Warren has made it through his first weekend at Parris Island. Today marks the full week since we last saw him. Obviously, this is a different weekend schedule than he would normally have when he was at home. Since his early enlistment, every Saturday he would get up early and go to PT. We would usually not be up when he left and he would come back home sore, tired and smelly around noon. He would stretch, grab a quick bite to eat and then shower. After that was complete, he would hit the lazy boy with Arnold and take a nap.
The good news for Warren is that he basically could sleep anywhere and at anytime. Although this could be skill, like anything else "with great power comes great responsibility". Being able to sleep anywhere is only good when they tell you that you can sleep. Sleeping at the wrong time can cause a world of pain in boot camp. I think he can distinguish when and where to sleep and let's hope that he never goes over to the dark side.
We've been sending him mail with regularity so hopefully he has begun to receive some mail from home. We both have indicated to him that we don't expect him to write. We'd love to hear from him, just to know he is okay but when it comes right down to it, he is there to grow and learn. If he has to study and practice a skill he learned that day, then that's the way it is. We'd rather be sure that he is confident in his answers and abilities so if he has to sacrifice some of the time he would spend writing doing what is best for him and his situation, then so be it. So although we have asked that you write to him, don't be upset if he may not respond. I think his plate is pretty full at the moment so try to understand and don't be upset about it. Continue to write to him and when he has completed boot camp, he can thank you for your letters in person.
Keep Warren and all of these recruits in your thoughts and prayers. Especially as you (and I) sit in air conditioned comfort and think "Man, it is hot outside!" That's true and remember that this recruits are going to be out in the heat learning the next tasks on the training calendar. This week will begin Phase I Training which includes the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and that will continue throughtout Phase I. I don't have to tell you that means they do these programs out in the heat. So if you think you're hot.....remember these young men (and women) that are in boot camp vying to earn the title of Marine.
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