Counting the Days in a Daze

We all are,  every family & friend of C Co.  We're counting down to graduation, planning what to wear, how to get there, where to stay.  Some of us will be connecting in person for the first time and can't wait to actually meet the others who have helped US make it through basic training.  Then there's the "little" matter of everyone passing all the tests so that they CAN graduate.  For my son, it's down to the running, which is his weakest area.  Something about the biggest and oldest soldier making through this hurdle.  I know he can do it.  He's very determined.  I won't think about what it will mean to our graduation trip if he doesn't!!!

Yes,  we're in a daze,  especially David's wife & kids, who will be relocating, leaving the hometown they grew up in,  working with the Army's moving crew.  Deciding how to downsize after 30 years in the same house,  wow!   Lots of stuff to deal with--to take the piano or not, what to do with the boxes and boxes of material,  which toys to take,  what to do with all the books.  Thank goodness Grannie Diane will be heading out with them.  That's even bigger for her--selling the house, what a huge & supportive decision that was. 

And a whole new state to get familiar with--new foods, new accents, new customs, new driving laws, new school systems.  Plus living on base will be totally new.  Talk about a different culture!  My grandkids will now be Army brats!   There's something to think about!  All the places they'll see and the friends they'll make.  I sound like Dr. Seuss. Do You Like Green Eggs & Ham?  

First Night in AIT

Finally my question has been answered, Yes, YES, YES!  My son did indeed finish basic, went through Rights of Passage(Rites of Passage?) and is now in AIT.  Proof is in the pictures,  several of them.  And if that communication cord on his left shoulder means anything,  he must have done a good job.  I suspect that might mean he is a squadron leader, but time will tell.  He certainly exhibited the serious demeanor that the position should present.  He looks much more mature and in better physical condition than when he went in and in one photo seemed to be checking on those around him,  maybe  those in his squad.

It seemed to be a long barracks with many doors.  I don't know how many in each room but I hope he is bunking with buddies to be counted on.  I know that there were some in the initial platoon that seemed to mess up a lot, of course, compared to him they were mere kids. Either they've straightened up or perhaps have been recycled.  I saw at least two on crutches; so glad they've made it through and they must be getting stronger. Some I recognized from their family's postings on facebook.  It was good to put a face to a name of someone who has helped me learn the ropes, the phrases, the acronyms, which seem endless.

I can only hope my daughter-in-law will find the time and interest to learn about his and their upcoming life as I have.  The Army has been very supportive of them, with their challenges and trials.  I have found that Ft. Benning looks to be the best posting for his first posting.  I am amazed at the info on their site and the support provided on facebook as well.  My grandchildren, their parents and their other grandmother will thrive there, I believe.

Rites of Passage, for both of us

Just saw the photos posted for David's company's Rites of Passage.  Few and dark as they were, they were so moving, especially now that I know what they signify to SITs.  Still a little nervous that he will be finishing basic and actually becoming a soldier after reading about others being sent home for various reasons.  I'm thrilled that he hasn't been injured in his training after seeing pix where SITs were on crutches. Probably nervous just because we haven't heard from him in almost two weeks.  No real indication that there is any problem--just no indication of anything.  His being one of the oldest to go through this hopefully will result in a tougher, more determined attitude on his part.

Thing is,  his family at home has been going through hell and that has to affect his focus.  His sargeant even had him call home because of it.  That, to me,  really made me feel proud of the Army--for being so connected and concerned.  It seems like the Army has found in my son something they value,  want to foster and to nourish.  I know they certainly have put his computer skills to good use.  Seems like he gets out of a lot of grunt work and smokings because they have him going around the base working on computers.  That's got to increase David's self confidence, which is a huge thing after having been unemployed for over a year. Maybe that degree in computing will be in the mix, after all.

The Army has also been amazing in selecting his next posting because of the medical support needed for his family.  It's been really gratifying to read of the facilities and services at Ft. Benning.  I feel very confident that Becca will get the help she will need when an episode occurs.  They also have a good selection of schools for the kids and the Ft. Benning wives group is awesome.  So that is very encouraging to me.  Seems as if the Army will be taking care of my youngest son, and his family, even if it is so far away from me.

But that's getting ahead of the story,  first he has to graduate!

