"kid in a box"

[jjopple]

zac's belongings came today.  they were sitting on the porch when i got home from work.  i don't know why but i was so scared to open them.  i did and of course starting bawling.  it's only been a few days since he left and yet i find myself still not knowing how to react.  some days i feel like crying and then other days i try to continue on with my life knowing that he is okay and doing something wonderful for everyone.  but inside i continue to think about him and replay over and over in my mind the last things he said to us when he was able to call.  i also find that i am constantly checking my phone and i take it everywhere hoping that maybe he for some reason would be calling (although i know he won't be for another couple of weeks).  i noticed to that the notebook we sent with everyones addresses came back.  not sure if he was able to write them somewhere else or doesn't have them at all.  how much longer will i have to wait for the "the letter" to come.  i can't stand not having any contact with him at all.  i want to write to him now but i guess we have to wait for his address.  i feel like by the time it comes and we are able to get mail to him it will be weeks with no communication.  i miss my son and his funny sense of humor just like his dad.....:(

[MattsMama Ship 02/Div 924]

I, too, got the box today.  Amazing how much emotion can be packed into a brown corrugated box.  Thinking of you and your family. 

[prayforthesailors]

Hi Zac's mom!  That box is absolutely heartwrenching.  It seems to make the seperation so complete.  But don't worry, that letter will come, it is mandatory.  The letters become such a lifeline.  The sailors live for your contact.  I have saved all my letters from boot camp.  It seems like striping them down to nothing brings them closer than ever to family.  They are so appreciative of their families after they've gone.  I miss getting those letters now that he is at Power School.  The phone calls are great, but it's not the same.  My advice is to start writing letters now, then send them out one at a time when you get the address, your sailor will love getting mail.  I teach in an Elementary school and I asked my clss if theyy's like to write and a bunch of them did.  My son was thrilled.  Once you get that address you can write him and include all the address that he might want.  Hang in there!