From mom, August 12, 2009

My favorite,

It sure has been quiet around here since you left. Something was missing for about the first week and I had been in a foul state of mind. It had continued to be hotter than normal. I miss you being around and talking to you. It was so great to get your phone call Saturday and to hear that I could expect letters in the mail. I felt so much better afterwards. I was busy all Sunday with three different families coming over to see the puppies. The last poodle girl sold and went home Tuesday and a couple put a deposit down on the largest chocolate boy. I have people coming both Thursday and Friday nights to look. It is nice not having to go to work at Home Depot at night anymore, I was tired of being tired all the time and never having any energy to get anything done when I was home. Two jobs is one too many. Wes is still being Wes. Someone pulled out in front of him when he was coming home from the store, their fault. So the Kia got a little bit of damage and is now in the shop getting the front bumper, right fender, and right light all replaced. Oh and the right front tire too. We have a loaner, a F150 four door. Big gas eater that's for sure, it uses twice as much gas as the Kia. Mike passed and got his CDL and has a job interview with a company that contracts with the US postal service to drive trucks of mail from on place to another. The little boys are doing well. Get this. Ann, I guess has bad or weak teeth, an inherited problem, and anyways she bit down on a piece of pizza and one broke off. One in front! She needs to get to a dentist and get it capped. Grandma and Grandpa ask about you all the time and were happy to hear that you called and I receive letters from you. They are doing well and happy that is has finally drop in temperature around here. Your feet are swollen because you aren't used to the heat and your body's blood vessels have expanded so that you are retaining water. Best thing of course is to drink as much water as you can and piss as often as you can to help your body flush excess salts and such that is causing the water retention. By the time you get my letter your feet should be adjusting. I think, even though it has been a pain in the ass, it is better that you didn't start basic the minute you stepped off the bus. With all the shots and new equipment at least your body has some chance of adjusting before you really start with the physical training. I love you and miss you. You and I are so alike in many ways. I can't wait to hear how training is going. I know that you will excel at this. You are strong and determined and focused. Remember not to second guess your decision to enlist, it was a good choice for you. Right now you are looking from the bottom of a tall steep mountain to it's peak knowing that somehow you need to/have to get to the top of this great mountain. Just take it a step at a time, one after another, you'll get there before you know it. Success beings with just one step. I am so proud of you always. Your my favorite after all.

Love Mom

PS the dogs miss you. Fritz rolled off my bed while sleeping while I wrote this. Haha! Sadie missed the nice long talks you two shared.