From The Past: October 24, 2007

I was warned when Andrew left for boot camp that he would make one phone call to let me know he had arrived safely. He had to read a certain script and would not be permitted to say anything else no matter what we said to him.

He told me before he left, he would spend his one phone call on me. This meant more to me than I could ever express. He could have called his girlfriend or his papaw; instead, he chose me and for that, I am honored.

I had no idea when he would call, but I figured it would be sometime Wednesday (today). I honestly figured he would call at a decent hour when we were awake and alert. I carried my cell phone around with me everywhere I went just in case he called earlier than expected.

At bedtime, I laid my cell phone next to Kevin on the desk because I don’t have a bedside table. We were both in a deep sleep when my phone rang at 1:10 AM. Kevin answered and all I heard him say was, “Good luck. We love you.”

I asked if that was Andrew and he said yes, it was. I asked why he didn’t pass the phone to me and he said there was no time. He said Andrew was reading quickly and he could hear other Marines talking around him (saying the same thing). He said Andrew talked so fast that by the time he passed the phone to me he would have been gone.

So, what did I do at 1:12 AM? I’m sure you guessed it!

I cried! I blew my nose. I got frustrated and disappointed and then went back to sleep.

This is what Andrew (and all other Marines) are allowed to say:

*I have arrived safely at Parris Island.

*Please do not send any food or bulky items.

*I will contact you in 3 to 5 days via postcard with my new mailing address.

*Thank you for your support.

*Goodbye for now.

Hey, at least I know he is safe. I have a schedule of what he will be doing each week. It looks like they will be doing basic things this week like getting their gear and medical exams. Saturday they will have a big test to see where they are physically. He did great on this test when he was here, so I’m sure he will excel there also. Kevin made me a calendar so I am set! After today, he only has 84 days left!

*****

Mom got more platelets at the Markey today. Other than that, things seem to be going her way.