Hello,
Catching up after a very busy weekend. We were spending time with last minute visitors before we leave on May 4 for Travers City.
After my meltdown on Thursday, I received word from Jeff that he received the form letter from Trent. Jeff was kind enough to send me pictures of all the pages, including the letters from the Drill Instructors. I'm not quite sure if I was relieved or more anxious! ;-) Included in the text with photos was a hand written note Trent slipped into the form letter packet (this was snuck in). It warmed my heart to see his handwriting but reading how difficult this experience has been for him so far was sad for me. As I've said over and over I KNOW this is the best thing in the world for him, hands down, without a doubt! With that being said, from a mother's perspective it's still difficult to see your child suffering; it's not a bad thing in any way in this situation, it's just hard.
The weekend was busy so I wasn't as consumed with wondering how/what he is doing, however disappointed again on Saturday when I didn't get a letter from him. On Saturday afternoon I put together a big list of motivational quotes and I will be sending those to him regularly from this point forward. I hope they will keep him motivated and positive.
One thing we have been reminded of over and over on the various websites, written information and Facebook pages is to keep all correspondence positive. Do not focus or mention the pain and frustration he must be feeling and certainly do not pity him, keep it all positive. I've have been making a huge effort to do just that and I hope my letters will be beneficial for him!!
One thing we did learn when he sent the form letter with his address, the mailing address Jeff received from his local recruiter had the incorrect platoon number. Why is that important to note? I wanted him to hear from someone at home as soon as possible, therefore I sent numerous letters to him prior to receiving his "official" mailing address in the infamous form letter. I'm not certain if he received or will receive those letters. At least I was thinking ahead enough to write to him using a Word document and I was able to resend most everything to the correct address. There were a couple handwritten notes included, but a least he will get most everything that had already been sent once, maybe now he'll get it twice!
Sunday I picked up printed photos I ordered, stamps and #10 white envelopes to send his letters in. We have been advised to use only #10 white envelopes to not draw any attention to his mail and cause him to be singled out by the Drill Instructors. The only writing on the outside is his address and my return address. I also included several self addressed stamped envelopes and also a few spare stamps so he should have what he needs to write to others! I've also learned sending him envelopes already addressed will save him time with writing since he has such a limited amount of time each day to himself. All those items went in the mail today!
I was disappointed again today to not see a letter in my mailbox from him... I know one will show up soon, just not soon enough. :-(
If you wish to write to Trent, his mail address is:
Recruit Waugh, Trenton J
2nd Bn Echo Co. Plt. 2106
36001 Midway Ave.
San Diego, California 92140-2106
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