The day arrived! My son Jonathan left to boot camp today. Although we were anticipating this day for months, I cried for hours. This morning we went to MEPS and spend several hours together before he left to PA and bus to Cape May. I'm so proud to be a Coast Guard mom but my heart hurts, the void is immense and his laughter is no longer home.  I hope he calls soon. I feel empty.

I know I'm not alone and this website fills me with hope and pride. It soothes my pain to know there's other parents helping the newbies cope with it all. I'm proud of my son, proud to be an American, proud to see a room filled with enthusiastic young men and women ready to help our country. God Bless them all!

Now I am tearing up! People don't believe me when I say I try to attend every swearing in of my applicants. I stand in the back super proud of these young men and women. The adventures they are going to have, the bonds they are going to make, the story's they will be able to tell. I am proud of them all. Feels like yesterday that I was standing there, raising my right hand. 26 years later and with retirement looming, I can rest assured that these fine coasties (I mean guardians) are going to stand the watch and protect us!

You have an awesome Son Judy! Be proud!

Both boys will have the time of their life...be proud, very proud of them they have choosen a great career!!

I put my son on a plane yesterday also - only it was a plane back to his station. I cried also. My son graduated BC about 1-1/2 yr ago. I can only say it is a wonderful journey that they are about to be a part of. With him home this past week I have realized what a wonderful young man he has become. He told me about his work as a non-rate and how excited he is to watch his name move up the "A" School list.

You will get alot of support by coming to this forum and just know that they will have alot of support at Cape May and wherever they will eventually be stationed at. It's an amazing transformation.

I grew up on Air Force bases, and my son is in the Coast Guard now ; every time my dad left , my mother impressed upon me how important it was that the last picture my dad took away with him was us smiling, not crying. She told us that Dad didn't want to go away from us, and we shouldn't make him feel bad for leaving...so we worked hard to make a good time for all of us whenever he was home. That really helped me hold it together when we left our son with his recruiter on his ship date. Smile now ; cry later. You are stronger than you think, and your recruit will astound you as he grows.

Hi, Zelda1347  Please tell me when are they suppose to graduate. My son Jonathan left to boot camp that same day. Did your son call you that night? I received a text telling me he arrived at Cape May and that was it. I feel lost.

Thank you so much for your encouraging words and your support. It means the world to me especially from someone who has experienced life as a USCG. God Bless.

Your son's graduation date will be 25Feb, barring any issues. Please don't book airline tickets too early! Changes will often cost you more than the original ticket. I waited until the end of week 5 before booking airline tickets. Hotel rooms are one thing, those can be canceled or changed so long as it is before 24 or 48 hours. Airlines will kill you on change fees.

Thanks a million! I'm so happy to know the date and look forward to this special day in our lives. Do you happen to know if there's a guest limit for the graduation ceremony? I have a big family and they all want to go. You're right, I'll wait until the 5th week to make my hotel reservation.  Thanks again, you made my day

There is room for all to attend...bring one bring all and have a blast!

My son did his first swearing today in Tampa. We all went with him to support him and share that moment with him. His ship date is the 25th of this month. I have an emotional roller coaster in me. I am so proud of him, but I am so scared at the same time. We have never been apart. I pray to God that he will keep him safe and that he will be happy and successful. I had a talk with my little one (8) today, because he looked sad and every time he did not see his brother around he would ask me where he was. I guess he was anxious thinking that he had left. I explained to him that his brother was going to do a great thing and that we would be able to see him on the computer and we will go visit him where ever he lived, that now he had an extra house he could go to vacation and how great and fun it would be. His answer to me was "Yeah I'm sure it will be fun but I will not get to hug him everyday". That just brought tears to my eyes, how do you answer that? He adores his brother. Does anyone have any advise?

Hi Judy - I did hear from my son Steve when they were just about there... a text of course!  And Yes, I feel lost... but am holding up!  People keep asking how I am doing or feeling, and to sum it up in one word is I am feeling "disconnected"!  I do believe once I get his address that feeling will go away!  When I look at the calendar and see that it is only 49 more days (but who's really counting ~LOL) it really doesnt seem too long ....  and from reading other posts, I do think that its true, days seem to drag ... but yet this week has flown by!  Hanging in there!  talk again soon!

