Ross (and Weston, with his back to the camera) playing in the Pocatalico River when they were little, not far from where we now live.
They usually get three phone calls in boot camp. One when they first arrive, to tell someone that they got there okay. One about halfway through, and one more after they complete the final test. (The last one is called the “I am a sailor” phone call because it’s after they’ve been told they’re going to graduate.) If they get any more phone calls, it’s because they were awarded an extra call for doing well. Ross made his first phone call to his girlfriend. When the rest of his division got to make their second phone call last week, Ross was denied the call because his petty officer was mad at him for going to see the doctor. (He’d hurt his foot. He has an upper rack and he hit the floor wrong one morning leaping out of bed to attention. They put him on light limited duty for three days and he’s better now.) But! His division did so well on some tests, they were awarded an extra call. AND HE CALLED ME!!!
I was in the middle of writing him a letter when he called. He sounded so good, very excited about graduation in a few weeks, and said he’s at the point where he’s having fun now and the physical stuff doesn’t bother him anymore. I swear he sounded older and more mature. But most of all, he sounded happy and like he was enjoying himself. It was absolutely wonderful just to hear his voice! I asked him what he wanted to do on his liberty weekend after graduation and he said, “I want to come to your hotel room and TAKE A REAL SHOWER.”
mommafox says:
Sounds like there has been a lot of growing up for that little boy with the mischevious smile. And to think you outranked the girlfriend for that second call. :snoopy: :snoopy:
On July 25, 2010 at 1:13 am
IowaCowgirl says:
Congratulations!
On July 25, 2010 at 2:00 am
Nancy in Iowa says:
I am smiling a really big smile for both you and Ross! To paraphrase: What doesn’t kill you makes you grow up. :snoopy:
On July 25, 2010 at 2:40 am
Leann says:
Get ready to feed this boy Suzanne. When my grandson got out of bootcamp last year he ate amazing amounts of food the first few days! 🙂
On July 25, 2010 at 3:03 am
Rose H says:
So pleased for you both!
On July 25, 2010 at 3:37 am
glenda says:
I know how you feel! I can just tell from talking to my son if he is happy or if something is bothering him……and he is 45! We are tuned in to these things.
I bet you sleep better after talking to him knowing all’s right in his world.
On July 25, 2010 at 6:17 am
Pete says:
Suzanne, Glad to hear that Ross has made that transformation that magically happens in Great Lakes. Tell him that he should enjoy all the “hollywood” showers he can now because when he finishes all his training and joins the underway, underwater Navy long relaxing showers just don’t happen. Congratulations to you both and my sincere thanks from a greatful recipient of your son’s willingness to protect and preserve our freedoms.
On July 25, 2010 at 7:27 am
Sheryl at Providence Acres Farm says:
That’s wonderful, Suzanne! Its says a lot about how great a mom you are if he calls you with one of his rare phone calls. I’m glad he is doing so well and likes it.
My own son who is 24, is going into the military here in Canada. Its a combined military now, used to be separated. No more navy, army, etc. etc. He aced all his testing and needs a medical and so forth, then he’s in and off to basic training (boot camp) for 6 weeks. He has been accepted into MP school, which is very hard to get into and we are so proud of him! He’s our youngest.
On July 25, 2010 at 7:32 am
Laura B. in Greenwood, IN says:
Thank you Ross, for giving up some of your “freedoms” to protect ours.
On July 25, 2010 at 8:10 am
Carmen C. says:
LOL, I can understand the want for a real shower! My son who is in Army basic training wrote & said on Grad. day he just wants to eat a normal meal without having to wolf it down in 2 minutes:)
On July 25, 2010 at 8:11 am
Denise :) says:
Good for him! If I remember correctly (and it has been a long time), we didn’t get three calls like that. I also remember thinking that boot camp was mostly a mind game. It sounds like Ross is handling it well; *you’ll* be getting that third call in no time! :purpleflower:
On July 25, 2010 at 8:18 am
Becky says:
I’m SO HAPPY for you! Isn’t it amazing how much more you can tell by hearing your child’s voice than by reading a letter?!? It sounds to me like you have three wonderful kids! :hug:
On July 25, 2010 at 8:24 am
~jackie says:
Woohoo! What a way for a boy to make his Momma’s day! 🙂
On July 25, 2010 at 8:39 am
Melinda says:
There is just something about hearing your child’s voice that makes the day beam a lot brighter. I am so glad for you that he called.
On July 25, 2010 at 9:16 am
Northcountrygirl says:
Awwwww! That’s so sweet! I’m glad the worst is over and it sounds like he’s finally past the worst. I’m glad he called. You did a good job, Mom! You should be VERY PROUD!!
On July 25, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Lori Skoog says:
Glad to hear that your son is doing well and got a chance for an extra phone call. You’ll be so happy to see him!
On July 25, 2010 at 3:35 pm
rileysmom says:
I bet you feel like a million bucks! :happyfeet:
On July 25, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Senta Sandberg says:
Bless him. I have been praying for him lately. I don’t even know him, but kids like him are a blessing to us all.
On July 25, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Rose C. says:
Great phone call, and yes he will do well. Hang in there mom and you will see him in a few weeks.
On July 25, 2010 at 9:22 pm
winifred says:
Nice!
On July 26, 2010 at 8:00 am
Charlotte Spears says:
That is wonderful news!!! Sounds like he is doing great. Hope he enjoys that real shower this week-end. My dad and brother were both in the US Army (dad during WWII and bro. during the Gulf War). I know that a military shower means a hop in and hop out “rinse down”. Bet he stays in there for at least 15 minutes~glad you won’t have to pay the water bill~lol.
Congratulations to him and prayers for much success in his military carreer.
On July 27, 2010 at 9:54 am