My son just left for basic training...

[rsump112]

And I am as bummed out as I could possibly. I know as a parent I wanted him to grow up healthy and become a productive member of society but I just freaking miss him. I spent half of the evening crying like a baby and could bust out again right now. I joined here about 15 years ago when he was 3 and a half years old. He's been my player 2 since he could hold a controller (except lately I guess I've been his since he's now the better game player.)

My wife had been really melancholy and sad and I had said to my friends at work that I didn't understand why she was so down. It wasn't like he died, and he would only be gone about 3 and a half months before he would get a short leave (combined basic and AIT). But watching him walk down that hallway to that bus was like having my guts wrenched out. We were able to text and talk on the phone until he got to Benning about 730 last night but now it's just a wait and see until I talk to him again.

Lest anyone think otherwise, I am super proud of him for making a decision and sticking with it (he entered the Delayed Entry Program last May) but none of it seemed real until we went to see him off at MEPS.

Anyway, sorry for the whining, but just a serious case of the feels this morning.

[Cusefan]

Re: My son just left for basic training...

As a former infantryman myself, I say Hooah to your son and family! It must be tough on your family but your son will soon have another family looking out for him, he will be in good hands.

[HealyMonster]

Re: My son just left for basic training...

And I am as bummed out as I could possibly. I know as a parent I wanted him to grow up healthy and become a productive member of society but I just freaking miss him. I spent half of the evening crying like a baby and could bust out again right now. I joined here about 15 years ago when he was 3 and a half years old. He's been my player 2 since he could hold a controller (except lately I guess I've been his since he's now the better game player.)

My wife had been really melancholy and sad and I had said to my friends at work that I didn't understand why she was so down. It wasn't like he died, and he would only be gone about 3 and a half months before he would get a short leave (combined basic and AIT). But watching him walk down that hallway to that bus was like having my guts wrenched out. We were able to text and talk on the phone until he got to Benning about 730 last night but now it's just a wait and see until I talk to him again.

Lest anyone think otherwise, I am super proud of him for making a decision and sticking with it (he entered the Delayed Entry Program last May) but none of it seemed real until we went to see him off at MEPS.

Anyway, sorry for the whining, but just a serious case of the feels this morning.

Funny, I joined this site 15 years ago not long after I got out of basic training.

I have 2 young sons, couldn't imagine them rolling out to the Army. Its definitely a tough moment, but just keep in mind the pride you are going to feel when you see his cue ball head walking across the stage at the graduation in the fall.

Itll be tough for him as well. Its going to be a rough first 2-3 weeks, and try to be as up beat as possible when you talk to him. Then in about a month, he'll call you and he will be having fun, and it wont be as sad. He'll still be looking forward to getting out of there, but he'll start bonding with people and doing more of the fun stuff, and getting yelled at wont be a big deal anymore. Right now is about as alone as he's ever felt in his life.

Congrats! You raised a heck of a son, and hes going on to big things over the next few years!

[rsump112]

Re: My son just left for basic training...

First off, thanks to both of you, for your service and your kind words.

I'm sure he is having it rougher than us. Away from home for the first time plus the basic training experience. Honestly, I'm not worried about him at all I just miss him. I'm sure if and when deployments come, the worry factor will be worse. But I definitely appreciate you guys taking time out of your day.

I'm sure every day will be easier on him and us and I look forward to that graduation experience in the fall.

[Picci]

Re: My son just left for basic training...

RSUMP, your son is a hero to us all for this great nation and tell him I said that.

[rsump112]

Re: My son just left for basic training...

RSUMP, your son is a hero to us all for this great nation and tell him I said that.

Will do. Thanks Picci.

[shogunofharlem3]

Re: My son just left for basic training...

Please accept my thank you and appreciation towords your son for his service to our country. Without his bravery, and the others before him (some in this thread, I am not one of them), our country would not be protected and safe.

Thank you so much to your service, one and all who have and are currently serving.

[rsump112]

Re: My son just left for basic training...

Please accept my thank you and appreciation towords your son for his service to our country. Without his bravery, and the others before him (some in this thread, I am not one of them), our country would not be protected and safe.



Thank you so much to your service, one and all who have and are currently serving.

I'll pass it along. Thanks!