Im still nervous my son just completed his 2nd week guess a slow 13 weeks

I vividly remember those anxious days and how they seemed so impossible for my daughter and me. Her boot camp graduation was amazing and the difference in confidence and character. Manners I had difficulty believing. That was just about 3 years ago. Our expectations change along with our children's and they lead their own way now, not us. She survived the tsunami at her first overseas posting in mainland Japan and returned a few months ago from her 8 month Afghanistan deployment. She told me never to worry because she had brothers on the left and right of her that would be there for her, no matter what. I must say though, I'm glad she is safely stationed in sunny southern California. When given the eagle, globe, and anchor, your daughter will know she can do anything. And I mean that literally.

Hi Ladies,

I remember the waiting on letters from boot camp.
I think I cried the first month she was gone.
It's been almost 2 years and I still worry and cry because
I miss her so much. She is currently on her first deployment .
I'm so proud of her but it's very challenging for the
Female Marines. We need more female marines like your daughters.
Please tell them to stay strong and stay united. They truly are
the FEW, the proud and they make outstanding Marines.
God bless your girls!!
Janet

Hi Joice, our daughter left on the same day, 4/16/12. She left me a voice mail on my cell so I could hear her voice also. She was able to call us, coincidentally on Mother's Day weekend, twice. Although the calls were brief, it was heartwarming and comforting to hear from her. I send out a letter each day and she says that means so much.

She wanted to follow in her dad's footsteps and become a Marine also. She worked out at the gym for about a year before she left. Physically she was prepared. Her letters indicate she likes it very much and cannot wait to become a Marine. We are so proud of her and all of the girls who chose the road less traveled to become a Marine. Can't wait to see her in July and have her home for a few days. We're almost there!!!! OOrah!

Joice I felt like you were telling my story! My daughter came home from college and said she wanted to join the Marines. We moved her home and she left on April 16th too! It's been so hard but now with less time than we had I see the end! We've made all our plans and plan on being out there to support her at graduation. How amazing our daughters are.

Theresa like Joice said keep writing and send protein bars! I've found that sometimes a letter just isn't enough and I try to send little inspirational messages. I even cut and pasted her Facebook page and printed up 9 pages of what had been written by her friends. I've found following the training Matrix has helped me to feel close to what she is doing. Be strong momma! We all have amazing daughters!

My daughter told us last November her choice was the Marines. She graduated boot camp at Parris Island on May 12th. She is now in North Carolina for 29 days and will then be at Pensacola Fla. Joyce forget paper towels at graduatiion..just bring Bounty! My daughter actually liked boot camp! She told stories of everything and yes it was hard. Yet after the first 30 days it gets so much easier for them. Yet I don't think it does for us. I lived and breathed for her letters, I sent a short letter every day and I started sending pictures every day (yes that was tough she got everything from baby pics to her art projects but it gave them something to look forward to and many of the girls said they looked forward to those pictures every day when I met them at graduation). You're going to find she's grown...they stand and walk different. I have alot of pictures and the cd of pictures they sell is worth getting! She can order it along with her official pictures. God bless your family and your recruit! Semper Fi! Some days I just stopped and prayed "God protect my baby" because I couldn't choke anything else out....it goes quickly. It's not easy. Yet it is soooo worth it!

My daughter just left today and reading your post has made me feel a little better. Thank you for sharing. God Bless your family and keep your son safe.