DEP moms

[Lisa in Michigan]

I've read so many blogs about "the box" and just thought of something that might help moms with children in DEP. Before your child leaves for boot camp, how about asking them to write you a note to include in the box when they send it home. Those 3 little lines that come with the form letter we get in the beginning are so precious. We all live for their letters when they are in boot camp. If they could send a note with the box, it wouldn't feel so final and impersonal. If they place the note in a pocket when they leave, it will arrive with their clothing.

[Molly mom of 2 + 330,701 sailors]

This is always an option also:
My son donated the clothes on his back to charity and I never received a box. I didn't have to go threw the trauma of *the box* and I was very happy for that.
I still got the 3 line note with address on it, just not the box.

[Mom of a Sailor]

That is a great idea! I told my son's recruiter about it!!

[Jackie]

Lisa, This is a great suggestion. That would have helped a lot.

[Melissa (Tucson)]

I thought the box was interesting. First off, his boxers where still inside his pants (came off all at once?) and I could tell he had rolled up the legs on his pants (was that where they turn up the heat and try and get them to fall asleep?). Also in the "box" was an small empty white box. I figured out right away what it was and I waited to see if hubby would figure it out. He couldn't. So not only did he send his clothes, he sent the garbage he must have been holding. I thought the box told an interesting story of what was going on at boot camp. Just another perspective....Sailor son refused to donate his clothes, those were his Michael Jordan tennis shoes!!!! lol

[Julie-Kyle's Proud Mom]

Lisa
Awesome idea. That box moment is traumatic especially if you didn't know about it. All good suggestions!