Well that was faster than I expected. I had my son send the box to my workplace because I knew it needed to be signed for. Imagine my surprise when I saw that box with my son's name on it sitting on my desk today. I didn't expect to get emotional about it but it came upon me all of a sudden. I'd been okay since I dropped him off at the recruiters office. I may keep the box to store his letters and other mementos from RTC, "A" school and beyond.
I got his call late Monday night but I haven't able to write much because I caught the flu bug the day he reported to Great Lakes. My son and my grandson are the only ones in the whole family that didn't get the bug. The same thought kept running through my head, "please don't let me be throwing up when he calls." Well guess what? Never the less I was able to compose myself and pick up the phone. He sounded great. He was using his best military bearing, reading the scripted message. I had to laugh because I'd been through it myself. I told we loved him and we we're proud of him. He said he needed to get off because he didn't want to stand out.
BTW, as I was taking his clothes out of the box and saw a little piece of paper laying in the bottom of the box. He was able make a little note to me on the back of the garment tags off his socks. :)
Comments
Congratulations, sir!! Your post reminded me of my reaction when Michael's "box" arrived back in July...... Enjoy the experience....from experience, I will attest - this is a great resource and a great source of comfort as the journey unfolds. Try to attend Sarge's Meet and Greet the Thursday evening prior to PIR; try to connect with Dads of recruits in the same ship; write, write, and write some more. Be well.