My son left June 19th for Parris Island. I am still awaiting my first letter but have been told they are kept very busy and sometimes finding time to write is tough. I was fortunate enough to receive three phones calls the day my son left. Once at his first airport because his flight was delayed. The second came during his five hour layover and the third came at 03:12 telling me had arrived safe and sound. In the third call he receited what seemed to be a rehearsed message but indeed was my son.

Please let us know when you get your first letter and what it was like! I'm sure it's hard. I have a year to go before my son goes!

My son left on the 26th...ive cried and even sleep with his blanket.

So did mine I have not herd a word other than the 1st phone call. I wish I had an address so I could get some mail out to him?

My son left the same day for the same place... hopefully by now you have gotten some letters from him to let you know how he is doing.

Hi, my daughter left June 20, 2011 and we miss her so, so much. I happen to show it with tears, and just not being myself. I too have cried myself to sleep at night, and even during the day the tears just fall from my eyes. As selfish as it may seem, as a mom I was and used to doing for our kids, but teaching them right from wrong. I believe it will pay off, for my girl is a born leader, she states in her 4th letter that she is a squad leader. She had told me for over a year she had her goals set, and she was going to accomplish them. At first her letters were that of her missing us tremendously, and loves us so much, but will see us at graduation. So I know she is determined. I think we have it so good in our civilian world, that having the limited things in the military just makes me wish she was here enjoying our life, and perhaps I need to let her see her goals through. Although, she is counting the days.