Caleb leaves for boot camp

Saying good-bye to Caleb on the evening of September 29th was one of the hardest things I have had to do. Over the next couple of days, I waited anxiously for Caleb's call that he arrived in South Carolina safely but that call didn't come. I finally called one of the sergeants that recruited Caleb and told him I hadn't heard from Caleb. The next day, while deer hunting in South Texas, Richard received a phone call from Caleb. Since he was hunting, he did not have his phone turned on so Caleb left a voicemail saying saying that he made it to boot camp and that he loved us all.

That night, Richard called to tell me about the voicemail and Kelsey and I were eager to hear it for ourselves but when Richard returned on Sunday he explained that he mistakenly deleted it.

A week after Caleb's departure, I received a postcard from him. One side was titled: Watch Your Soldier in Action! Gas Chamber, Victory Tower, Marching, Weapons and More! A Once in a Lifetime Event! I personally think that they should have left off a few of those details!!! Apparently, we can purchase a basic training highlight video as well as a video of the boot camp graduation ceremony. 

On the other side, Caleb did have room to write a short message:

Hey Mom and Dad,

This is the actual grad video information. Missing y'all already. Tell Matt and them I said hi. Tell sis I love her.

See ya in a few weeks,

Caleb

I now find myself running to the mailbox each day hoping to find another note from Caleb. He didn't leave his address on this postcard but I feel like his next letter will include his mailing address as well as the day he graduates. I will post that information as soon as I get it.

Please continue praying for Caleb.