Oh, the Weather Outside is Stormy

Oops,  ten days since last posting--delay because of power outage from  our huge storm.  Being from SoCal, I had not really experienced a major storm like this in the ten years we'd been up here in the Sierras.  Can't say that now.  We had such a terrible storm with heavy, wet snow and quite a bit of wind that many areas look like a warzone  Trees down everywhere, falling on buildings, cars, power poles, you name it.  Nothing has fallen on my house or barn yet, but I still have my fingers crossed.  The ground is so wet and I have a new creek running through the front of my property.

Power companies from as far away as Sacramento and Reno are here working 24/7 to get people back on power.  Yosemite Natl Park was among the hardest hit area and some of it doesn't have power yet.  Most people in the Sierras got their power by by last night but still we've had quite the hit.   Damage has got to be huge.  There were no generators to be found between Fresno and Modesto.Candles are gone too.  Should have bought stock in those companies.

So I look at those wonderful pics posted on Facebook--31st Battalion and can certainly commiserate with their bright pink faces.  They're COLD!  We have been huddling for a week. I feel like one of Charlie's grandparents in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory--under the comforter in bed was the warmest place to be.  A woodstove is nice but it doesn't heat the whole house. Thank goodness we didnt go for a pellet stove cause they need electricity to run.   Maybe I will follow my son to Georgia when he goes.  Of course,  he is the proverbial firebox and radiates heat so maybe his face wasn't as red as those in the picture.

Still no letter

I feel like Beetle Bailey's parents, waiting at the mailbox but nothing comes.  I did hear tonight that David wrote both of his children's classrooms as they had written him Valentines.  That made him feel so very special,  even if it attracted more personal attention at mailtime than he might have wanted.  So that was great. Also Becca got a letter also.   Does that mean that I'm next?   I hope so, I'm overdue.

According to a blog, Basic Training,  this week is about hand to hand combat.  Hmmm.  Maybe those karate lessons will come in handy.  Hopefully no injuries or problems.  One of the blogs I follow on basic training referred to a serious injury during this training series.  That concerns me,  no,  it just flat worries me, which is rather ridiculous since the point of all this is to keep them safe when they're in a combat zone.

Combat zone.....Let's NOT go there,  really.  But I guess it's not realistic to expect a soldier to not ever experience a combat zone so I'm depending on the Army's training to send them out prepared.  At least the training hasn't been shortened due to a dire need for soldiers in the field.  It certainly has happened before and probably will again. 

I will continue to write about every other day,  send cartoons (yes,  Beetle Bailey and others) and hope that the rest of his family will also.  Keeping up a soldier's morale is half the battle in keeping them safe.  I even expect to write other soldiers who don't get much mail.   I think the USO can provide names, etc, in case you're thinking the same thing.  Can't wait till I can send cookies, gum, whatever. 

Till then,  I must be content to know that several times a week,  at mail call,  my son will be receiving those brown envelopes I have mailed.  Brown to match the mud that rumor says the bootcamp is deluged with at this time of year.  Or brown because his name will be mud if I don't get a letter soon.

My grandson's birthday is coming up

My grandson's birthday is coming up.  His father will not be there.  His father may not even be able to call him.  This will be momumental..  All his grandparents will be attending whatever activities will happen.  Those are not yet scheduled as things are a bit distracted.  But I am willing to bet that this grandson, the one who would not speak to David on the phone, will not think it much of a birthday without his father.   I have found the perfect gift,  a recordable book,  "Guess How Much I Miss You", that I plan for David to record.  But it is very much in doubt that it will be able to happen for his birthday.  That too is depressing, for myself and the thoughts of this upcoming birthday.

We are in doubt as to when David will be able to return home for a visit.  Whether after boot or after AIT training,  we are unsure.  We are also not able to afford for all of us to visit him at graduation, even with my American Express member rewards points.  So, how to best solve this dilemma.  Perhaps to drive there?  But gas prices are horrendous and I do not have a hybrid.  The train?  While we'd all love it,  I don't think that's affordable, either.  So far,  details have yet to come from the Army or whomever.  I will be surfing many blogs to see if there are any suggestions or solutions out there.  Graduation date nebulous but I think we have about two months to solve this.  Stay tuned.

