First Words

Yesterday, Thursday, Patrick's letter finally arrived.  I have to give Mark, (my DH) credit - he said it wouldn't arrive until Wednesday or Thursday. He's rarely right, so when he is, I do give him credit. I immediately sent out an e-mail to family/friends with his address. The letter like his telephone call was scripted. I would be lying if I said I wasn't slightly disappointed. However, because I was starving for any news from Patrick, even the scripted letter was welcome.

The scripted letter reminded me of Patrick's first words. In a way, his first words were scripted as well. How many mothers and father's repeatedly say to their baby, 'Say Mama. Say Daddy.'  I know I would repeatedly say this to Patrick. Perhaps Marine Corps boot camp is like a rebirth of a person. 'Say my battalion is.... Say Do not send me Porn..."'Yes, it did say under the section of things the recruits cannot receive, (especially packages/parcels): No Pornographic material. I don't think it ever crossed my mind to make sure Patrick had a good supply of fake breasts and surgically enhanced asses to view when he gets homesick!

Today I set out to organize myself for my first letter to him as well as future letters. Printed Patrick's mailing labels - check! Set up a Patrick's correspondence folder - check! Made sure there are plenty of stamps on hand - soon to be checked. I had asked Mark to stop at the customer service desk at the grocery store, (where he was stopping anyway) to pick up a book of stamps. Apparently there was one person being waited on and since Mark has the patience of a two-year old, he opted to 'get them later'. Which in DH language means, 'I'll let the wife get them when she comes to the store'.

I made sure that my first letter to Patrick was sent today. I'm hoping to write him 3 - 4 times a week. One of Patrick's Pet Peeves in high school, (as most teens) was when someone asked him a lot of questions. Patrick's limit usually was 2 or 3 questions per evening. I recall trying not to ask the usual 'How was school today?' saving my questions for more important queries: 'Did you rotate the laundry this afternoon?' - important questions along those lines.  

The recruits only have a couple of hours on Sunday as free time. This time can be used for letter writing, studying or to catch up on other Marine Corps tasks, (I'm assuming shining boots and making sure their foot locker is organized etc. falls under 'tasks'). So, I'm sure letters from Patrick may be only once a week and brief.

I am just hopeful that his letters home will have more than 'Dear Mama or Dear Dad, I'm fine. Patrick'. Although, at least he would be using words I first taught him to use.