I was so happy when I went to the mailbox and there was a letter from Dillon. I was like a kid at Christmas knowing that there was something very special inside that envelope. Steve was doing dishes when I ran in and proclaimed, "WE GOT A LETTER FROM DILLON!!" I tore open the envelope and pulled out 2 full pages, double spaced, and both sides filled with his thoughts. I got as far as the first few words when I choked up.
"I really appreciate you guys writing me. Mom if you can let Grandma Judy and Bob know that I said I love them and miss them and thank you for the letters. If you can post on my wall on Facebook that I most likely will not be writing anyone but my parents cause we have a limited time of writing. I miss you all so much and love you all... Please let Ralph and Lynn know I love them and thank you for the letters. Sorry I could not write."
He goes on to tell about how they get "smoked" by having to do sit-ups and push-ups and hold their canteens above their heads for 30 minutes, and if anyone lets down or slacks they have to start all over again. He says it is a lot different then he thought it would be. Here is a picture I found on the GYA website. He is sitting down to the far right directly behind the boy with his head in his hand.
Then there is another here showing some of the physical challenges that he is doing. He looks so focused!! He says that his back hurts and he is tired....I know this is more exercise than he has ever done. I continue to think of the pride that must be growing inside of him. I only hope that he can get past the physical pain and the homesickness and dig deep enough to realize that he can do this. This is going to make him so strong both physically and mentally.
I continue to have my own struggles with missing him. I went for a run today and felt so weak. I wanted to quit, I wanted to slack, but I couldn't. If Dillon can continue to work hard everyday then so can I. My solace lies in knowing the strength, courage, and self confidence that he is gaining. I continue to write him often and send pictures as well. I just blew up a picture of his head, mounted it on some foam board and will be taking pictures as we go to different places. I'm sure he will get a kick out of this. So keep checking back to see our pictures with "Dillon's Head"...grin.
Thank you to all that have written. I will continue to send updates as I receive them.
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI sent a letter to Dillon today to boost his spirits and reminding him that the next couple of weeks will be the hardest. I suggested he stay in the "Now" to keep focused on the task at hand. I know he will manage to overcome the hardships, he's a trooper. He is inspiring those of us on the other side of the fence and he doesn't realize that just yet. He's in my prayers and so are you.
Thanks Mom...the letters are so important. Right now, it's all he has to comfort him. It's good that he is hearing from other people besided his parents that are letting him know they are proud of him and encouraging him along his journey. Please continue to write as often as you can. He is having a tough go of it, but I know your words bring him comfort.
ReplyDeleteI am very proud of both you and Dillon. Dillon has a great opportunity to jump to new levels with this experience and looks/sounds like he is taking full advantage of it! You as a mother are also leaping to new heights and your writing is very coloful and impressive Mary. Maya and I are following along and sending our Love & Light to you, Dillon and Kyle. We will be sending a funny Sedona postcard Dillon's way to give him a chuckle...we're sure he could use all the smiles and grins he can get now! Love Wes & Maya
ReplyDeleteThanks Wes...I'm happy to hear that you and Maya are following along and joining in to send Dillon some love. He really needs it right now. And I do too...thank you!!
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