<p>We received 3 letters in one envelope - 1st letter: first day was rough, but letter indicated relief nc got through the day. Catching sight of mom and dad and sib on parade route back to mess hall after oath ceremony was emotional -sense of relief in seeing us there after being yelled and screamed at all day. Letter #2 dated July 3 both began and ended with " This place 'stinks' " (stronger word used) - headlamp was confiscated as contraband so no staying up late to write, too flippin' tired anyway. PT grueling and swim test on top of that when already so worn out... This places su**s". Letter #3: took math placement, haven't been able to get letters or write letters, like the roommate, like the PLs and SLs and other company leadership who have taken him under their wings. Loved the new cadet briefing with Gen. Linnington, Loved the Concert/Fireworks b/c cadre didn't scream or yell at us then and we were relaxed. Please write, and btw, "my emotions are on a rollercoaster here". Sure hope you read the letters in dated order! </p>
<p>Now for the call: 3 minutes long b/c time split w/girlfriend, but voice had a mature tone that was much stronger and sure than R-Day. "Last week was the worst week of my life, this week has actually been fun until today (Friday- 12 miles of running/walking in PT). New haircut every week and a half, my scalp got a bad sunburn yesterday. Please keep writing. I'm gonna make it".</p>
<p>So, yes, the rollercoaster ride has begun. But I'm glad to be the sounding board - I'll ride out the loops and sudden drops and breathtaking views right along with him!</p>
<p>JAM4...it must be yours is coming tonight!! DS sounded the same on the phone as he did in his letters...very upbeat, and seemingly handling it all very well. I know it will be tough when things change in 2 wks...at first it was ok to pretend he was at camp...but he's never been at camp this long!</p>
<p>Got the phone call. she sounded great. casually mentioned that she was in the hospital today getting IV fluids as she was dehydrated. geesh.
Mail takes forever and loves getting it. Food is good - a lot of health food. Says they must think we are fat - I said you are supposed to get 4,000 cal/day? She laughed and said no way - and she is a good eater.
Concert and fireworks were great. Chapel time was fun and she saw a bunch of friends from MMI.
So far so good. For the first time in two days I got to walk the dog- LOL.</p>
<p>Parents...please be respectful of your New Cadet's privacy. It is not reasonable to assume that your New Cadet wants their words, thoughts, or actions broadcasted onto an open forum for all to read. It would not be difficult at all to figure out the identity of some of your children with the information you are disclosing. PM each other if you want, but do not divulge private communication here.</p>
<p>After two short (4 sentences at best) very happy letters and a 5 minute call yesterday venting about exhaustion and button pushing (they found his and he is being pushed), I needed to revisit this thread and all of its sage advice – others may find it useful as well. He is on a roller coaster, taking me for a ride. I am just hoping and praying that today is better than yesterday…</p>
<p>momcubed: how funny to see this thread revived and read posts from moms who I’ve come to be good friends w/ over the last year…we’ve all met at various USMA events, too! I must say, it’s so much better to be on this side of beast. It’s a tough, emotional year for both mom and cadet. Best wishes to you and all others currently on the roller coaster! My yuk comes home on Wednesday!! Woo hoo!!</p>
<p>I feel really lucky that my best friend sent me a two page letter front and back. Seems like he has much more time to write these letters than many of his other fellow NCs.</p>
<p>I too feel lucky to be receiving 2 letters from my son. The first letter was 2 full pages long describing the first week (food, roommates, validation tests, etc). He said it’s hard but it’s everything he expected and more in a good way.</p>