Running_Bell: Last year our son joined the Air Force. So we decide to take one last trip as a family with our son just before he left to go. It's been almost a year since then. Let me tell you that you, will miss him more than I can tell you.
You will need help thru the time that he is in boot camp. As he will not get to call you right away. I think it was almost 3 weeks before my son was able to write us or call. It was the hardest time of my life, even tho I went thru this with his dad. It's not the same as seeing your baby leave.
I knew he wouldn't be able to call, but that didn't matter, because I was worried sick, as I knew what he was in for.
Boot Camp is really hard on them, but much harder on the parents. Make sure you take the time to see him graduate, it was well worth the long drive to Texas to see him for 3 days. I was so proud to see my Airman run his last run with his squadron, and recieve his airman coin.
If you can please write your son every day, start once he leaves on the plane. I started right away and my son told me it was what helped him get thru most of the time... As even tho he couldn't write me, he was able to read his mail and they all live for those letters from home. I did numbered the letters so he would know which letter I wrote first.
My son is planning to go to disney with us this year, as we plan to go back again in Dec. We are still trying to getting use to him being away every holiday.
You should look to see if there are any army boards for mothers, I know the air force has one , that is what help me thru the hard time.
I will say a pray for you as I know its going to be hard. As you will miss him, But when you get to see him again, he will be a man.... and even tho you are proud of him now, wait until you see him after boot camp...