Dear Mom- My New Favorite Words!

I started out being "Daughter" to my wonderful parents.  I shared last week that my Dad called me "Sookie" long before those New Jersey folks had one.  Next I was wife, then Mom, and finally I became Nana.  That is one of the best names in the world, and until this last month, my favorite name ever.

You may remember that my son, Tyler has joined the Army.  He is in Basic Training in Ft. Benning GA, and he is out of communication right now.  My last phone call came over a week ago, and was basically just an "I'm OK Mom" call and "I will write with my new address".

Finally the letter arrived.  I was so excited.  Until I opened the mail.  To my surprise, a form letter was all that was in the envelope!  Really?  Tyler did write a few words in the margin about not having enough time to write.  I have to tell you, I was disappointed!  I mean, I know he is OK, but I just miss him so much.  Tyler is a funny kid.  He makes me laugh all the time, and I just want to hear how he is really doing!

That was Friday.  On Monday a second letter arrived with the two best words in the English language, "Dear Mom"!  How exciting to receive a REAL handwritten letter!  I am a letter writer.  I love to put pen to paper, but Tyler has only ever written two other letters to me in his whole life.  They were writing assignments for school!

Tyler's letter was just what I wished for, a look into what he is feeling and how he is getting along at Basic Training.  Because I share everything with you, I thought I'd share an excerpt from his letter.

"Now about Basic, IT SUX...we apparently got the hardest drill sergeants on this whole area. It's only going to get harder too.  Eventually we will get more privileges, but the NCO's are going to get more strict, which I didn't think was possible.  I'm doing alright though, they still have to ask me who I am after a week already, so I guess I am laying low enough.  I can feel that I'm getting stronger too.  It's hard work though.  I've honestly been sore since day one.  We don't get much recovery time, but I imagine my body will get used to it.  I don't think the food's bad either.  I've learned to eat fast and to not look at anything but my food while eating...So how have you been managing without me?  I miss taking you out for lunch.  Wing Stop sounds amazing right now!"

There is lots more, but I still cry some when I read it.  So grateful for any word from My Soldier.  I know that I am not alone in this.  Many of you have Soldiers that are away from home and I am sure that you have letters from home or from your soldiers that you would like to share as well.  We would love to hear about them.  You can share your Letters from Home here.