Colin lived with his dad and stepmom & stepbother when he graduated high school. I was in Juneau for his graduation of course. He was packing up and moving back to NJ with me. The night before we were to leave, Piper, who loves hockey, said he wanted to challenge me to a hockey game... if he won the game, he kept Colin. If I won the game then I could take Colin. I was telling Colin he couldn't leave that little one, he needed to stay. Of course Colin left with me but Colin would post videos on YouTube for Piper, he would email, call, send a card that sort of stuff. I always say distance is only as far as you allow it to be. I was in Texas, Colin got stationed in Boston; I have moved to Wisconsin, Colin is still in Boston. My ex-husband is stationed in Iraq, my boyfriends boys live in Anchorage, along with his first grandchild, my parents are in NJ, Scott's mom is in Oregon... you can see we are all spread all over the continent but none of us feel far apart. If we want each other or need each other we are 1 phone call, 1 text message, 1 email away. There is never any loss of feelings, love, emotion, family... we just aren't able to physically touch one another.

My son left Boston for bootcamp on January 4th also.  Does anyone know when we get their address?  I am also wondering when you get their address if you would post it because my mail is always so slow. 

Hi,

Your son left the same day as my son Jonathan. Assuming if the website is correct, he will be graduating Feb. 25th http://www.uscg.mil/hq/capemay/recr...ations.asp and his address is as follow:

SR  (Son First & Last Name)
Recruit Company L184/ Healy Hall
USCG Training Center
1 Munro Avenue
Cape May, NJ 08204-5083

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/capemay/recruit/FAQs.asp

I was hoping to hear from my son today, but I never did. It hurts and worries me. My family and friends would like to make reservations for his graduation but it's too early. Yet the hotels are booking quickly. In addition, I need to fly to Atlantic city airport - the closer the date the more expensive the tickets. I don't know what to do but wait. Hopefully I'll hear news soon since I mailed him several letters.

I know it's hard on you and your younger son. My son has never been away from home too. I celebrated his birthday, Christmas, New Year and made a farewell dinner with family and friends before he left Jan. 4th. He loves cookie cake so I bought a big one that said "Good Luck Coastie" which made him so happy. You do everything possible so he can have wonderful memories and your younger son will cherish too. My 13 year old was pretty quiet and sad but is adjusting since we stay busy. We write letters everyday to send to my son, started a scrapbook, order coastie keychain, tshirts and made a list of things we are going to do with my son once he graduates. As for his statement that he will not be able to hug him, tell him that he can save the BIG hugs for everytime he comes to see you or you visit him.  So plan, keep busy, stay positive and pray.

Why would you wnat to fly into Atlantic City?? Flights are quite expensive into there. If you head into Philly, you will find the prices are much more reasonable and far more frequent. I would research that choice before you settle completely on AC over Philly. There is a reason they don't fly recruits to AC, something to think about.

Again, I cuation against buying tickets too soon. My ex bought tickets far too early and had to change them twice, costing him more in change fees than the original ticket cost him in total!! I waited until week 5 and I got the phone call about his orders! I had no change in my tickets. Patience is a virtue not only for a military member but for military families as well.

As far as chill time... he will get that after the 8 weeks is up. On Sunday's they do get "divine hours" and they aren't training. But they are ironing, studying, shining boots, polishing brass, writing letters if time allows, preparing for the week ahead and after 1pm it is back to hardcore training. There is no football, nap taking, web cruising, reading a book (unless it is something they are reviewing).

I found this website and thought I would post a link to the facebook page for their company:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk...5640552207

Looking at other company's facebook pages, it looks like a great way to communicate.

My best advice is this:  the calmer and more matter of fact you are, the more your 8 year old will respond that way as well.  This situation is new, so he's looking to you for cues.  The fact is that if your older son is independent and capable of striking out on his own is such a mature way, then rejoice!!  You did well!  With both sons, your objective was never raising happy little boys, it was to make fine young men.  And so you have.

Nothing can prepare for this day, I told my self over and over I would not cry.. Heck I cried like a baby. I think its just a mixtures of emotions, them leaving, the unknown of what is going to happen to them, the fact you cant have contact for a couple weeks and most of all your just so darn proud of them. I will be honest the the first couple weeks did go slow so I did things to keep me busy. A couple times in the morning I did walk into Dans room to see if he wanted Coffee, and seeing the empty seat at the table didn’t help. But I kept telling myself its what has to happen for him to be in the CG. I started to write him letters every single day, and I would write him a question and answers sheet that he had to fill out and send back. Those were always funny to get back after all I would ask him question in my letters he would always forget to answer. He told me getting the letters kept him going so I made sure everyday I would send him one off. I Ended up saving all the letters he sent home and making a memory book for him as well as printing the weekly journal updates. That was a Hugh part of staying busy and when he came home he sat and looked it over and loved it. Now he is stationed im going to continue with it. So stay busy, Busy, busy as much as you can. They are in the best of hands, they will make life long friends and learn life long skills. My son came home a much strong both physically and mentally and far less shy. The Cg really made him grow into the man he is today. When I ask him it he regrets it , he tells me no he would not trade it for anything. When he left for Boot Camp he was a extremely shy 5”7 106 shy young man He came home Standing straight up, he had confidence in himself and 25lbs heavier. Once week 3 or 4 hit it really starts to fly than and that’s when the excitement that’s kicking in….