Just a phone call away

So I'm stirring the scrambled eggs when the phone rings.  I wondered who'd be calling on a Sunday afternoon but sure didn't even think it would be David's voice saying,  "Hi Mom!"  It took a second to sink in that it was my son calling from boot camp, from another time zone, from many states away.  He sounded so casual, with a little chuckle when I realized who it was.  

I'd been hoping that he would be able to call me soon.  Actually I was worried that he didn't have my phone number since everything was in his cell and they were not allowed to have them.   I was planning on including my phone number in my next letter since, as far as I knew,  he would have to use his phone card on a pay phone.   What a nice surprise!   They were given their cell phones for an hour and he was calling as many family members as he could fit in.   I'm so thrilled to have heard him live,  to ask my questions,  well, a few of them, while he was right there on the line.

He sounded good,  very good and proud of his accomplishments in the physical training area.  He was never the athlete his brother was and never played football like his father did. His brief years in AYSO were not terribly successful and he did not use his height to go forward with basketball.  He found karate very challenging and rewarding.  As a parent, I applauded the sense of responsibility and respect it brought forth.

I asked him about the food, his weight,  how long they had to eat.  He said that like anywhere, the food varied in quality and taste.  They had about five minutes to eat in and must finish with a glass of milk or water.  I refrained from inquiring if he had time to pick out the onions he didn't like or what happened if he didn't eat his tomato-laden entrees.   Now that he's in white phase, they can have the salad bar as a perk.  They still are not getting deserts or sweets.  Not that that's a bad thing, he's down below 250.  We probably won't recognize him. Forgot to ask about sodas--David was addicted to Pepsi,  guess that's not happening.

They've been into the rifle mode, shooting, etc.  With his vision that's going to be a challenge to qualify but I have faith.  If he's his mother's child or his grandmother's,  he should do well--both of us were keen shots back in our Texas days.  Course, that's a LONG time ago.   The next big activity is the Warrior Tower.  THAT is something I'm keen to hear his progress on.  He has an aversion to heights and I'm not sure how his upper arm strength is, but it's probably much better than when he left.

Anyway,  I'm still sitting here, basking in the afterglow of his phone call, checking flight schedules and prices,  waiting for a graduation date to plug in to finalize our trip.  I was proud of myself that I wasn't a blubbering idiot mom when he called,  just the oldest proud Army mom!

I'm just secondhand Rose

Well,  as to news, that is.  But second hand news is better than none.  Talked to my daughter-in-law and my grandkids tonight.   David had been able to call them.  So glad cause they really need the communication,  they've been such a close family and I know how hard this transition has been in every way.
He is the Squadron Leader and someone higher up has discovered his talent in computers.  He is doing their trouble-shooting and repair so that their system is nor only online, but in top shape.  Speaking of shape,  he has lost more weight and is the thinnest since high school.  Can't wait to see him at graduation, whenever that is.

Apparently he is getting my letters and clippings from Sunday funnies.  Hope Beetle Bailey goes over ok and doesn't get him in trouble.   Just keep picturing him in charge of keeping his squadron in line,  making their beds military style,  etc.   It figures, though,  he is the oldest private there, having turned 35 while there.  Bec says he sounds in great spirits, though tired.  But, from what I read, tired is their first name during boot  camp.  And to think he is the one shaking the others out of their bunks,  lol!  My slug-a-bed out of bed at o dark thirty,  wow!

Reading other blogs from Army guys and their families helps a lot to give me the bigger picture that I'm not getting from my son yet.  I hope  that he's keeping a journal because I know howhelpful that will be to all of us who aren't there.  I hope that the rest of my family is reading this from time to time. Maybe others in the same position.   Anyway,   here's hoping for fresher news for all.

Basic or Not, Here We Come

I can't believe it.  David has been gone for over three weeks.  I know cause I counted the days on the calendar I keep just to track his basic.  Or is it boot camp?  Which is correct? I think I like the term "basic" better because it implies building a foundation.  And like any foundation, it must be stable and level,  strong and reliable.   That's a good beginning for the next phase of his life.  Not only his life, but his family's.

