Month: March 2018

I wrote this book about becoming a new Navy mom for two reasons. When my son Aaron left for basic training, I had a million questions and no one to ask. The internet is a wonderful resource but, let’s face it, it’s also a fairly bottomless source of information. Unfortunately, some of what’s out there about boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center is incomplete, outdated, or simply incorrect.

I wanted a book or single resource that would walk me through the experience of being a new Navy mom so I didn’t have to spend hours digging around websites, message boards, and forums to find the answers I wanted. That, my friends, is how the idea for this book was born.

The other reason I wrote this book is a bit more personal. Aaron’s father and I divorced when he was very young. Aaron was living with his father just prior to enlisting in the Navy, so naturally he was the point of contact when Aaron shipped out. Unfortunately, that meant I wasn’t able to experience the joy of getting the Kid in a Box, form letter, or “I’ve arrived at Great Lakes” phone call. (Not sure what those things are? Don’t worry, it’s all covered in the book.)

Until Aaron’s division got letter writing privileges and he was able to communicate with me himself, I was peretty much in the dark about how things were going for him at boot camp. Wow, was that hard. Divorced mothers face challenges when their daughter or son joins the Navy that partnered parents may not encounter. While this book touches on these issues, an upcoming book in this series takes a closer look at what they are and how to deal with them.

When our sons and daughters decide to join the Navy, we’re on a roller coster ride of emotions that make their first day of kindergarten look like a walk in the park. The good news is that you’ll get through it. You’ll also learn more about yourself and your Sailor than you ever expected. You’ve got this, momma!