YES!!!

Got a three page letter from Tom today! It's amazing how two sentences made my week! "I miss you a lot, mom. I love you!" What more could I ask for!? Well, how about hearing that Tom as decided to take the Marine Security Guard position!? I'm just waiting now for confirmation that he actually gets it and didn't hesitate too long in making his decision.

He sounds so upbeat. Said things are getting easier every day. Has become fast friends with his rack mate. He said that the DIs don't scare them anymore. He scored 100% on his test earlier this week too.

I'm so proud of my boy. Love him and miss him so very much! But more proud than anything else! Love you, bud!

Phase II of Training Begins!

We got another letter yesterday. Tom sounds so excited and happy! He passed his swim test and his MCMAP test. He said he heard that Phase II goes by fast for the recruits. I sure hope it goes by fast for us too! They are having their photos taken this week and also get their inoculations. Oh boy, does that sound like fun, or what!? He said things are a little bit easier now and calmer. He did also mention to Brad that he will not be able to wrestle with him any more. . . .Marine Corps. regulations. Brad is a little disappointed, but he will survive! 50 days to Family Day! Love you, bud!

Woo Hoo! Another Letter!

So, we got another letter yesterday. Seems Tom's cold turned into pneumonia and he was on bed rest for a couple of days and light duty for another two. But, he is extremely upbeat and happy. He has been approached about being Marine Security Force for the President of the United States! Wow. I spoke with his recruiter and he told me it is a "good and a big thing" to do this. "Very prestigious." Tom said he's not sure he wants to do this, but did ask for our opinion. SO, I wrote him a very, very encouraging letter. This is a once in lifetime opportunity. I pray he takes it and runs with it. What an honor! I think my heart is going to burst with pride! Thomas, I love you, bud!

Missing Tom

Well, it's been about two weeks since we have gotten a letter as a family. Brad did get one last week that was dated July 4th. Tom said they didn't get to participate in any of the festivities on the island that day. :( He did also say he will be stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego. He told Brad that he picked Pendleton because that way he will be close to LA when Brad hits the big time and will then be able to attend his red carpet premiers. I can see my two boys on the red carpet now! They are both destined for good things!

I've been kind of down for about a week now. Waiting to hear from Tom is hard! While I am glad that he is writing to his brother and friends, I do wish I would get a letter soon! Am I wrong and feeling somewhat miffed when I open Face Book to see shout outs to him daily along with "I got two letters from Tom today" and other various sappy statements? It's like rubbing salt into a wound. And then to hear shock in someone's tone when they ask, "You got a letter too?" or "I see he told you that too." I want to shout, "I'M HIS MOTHER. OF COURSE HE TOLD ME!" There I've said it. I'm not trying to be malicious or hurt anyone, but please c'mon, a little common sense here. He was mine for 18 years. My baby. My boy. Give me time to adjust to the fact that he is now his own man. I love my boy and he will always be my baby.

Just a letter. I just want a letter. Soon. Oh, and if you should get a letter from him, please feel free to share with me what he had to say. I will hang on every word; but, don't do it in a manner that is gloating or boasting because you got one and I didn't.

Tom, I pray for your safety and the safety of those in your platoon. Stay strong. I'm proud of you, bud! Love you!