Son Just finished Week 8

[navyvetmarinemom]

What are the best words of advice I can write to my son as he enters Phase III. He isn't writing as often now and I find my self saying at least two or three times in my letters to him, "you can do this" despite the fact he has never once mentioned that he couldn't. His last letter said, I have the strangest feeling, half of me can't wait to get off this island and the other half never wants to leave. He also said that boot camp is tough but its only as hard as the recruit makes it.

Am I sending a message of panic or doubt? Geez, after 8 weeks I'm having a meltdown! I am petrified of the hump back from the crucible and I am afraid I am conveying that. Ready for your advice and thanks!

[lovemymarine]

Don't worry. When my friend went to boot camp there was a whole lot of emotion in some letters he wrote back, some day he told me he hated being there and a week later he'd write saying he's so happy, and can't wait for deployment and all that. He may not acknowledge your encouragement, but trust me, after seeing a handful of good friends go through training, they appreciate it even if they don't say so. He knows you are behind him 100% and at this point, he needs that. He's in the final strentch but still has a lot to go through. From what i hear, the Crucible is an awful thing for them to do, it seems to be the one time that a much of guys will break down. I didn't think the 2 guys I knew had it in them to cry about anything, but they've both told me they did at the end of the Crucible, the sun was rising and they were just like "yes, we made it." I would advise against talking about the Crucible unless your son says something about it in a letter, once he's done, then let him know hoe proud of him you are. Just keep telling him that, and remind him of things at home, keep him updated with some nonsense at home, I used to send my boyfriend clips from like Star magazine, just to keep his mind off of everything for a few minutes. Anything that is going to keep him from thinkning about things seems to be best, make him smile-lord knows they need that.

Best of luck to you and your son!!

[proudmom957]

Hi Navyvetmarinemom, welcome to the hangout. It is nice to have you here and we hope to see alot more of you. There are lots great folks here that can give you advice and help you along the bumpy road.
I agree with alot that Heather said. My son finished Marine corps boot camp last Sept. He went thru alot of ups and downs and still did after boot when he was stationed. It can be rough on the "new" kid just like high school but he will be fine. The only thing I can suggest to you is not to keep "asking" him if he can do it, but to encourage and tell him that he can. Give him your support and help to convince him he can do it.
He will be OK!!
BTW keep sending those letters, even if he doesnt get a chance to write much he loves getting them!

[kmarier2001]

What are the best words of advice I can write to my son as he enters Phase III. He isn't writing as often now and I find my self saying at least two or three times in my letters to him, "you can do this" despite the fact he has never once mentioned that he couldn't. His last letter said, I have the strangest feeling, half of me can't wait to get off this island and the other half never wants to leave. He also said that boot camp is tough but its only as hard as the recruit makes it.

Am I sending a message of panic or doubt? Geez, after 8 weeks I'm having a meltdown! I am petrified of the hump back from the crucible and I am afraid I am conveying that. Ready for your advice and thanks!


Hello and welcome aboard the Hangout,
navyvetmarinemom. It's nice to meet you and thank you to you AND your family for the service you have all given to our Country! Your encouragement to your son is right on the money. Having you reassure him that he CAN do this, is one of the things that keeps him believing in himself. You're doing just fine. The training he has received from the first two phases, is what will bring him through the Crucible. Yes, it's hard per my son, but the hardest part is only that they are tired, hungry and wanting to shower with a passion! My son told me that the things they have to do really are not anything more then the things they have already trained to do, they just have to be able to do them as a team. In just a very short time, you will be standing there seeing your son as a new Marine. The pride you already have for him, will soar tenfold and more, and you will only vaguely remember all the worries you had while he was at boot camp! Keep up with the encouraging letters and please do continue to come here....everyone here is great at offering help and giving comfort, and there is lots of great information throughout the whole site.

[lovemymarine]

hey navymom, how are you holding up? few more weeks! hope everything is going well :-)