Boot Camp Momma

 September 14, 2023 We got a surprise mid-week call from Christian tonight!  He earned 30 minutes of phone time, so he called home.  He had a lot to tell.  He rappelled from a 40 ft wall this week.  He said it was the most exciting thing he's done his whole life.  He also said it cured is fear of heights.  His platoon ran an obstacle course this week, too.  He had fun doing that as well.  They also went though the gas chamber today.  He came out unscathed and reported that it wasn't too bad.  Some guys had burning skin, but the only thing he said that bothered him was on the back of his neck.  He asked for cough dops and his address book.  I will get them to him before Saturday afternoon, that's for sure.  I then gave the phone to his dad so they could talk.  They didn't connect on Sunday, so I let them have some time by themselves to discuss what happened this week.  

 September 13, 2023.  I wrote my son a letter yesterday.  He's missing home a little and I am missing him, too.  I told him I would make a special meal for him when he comes home for Christmas and try to incorporate everything he wants and misses. 

 Well, it's Sunday again (September 10, 2023) and I heard from our Soldier in Training.  He says he's fine, but his shoulder has popped out again.  He's still slated to graduate on November 8.  Today was the first time he's mentioned family day and when to get there.  I think he might be missing home.  He asked about his dog and the grey kitten that showed up. I had to tell him the grey kitten hasn't been around in two weeks. He was a little sad about that.  I also told him his dog kept me up the last three nights because of storms.  He said she's a crazy dog.  Regarding Family Day and Graduation, he said we needed to be there on Monday for family day on Tuesday and then Graduation on Wednesday.  He's excited and still happy.  Christian also said that he got more gear, like his pack, armor plates, helmet, grenade bags, and the such.  I told him I think they're getting ready to start marching with all that gear. He said he was r...

 It's Sunday, September 3, 2023 and we heard from Christian tonight around 6:00.  He finally made it to basic training on Friday.  The fist thing he did was fall and dislocate his shoulder.  He said he tripped over the curb while running back from touching a STOP sign.  He told the DS that he had dislocated his shoulder, he didn't believe him.  The senior DS (a female) told him to come here and let's look at that.  He had truly dislocated it when he hit the ground.  They sent him to medical where they said he looked ok and put his arm in a sling.  He said his shoulder feels tight and that moving it makes it feel better.  He also said they are waiting to go back to medical on Tuesday (closed tomorrow for Labor Day) to determine if he's going to be medically discharged.  I hope not.  He still sounds happy and excited to be there, pain and all.  I asked him how he felt about being "let go", he told me that if that happens, th...