 Having little military background or exposure myself,  I rely on reading other blogs and talking with people who do.  It seems that there's a good support system for wives and family with the Army.  I certainly have benefited from the various websites and blogs.  I only hope the rest of the family has accessed them.  I must remember that I am a retired teacher, not an active one and that the family are not my students.  However,  I still have objectives in mind and potential lessons to be learned. 

I am gladdened by the orientation and philosophies of the military families whose blogs I read.  Their patriotism, sense of responsibility and belief in God are uplifting.  I admire their ability to raise a family while on the move and without what many of us would consider a decent income. That they have learned to do more than merely survive is exceptional.  I know it's not easy having to leave friends and family,and  be the "new kid on the block" repeatedly.  I hated it myself when my family relocated from Texas to California after my sophomore year in high school. 

My prayers and thoughts are with my son and his family constantly.  I worry that they will be able to make this transition, to be able to mesh with the military demands and limitations.  I assure myself that they are young and the young are flexible.  I am hopeful that, in this terrible economy,  David and his family will be able to hold their head up and know that "basically" they are more than all right and not "lost in the woods."

First Letter Arrives

How ironic that today, in the aftermath of a huge snowfall, I don't boot up and get the mail till about 3. (It arrives about 10).  After I wade through the snow and the creek that results from rain and melting snow,  I get out to the mailbox, the mailbox with no front flap, thanks to the everpresent vandals.  (This is our fifth mailbox in ten years, a rate that has slowed down immensely since I inserted a T post just before it, thwarting their baseball bats as they drive by).  The former sheriff, when I complained about the November spree that destroyed my box among 22 others, simply said, "Boys will be boys!

 The mail is damp, the top letter wet from the storm.  Wonderfully, my thoughtful mailman has put my son's first letter beneath everything so it is dry.  I must have looked odd, dancing around on the road, waving it! Then, dashing back to the house, protecting it from the sudden spurt of snowflakes, I even came all the way in with my boots on!  Something I rarely ever do.  Then,  I frantically dig around looking for one of TWO letter openers that I have.   I am somewhat compulsive about using a letter opener, but I resort to the scissors since I can't wait to unearth the opener.  Still needing to preserve the involved military address that will enable my missives to arrive.

Now, an hour and several readings later,  I can breathe deeper, email family with the all-important address. And write MY first letter to my son.

Weather channel addiction

I can't believe it,  I've got the weather channel icon on my toolbar, just to check and compare my weather and the weather my son is experiencing at boot camp.   He arrived at the end of that huge blizzard in 4 degree weather. I verified that he left in shorts but had his flannel lounging pants with him.  Wonder if he wore them to arrive there.   Now it's in the 50's there, much better to my mind, especially since here, today, it's snowing.  Not that it's much below freezing, it ranges up and down a little, snowing, raining, hailing, snowing, and nothing on the ground anymore.  BUT,  it's supposed to rain/snow for the next four days which puts quite the damper on my activities.  People drive terribly in bad weather here and I'd rather just avoid the idiots.

He has some sun but showers are expected this week.  He's out of Reception Battalion at last.  They have received their winter gear so I'm thinking that he'll do fine.  Just being a mom.  He and his family love the snow,  the recreational variety of snow.  The kids even took skiing lessons last year.  He, however, stayed in by the fireplace with either his laptop or a good book for company or participated in snowball fights.   Like mother, like son.  I NEVER tried any kind of snow sport as I'm very clumsy and have weak ankles.  I'd much rather have a good book and a glass of wine.  Or just the wine and a good view of the mountains.  The quiet of the snowfall, no dogs barking!! Mine are cowering from the weather, dashing outside then begging to get back in.  Towels await at either door to lessen the affects of wet dog syndrome.  And NO getting on the new couch!

I try to picture what he is doing way too often during the day.  Maybe he is fondly imagining life at home, playing with the kids, picking them up from school, taking the dog to the dog park, sitting down to dinner with the whole family, having pizza, playing games on the computer, going to the movies.  I wonder if they serve pizza at bootcamp?   Anybody know?

