is one of those paths least traveled in life and we can be proud of our sons/daughters for serving this great country. But in spite of rationalizing all this, it still hurts in the recesses of our hearts to let go. But you know what? It's because we were there for them for all those years and love them! Think about how many kids grow up without fathers. I will take the pain of separation knowing that my son knows how much I love him and how proud I am of him as opposed to knowing I abandoned him at an early age. Stay strong! We are indeed a family and there for each other!

Ron, Jarad has the inner-strength and character you have instilled in him growing up. He can overcome this and find his inner-strength for the upcoming PFA. My Sailor (Graduated 6/7) was also sick during boot camp, inner-ear infection, chest cold and pink eye. He was SIQ 1 day and LLD 2 days. Our children are resilient and capable. Jarad will succeed and make us all proud. 

Ron, the hardest part of boot camp for me was the "Not knowing" and the "No contact." I filled my time by writing letters. I wrote 23 letters, averaging about 1 every 2 days. I rambled on and on about nothing. My Sailor said he really appreciated the letters and shared some of the funny stories about work. I can tell you following PIR, my Sailor graduated 6/7, it's an entirely different experience. We've talked on the phone every day and exchange text messages regularly. Share every day info, encourage him constantly, share your experiences from boot camp. You may not have liked it, but you remember it and I would bet you even laugh about some of the stuff now. My Sailor had good days and bad, as they all do, this is an experience of a lifetime and maybe only age and life experience allow us to have that opinion. the funny is this "The older we become, the smarter our parents become." He will appreciate anything and everything you have to offer.