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October 23, 2007
Making His Way There
Andrew called me around 1:00 this afternoon using someone’s cell phone. He was at the airport and had to wait for his flight to leave around 4:30. He said they would go to Georgia by plane and then on to South Carolina by bus. The Marines like everyone to arrive at Parris Island after dark. I was told between midnight and 6 AM. They want to freak you out and be intimidated. It’s all part of the process.
They like to do THIS and THIS and THIS. It’s not fun and it’s not funny.
My sister giggles about how he’s going to get yelled at when she’s on the phone with me. I told her that I do not find anything about it funny. I don’t think he will get yelled at unless he does something wrong. She giggled some more and said they all get yelled at. As his mom, I am trying to stay positive. I don’t need to hear her or anyone else giggle about boot camp. This is serious and what they go through is pure hell. Even though I told her how it is for Marines in boot camp over a month ago, she remains clueless.
She will be mad because I said these things, but it is the truth. She needs to learn some respect; respect for what my son is going to face. I have cried off and on all day so far. I can’t help it. I’m sure I will get used to him being away. It’s only three months after all. I think I might get some therapy if I number the days on a calendar and mark them off each day. That will help me to look forward to his return instead of wallowing in him being gone.
*****
Mom’s appointment went fine. They said her blood work looks normal, but they want her to come in again tomorrow morning so they can take her blood again for tests. With her history, I think they are being very cautious.
Posted by tami at October 23, 2007 8:51 PM
Comments
Those videos gave me the chills. You are right, boot camp is very serious. I can't imagine how I'd feel if one of my kids were going through that. I have to say though that I greatly admire and have deep respect for people that enter into our country's service. It definitely is not a laughing matter. I'll be praying for Andrew and you too, and I sincerely hope that the time flies by for both of you. God bless.
Posted by: Stacey at October 23, 2007 11:02 PM
I can't believe she is doing that. It is not funny. Especially to the childs parents . It is a serious and I would think very scary for some for they have never been away from home. It's all new and to have someone screaming down your face would have me crying for my mom & dad. How would she feel if the shoe were on the other foot? Please be more sensitive toward your sister...Jennifer.
Posted by: chastity at October 24, 2007 12:10 AM
My brother Joined the Army a year ago. It is very serious, and since he is in Iraq right now getting morter fire everynight it is even more serious. However, sometimes a little humor can help ease the stress that would otherwise tear you up in side until you are completely useless. James did not enjoy boot camp, but he was proud of all that he accomplished and he himself made jokes about his sargent and some of the other things that allowed for a little humor. So in case you can't tell, I support Tami that it is very serious and that prayer and some crying are in order and think that some times we need to laugh just to release the pressure before we burst.
Posted by: ellice at October 24, 2007 6:01 AM
I'm sure your sister didn't mean to be rude to you. She was probably trying to cheer you up a little :) I know boot camp is really tough, but Andrew will make it through with flying colors, and he'll be better for it. Maybe you could take on a new hobby to keep your mind off of the time. Knitting has been therapeutic for me!
Posted by: Tammy at October 24, 2007 9:17 AM
I think Andrew is very brave joining up. I know my sons wouldn't be able to cope with being so far away from home and family *and* have to deal with the discipline
I second that knitting is very therapeutic and heartily recommend it :)
Posted by: Elle at October 24, 2007 11:14 AM
Mom, you're supposed to be concerned and worried! But know that GOD is with him and he's going in a fine young fellow and going to come out a fine yound MAN! He wants to make all of his family and friends proud of him. What he doesn't realize is that we always have been!
Posted by: Becky at October 24, 2007 12:51 PM
I meant to ask, will Andrew be able to call you or write to you anytime soon?
Posted by: Stacey at October 24, 2007 2:15 PM
Andrew will experience something in boot camp that none of us can relate to. I know he will come out of all of this o.k.! I remember how hard it was when my nephew was gone, but knowing he is in boot camp made it a little easier. Why you ask, because i knew that he would be taken care of. It may not be easy, but as long as he stays strong and does what they say, he will be o.k.
I don't know if you need therapy, just time to take all this in. it's the first time your baby has left home. Just write him notes each day or each week updating him on things back home. this will help you and him get through this.
Posted by: deanna at October 24, 2007 2:39 PM
Can't believe Andrew's there already. How are you doing, Tami? (((hugs)))
Posted by: Kimberley at October 28, 2007 5:31 AM