Thanks Old Guard2 you are wealth of information! I will  check the flights into Philadephia since this trip can get pretty pricey. I will wait until the mid 6 weeks to make my airline reservations. I checked several hotels and some are booked!

I just got the CG formal letter telling me his address, grad. date and the websites to search for information, in addition to, the fact that he will not be able to call until the 5th week.

I'm sure my Jonathan is missing his computer, Ipod, cellphone and sleep of course. He's pretty knowledgeable with computers. I was always asking him to upgrade, remove my virus and find the softwares and it took him minutes!! I know it's hard for him but I know he's also enjoying the change and challenge.

Thanks again.

Reading your story made me realize how we mothers are the same. I'm so glad your son made it and enjoys his new life. I wish the hurt would subside. I went to Jonathan's room and sob. All the times I nagged him about spending so much time in the computer, I wish here was there. I know this is the right decision but it doesn't hurt less. I pray that he makes it and I can see the confidence and growth that your son has experienced. I've sent him a letter everyday and gave him local news, computer info., family info and I copy and paste pictures (minimized) of us in every letter and included our dog Nikko (which he adores).

I'm so appreciative to everyone in this forum. This has helped me more than anything! I've  learn so much and feel  comfort reading the stories and advices.

Zelda I go a CG letter today! It's an overall informational letter about the date of graduation, Jonathan's address, the fact that he will not be communicating until the 5th week and most of them will be able to go home after graduation for 5 days. I'm so relieved, it eases some of my anxiety.

I write to Jonathan everyday and give him local news, family info, some of the CG advices and I copy and paste pictures of us during our family trips plus our dog (his favorite pal). Read Old Guard message he explains the Sunday ritual. I've made a list of things that I will be sending my son when he's stationed, for example: web cam, favorite cookies/candies, pictures, CG jokes.

It's true, without this forum I would be a basket case! I thank you all for easing my worries.

Hi Judy!! I got that generic letter today too! They weren't kidding were they! I have to say it was heart warming to see my sons writing! Even though I never thought he could write that neat! Anyhow i had luck today with the FACEBOOK page! if you are on facebook search this "USCG Lima 184" I joined the group today! The FB group is as comforting as this site is! I have to say that as time passes I am feeling so much more at ease! The stories that others have shared have just melted my heart. I don't want to wish this experience away for my son or myself! When I find myself getting sad, i immediately start thinking of all of the positive that is going to come out of this, for my son and for our family! It is tough, but I know it all WILL BE GOOD!! I have been praying for all of the young men and women 24/7 ... I can only imagine what a difficult culture shock this has been for them! I am sorry to be rattling on and on, this is such an awesome forum and I can not thank everyone enough! I will sign off for now! Thanks again!

I didn't notice until we were home that night of graduation... I was standing next to Colin. He was dressed to go to a party that night... all of a sudden I just said "Son, come here!" As God is my witness he was taller. No, they didn't put him on a rack and stretch him... he had confidence in himself, he cared about his appearance, he actually had muscles I have never seen before. As I was looking UP at my sons face and looking at his chest and arms in his favorite Armani shirt... he looked good! I told him "If you weren't my son you would be HOT!" BUt since I knew he was my munchkin, not so hot. LOL

The transformation they are going through truly is going to SHOCK you!!

Thank you Judiecostiemom for your advises and kind words. You have a younger one just like me, and it is hard because you wish you could do something to make them not sad, but unfortunately there is nothing you can do except talk to them and like you said keep them busy. Today my son was cleaning out his closet since he leaves on the 25th of this month which is not too far away and it felt so weird, knowing he is not going to be living with us soon and on his own. I asked him if he was nervous about the big change in his life and he told me that he was that he couldn't believe that soon his life would change so much but he was ready. It is true what you say, I need to plan, keep busy, stay positive and pray a lot.

I will research the flights to Philly, I was looking at AC, I did not know that Philly was a choice. I thought the recruits flew to AC. Thank you for that advice Old Guard 2.

Does anyone have an advise as to what hotel is good to stay in? Not knowing the area and how the hotels are I would love to hear from previous experiences on the hotels. Because, sometimes you see the pictures on the internet but when you get there is totally different (ie. not clean)

Thanks for all the advises and God Bless!

Old Guard, I can only imagine what my son will be like when he comes home for a few days!  I have so many mixed emotions, I can only imagine what they go through!  Did Colin talk much about what bootcamp was really like?  

There is a sticky in this forum, should be the first or second post in the Family Forum area... it's all about the different hotels and what is good, who gives discounts, where they are friendly. A lot of helpful info.