Valentine's Day doldrums

I'm in a funk, no I'm depressed.  For the first time as a Mom I can't send or receive a Valentine's card from both my boys.  Valentines have been a big deal all my life.  I still have the one from Rodney in fourth grade in my bible, plus boxes with all the ones I've received since.   My mom was the same and I kept her collection, so you could say Valentines have been important to me.  David's cards have usually been humorous.  My favorite from him is the one that says something like raising him could have been worse--he could have been twins.   That's funny cause he was so big that the doctor thought he was twins till right at the end. 

I don't have David's address yet so his card will be late,  how late I don't know but I won't be able to picture him opening it today. And what about the cards that Leo and Keg made?  Plus the wifely sweet thing Becca has for him?  Or the ones from Keagan's class that they made?   No matter that David will be embarrassed  by their being sent.  Suck it up.  You're in the Army now. I'm speaking to myself, too. In a way, the entire family is in the Army now.

The odd part is that I have always wished one of my boys would go into the service like their grandfathers.  Both grandfathers were in the Navy during WWII,  my dad as a Naval aviator,  Craig's dad was a petty officer on a submarine.  David had planned on going into the Navy right after graduation but changed his mind at the very last minute.  That decision eventually resulted in my being a grandmother, so that's a good thing, no that's a great thing.

David must be having a hard time, as we are,  being out of communication with family and friends.  He was a regular on Facebook and had his own blog.  I still log on expecting to see a green dot showing he was available on chat room.   Well, I'll send his Valentine greeting out to the universe,  Happy Valentine's Day, Big Man.

In the beginning.....

I don't know how this works exactly but am inspired by my daughter-in-law's outstanding blog, Letters From Lynwood.  I've never really blogged, maybe added a comment or two occasionally but never one of my own.  Bec's  looks so professional and she is talented with verbage.  Mine won't be nearly so nice.
What it is.....here at the ripe old age of 66 (yes,  I can admit my age)  I am the proud,  very proud, Army mom of a private entering bootcamp/basic? at the age of 34.  That he has waited this long is a story in itself, and would / will be an entry for another time.

 It is inconceivable to me that my computer addicted, game playing, couch potato son would not only sign up, but pass the physical.   He was soft, overweight and lazy, sleeping in at any opportunity.  You could find him online at all hours of the day, on facbook or playing games.  That he had so much leisure time was due to the economy and his company's downsizing.  He lived in an area with nearly 20% unemployment,  most of it in his field.
It was a really difficult decision for him,  one which had to weigh the necessity of bringing in an income to provide for his family with the reality of leaving them behind for at least a while. I am having a hard time envisioning him in a bunk with no room for Bec and the kids. I hope he's on the bottom cause I'm not sure that the bunks wouldn't topple over with him on top. Picture a 6'5,  260 pound guy on top!  Not.

His going away party was wonderful with many friends and nearly all of his family turning out.   The pix are now posted in an album on my Facebook.   There may have been some who came later that I didn't get, sorry.  The kids helped decorate, making the poster that shows up in the background of the pix, putting the address labels and stamps on the mounds of envelopes we sent with him, hoping he'd find the time to write.  Bec and her mom made absolutely fabulous cookies because of David's sweettooth.  They even made enough to send a care package home with me .  A few made it home to Ted.

His recruiting sargeant picked him up at 3 friggin am, I know cause I was up, texting him till he left. Being a mom.   I was already back home in Mariposa and couldn't sleep.  He was to have flown out in 24 hours, BUT because of the huge blizzard across the Midwest,  he couldn't.   He was stuck for 4 days in LA with 23 other recruits, at MEPS at a hotel near the airport.   He texted me from time to time while in LA.  I, being a mom,  worried that he would be REALLY cold at bootcamp, was assured that he had cap, gloves and a jacket. He is rumored to have left in shorts, typically SoCal,  which I'm sure caused much hilarity and discomfort at the other end where it was 4 degrees when he finally landed.

I haven't heard from him first hand, but Becca has and is preventing my heart attack by reading his letter to me over the phone.  I guess they were able to call briefly (less than a 2 minute phone call) to assure loved ones that they had arrived.   Still haven't an address for him and will chafe at not being able to get him his birthday card next week.   He will turn 35, the cut-off age, while in basic training.   He requested that we NOT send birthday cards as the others will tease him.  TOO BAD, guy.  I guess I could repost his facebook picture of his hernia incision from his last birthday, lol!  That will teach him.  Happy birthday, Big Man!