OT: My Son, the Sailor (pics) | Arthritis Information

Well, it's been an emotional week for me. My son, Ryan, took his oath and headed off to Navy boot camp at Great Lakes (Chicago) Illinois yesterday. Here are some pictures of his swearing in ceremony.

Things didn't go exactly as I had wished....I left him at the processing center, and he called me as they were heading for the airport...I wanted to see him off. When I got to the airport, he had already gone past security with the others. He still had his cell so I called and asked him why he couldn't wait, and he told me that he was the only E3, and since he was the highest ranked recruit, they gave him everyone's papers to take, and put him in charge of the others till they got to Great Lakes! They told them to go straight through security, so he didn't have a choice. He said if he tried to come back through, he'd have to bring all the others with him, and he just didn't think that he should do that. So, we said our goodbyes on the phone...and I saw him standing in the far distance down the corridor waving. As soon as I hung up the phone I lost it.....cried all the way back to my car.

I'm better now. He's called me twice since then....when his plane was taxiiing in at O'Hare, and then again once he got to the recruit training center, to tell me he was at boot camp, and he'd talk to me in about 3 weeks. He told me he loved me, and that he would make me proud. (Like he hasn't already!!)

My son is a US Navy Sailor.... OoRah!

Just before the ceremony....

"I promise to defend the constitution of the United States of America..."

Ryan and me...after the ceremony....

Congratulations, Bizzalou - he seems like a good kid! Congrats..you should be so proud of him !..Did a good job mom!God Bless Him and please THANK HIM for his service to our countryditto to 6t5frlane's post and I also teared up over your good bye because I had a hard enough time saying good bye to my son when I left him at college I can just imagine how you feel.Congradulation! What a brave son you have! Much hugs to you and himThanks everyone. I thought yesterday would be the toughest...but I'm having a hard time today..... My mind keeps straying to my son and what he's doing and how things are going. I've missed two days at work this week and have soooo much to catch up on....and I'm just useless as can be. I just hope I don't have a flare from all the stress.

I will pass on the wonderful sentiments from all who have given them.....I copy and paste them all, and as soon as I have a mailing address for him....he will be receiving them in his mail call.....

I know you must be so proud. Handsome young man. Keep us updated on how he's doing.

What a wonderful son you have there. You have done a great job. Keeps us updated. I saw my daughter of to thailand for 3 months on a trek, i know how you feel to say goodbye.Hi Bizzalou, congratulations to your son. I know you're proud of him and will miss him but those 13 weeks will go by pretty quickly. A big thanks to your son. LindyJust wanted to add my thoughts also, You must be so Proud of your son! He looks like a nice young Man. he will do our country proud. tell him Thank You........ much hugs to you, bizzalou & prayers as well. My thanks and love to you both! I know how proud you are of him. I'm sure he will serve his Country well.

Hugs to you both, Nini