Mail at Last

Several days ago I received a wonderful 5 AM wake up call from TB. It was a number I didn't recognize, so I wasn't positive it was him. A male voice asked to speak to me. When I realized it was him, he said, "You know I always have a reason for calling." My first thought was that something had happened  He's such a stinker, pulling that on me. I'm not sure he meant to, though. It was probably just the way my mind was working.

At long last they recieved a mail drop! TB was happy to have the fan and so many other things I'd sent. Eight of the nine boxes arrived, including the one that had the replacement lenses for his sunglasses. Oddly enough the box I mailed prior to that one, didn't arrive. That particular box has the hot pot. Hopefully it will be there soon.

TB told me about one of his soldiers who didn't receive any mail. I feel so badly about that. Fortunately I was able to get some wonderful people to take care of him. I'm so proud of TB for looking out for his soldiers.

What's a Mother To Do?

I’m a mother and a teacher, so I’m used to meeting problems head on. I analyze, come up with a plan, and take care of it. Usually, I’m successful. I’ve met my match with the Army. It isn’t often I feel like beating my head against the wall, screaming, and crying all at the same time! There are young men sitting at a remote base who have not been resupplied or received packages from home in over a month. They have no more eating utensils or plates. They are out of laundry detergent and toothpaste. Their food has expired. I guess it’s MRE’s now. I understand the logistics and the danger involved in resupplying a remote base, but, as a mother, it’s driving me nuts because there’s nothing I can do about it. I’ve sent package after package with items TB needs. Not frivolous feel-good items – toothpaste, laundry detergent, body wash, shampoo. Well, okay, I’m sure the Army might consider sheets and a pillow frivolous. All the while they are expected to do their jobs, hike for miles along mountain paths, and focus on the mission. What is it doing to morale? TB is working hard to explain it to his young soldiers who are on their first deployment. When this young man who never, ever complains about anything, who sucks it up no matter what, who actually relishes the challenge of pushing himself to the limit, says to me, “I don’t want to worry you, Mom”, my heart breaks. I’m angry. I’m frustrated. I’m sad. I want to fix it. I’m the Mom. That’s my job.

Emails...At Last

I honestly believe that if I didn’t have a cell phone alert set up to notify me when I receive an email from TB, I would never leave the computer. In situations like this you really have to love modern technology! Yesterday I finally heard from TB. Happily, I was home when his email arrived, so I was able to answer right away. I never expected a reply, but sure enough, an hour later he wrote back. We spent the next hour trading emails. He caught me up, as well as he could, on what he’s been doing. I was dismayed to hear that he still hasn’t received the rest of the boxes I sent. Apparently supplies are running low, too. He seemed concerned about the morale of his soldiers. And me? I’m concerned about his morale. Always looking out for others…who’s looking out for him? I’m so thankful there’s a gym for him to use. Working out is a huge stress reliever for him. When he’s down or has a problem to work out, he hits the gym and gets back in the groove. Pushing himself physically is therapeutic for TB. I wish I was more like that, but as far as I’m concerned, sweat and extreme physical exertion are not my idea of mental or emotional therapy.

I Want....

I’m listening to thunder rumble and roll, wave after wave, each one louder than the last. I can imagine guns firing as if a battle is raging all around me, except I’m sitting here safe inside my home. That says a lot about where my thoughts have been today. I’ve been edgy and weepy for no good reason. I knew it would be this way; it’s just very disconcerting when it seems to come out of the blue. I want to wrap TB in bubblewrap so he doesn’t get hurt again if he falls on a narrow, rocky mountain path. I want to design an impenetrable shield that will protect him from flying bullets and incoming mortars. I want him to come home the same way he was when he left – in every way. I want the impossible.

Email vs Snail Mail

We've passed the Boots on the Ground one month mark. In that time TB has received the first three packages I mailed and one letter. Somewhere out there are six more letters and seven packages! Thank goodness Command lets the guys get on the computer every day! I have no doubt that it’s good for morale. I was prepared in the beginning not to hear from him for weeks at a time. I'm probably a little spoiled now as he sends an email nearly every day. Some of them are just a few words; "not much time...miss talkin to u...love you"

In last night's email I told TB that it's a dilemma because I have a lot I want to tell him and letters take so long. Plus, he often asks how I'm doing or what's new. I never know quite how much to put in an email. He only has a certain amount of time on the computer and of course, he has messages other than my own to read and respond to. He said he's glad we can get quick messages to each other, but it's cool to get letters. I know that's true and would not stop sending snail mail. It's important to have a letter that you can take back to your room and take your time to read whenever you want. I always send a handmade card with a joke and photos along with every letter.

The FOB that TB's mail goes through finally received their mail today. Maybe his base will get theirs soon. I can't help but wonder if all of it will get through at once. Even if each guy only had one box that would be a lot of boxes! I love thinking about all those soldiers finally receiving mail! Wouldn't that be fun to see?