The letters take about 3-4 days to get from Dillon to home. The last one I got was written before we spoke on Saturday, but I just received it this past Monday. He was still home sick and saying that GYA "sucks". I was really hoping that his feelings would change after he made it through the "acclimation phase" a.k.a. "hell week". Well, sure enough...they did. (well at least SOME of his feelings).
I have spent most of today running errands and really hadn't expected another letter from Dillon, but when I got home and heard the mail lady drop the mail through the slot in the garage, I ran to see what she had left in the basket. There it was....my golden ticket!! I tore it open and optimistically began to read...Aug 1st.
"Mom and Steve: Hey, how are you doing? It's the day after I spoke with you. I miss you very much and can't wait for Family Day....you can bring food and drinks, but not alcohol."
I had to laugh at this. I guess he thought we would want to "party" it up and serve cocktails...ha ha. Then he goes on to say:
"Today I wore my uniform for the first time, it felt GREAT." And the tears begin to flow. I don't know if Dillon has ever said it felt "great" to wear any clothes that he has bought. Not the newest fashion t-shirt or the one with the designer label. Not even his motorcycle gear or a new hat that he bought with his own money. Of course he really likes these things, but I've never heard him say that something he wore made him "feel great". I knew exactly what he meant. It wasn't the fit or the fabric. It was the things that he had accomplished to earn that uniform. HE felt great....I could hear the pride from his pencil lead. I am so happy for him!!
He goes on to talk about his platoon...49 strong...and how they have shared their thoughts and feelings with each other. He says he has shin splints and that the food sucks...especially the vegetables at dinner. Dillon is one of those kids that actually loves vegetables...but not mushy ones. I had to laugh at this. Only Dillon would mention the "vegetables" (Jasmine will be happy about that). He has already lost 20 pounds.!! He weighed 233 going into the program and is now 213. He's getting leaner every day.
He goes on to Aug 2nd:
"Today was my first day of school. We have 3 classes a day, 2 hours each. I feel pretty comfortable in all of them. My group is one of the smartest groups or the smartest. It's pretty easy so far. We also went on a hike while we carried a 200 lb, long pole 3 people at a time and traded off. We went to the top of the Eagle Ridge.....We all yelled 'TOP DOG PRIDE TILL WE DIE!!'. It felt AMAZING." Now here again...I have never heard Dillon say it felt "amazing". Not riding his dirt bike or zipping down the mountain on his snow board. I've heard him say, "fun" or "hecka fun" or "awesome"....but "It felt AMAZING"....those are words that come from deep down inside...those are words of accomplishment. He goes on to say, "I wish this program was over most of the time, but once in a while our Sergeant's give a speech that makes me proud and full of pride. It only lasts for about 20 min., but it helps. I can't wait to see you on Family Day. Love you, Dillon"
There it was in black and white. My boy is becoming a man. He is finding that he is stronger than he ever thought and that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to. He is finding his inner strength and his pride. I am so happy for him...so completely happy!!
On a sad note:
One of his platoon members lost their dad....he died unexpectedly. Dillon was "really upset" to hear that. The cadet had a 24 hour leave and returned to finish the program. There are some very strong and brave young men there with Dillon. I know he must draw strength from their stories.
Dillon is finding Dillon. I love it. This is the greatest gift he will ever give to himself as well as his family. I've got another letter to send off to Dillon he should receive it next week.
ReplyDeleteI love you Dillon.