Ann posts from MCT Fox Company graduating July 15, 2008
AnnandallPosted - 06/18/2008 : 07:08:40
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Hmm been reading for the last 50 minutes between things I’d missed on the other board and these new ones. Can’t say how appreciative I was of messages where the guys were starting to text in. I know there won’t be many contacts until the weekend, but the old sense of vicariously knowing my sons experiences through others letters is about the same. I welcome that. I feel a little more confused as to what might have happened to my son as to which company and platoon he might be going into. I’m pretty sure that he made it though and someone gave him a place to sleep and food to eat. I think he was at a place to take things positively, but he’d said something when he was here of his leg hurting while running and I’m not sure, but might be checking into medical when he gets to CP. We’ll have to see how all that turns out.
I feel more humbled by the entire experience of him being a Marine - Especially, watching all that he tried to do while home – making value of his time and self. He added one part where he started seeing his old girlfriend again, which gave the experience that much more toward dimension. He was ready to try a more complicated relationship. I met the girl for the first time and look forward to other opportunities to know her. I think Thom did the best he could of making every moment special and in bringing his two worlds together. I have to really appreciate that. I don’t know how much he will share on weekends, because I’m sure that he’ll call others – there not being as much need for Mom is the thoughts rambling through my brain this morning. But, I can also think those are self-de-evaluative statements and that meant coming from me, not from my son. I know that I have a role in my son’s life – not sure which form it will take. There’s no doubt though that he is a Marine and that the roller coaster is continuing. Best look into my attitude and think the best thoughts forward.
I have to ask myself, which role do I want to play? And, then which role Thom will want or allow me to play in his life. I think that there doesn’t have to be a competition between girl and mother. I would expect she hears more of the things pursuant to his day to day struggles with reality, and the things he would like to believe in – his idealized self – will be what I hear from him. I don’t think it is less honest, but maybe more in line with trying to always impress the best of what we try to offer parents. I still think of all the stories where the boys didn’t meet up to idealized standards as to amount of time spent or condition of room – I think I could justify that by agreeing with the persons who brought up the hurt and agony of separation and them trying to avoid that pain. Maybe they numbed themselves or hid their true selves from us, because they didn’t want us to see how vulnerable they felt. Hmm, maybe I’m reading into this, but on the whole … I always want to be in the position – role … to be seeing their best sides, even though it may have been masked.
I’m really looking forward to the excitement and challenges of his life. The door swings open – and the stage curtains unfold.
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VPM PFC Thom's Mom - Ann
MCT-SD - Fox Company expected graduation 7/15/08
1st RTBN, Alpha Co., Plt 1002, MCRD-SD, 6/6/08
It's about "all" of us
Annandall
Posted - 06/21/2008 : 11:42:29
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Hi guys! It's just me. It seems as if things are going ok here, a lot of time has gone into surprising the guys. If nothing else, we're a fun-loving bunch! I wanted to tell you all and the ITB side that I've been around the boards this morning trying to get a feel for this "New life" outside of bootcamp. Today, I opened a new topic over on the Marine parents side. This is the link.
http://www.usmcparents.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=74592
The reason I did this was two-fold. First, it won't be long until everyone is past ITB or MCT and going different directions. Being over at the Marine Parents board seemed like the direction we will all be headed. It'll be our one place to park and hopefully all keep together. Plus, I thought for now it could give us a place whether you are on the ITB or MCT a place to meet together as we've always been. I know that for now it means a little jumping around, but all of us are used to multiple topics right?
Don't forget you will have to register again for that board. Looking forward to seeing you there in addition to continuing here at "After Boot Camp."
Missing all you terribly!
Ann
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VPM PFC Thom's Mom - Ann
MCT-SD - Fox Company expected graduation 7/15/08
1st RTBN, Alpha Co., Plt 1002, MCRD-SD, 6/6/08
It's about "all" of us
Annandall
Posted - 06/29/2008 : 10:50:39
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Just stopping in to say good morning. Seems we’ve been busy all morning catching up with our posts. I see this is where all the action is. We got a call from Thom last night and have text him a good morning today. I wish I knew the correct questions to ask to get to all the “good stuff.” But, pretty much it just sounds like … we’re eating, sleeping, and working hard. I guess that’s really why they are there – to be worked hard. Thom said the 10 K hike was harder than the Reaper. He came in 5 minutes slower than he should have, so lost a couple hours of liberty. I think he was just grateful he made it. He seemed to do much better carrying his peers this week. That’s pretty good considering his small size.
I think that Thom was much more interested in calling and communicating with people from home rather than worry about being at the beach or whatever for liberty. He said he had gotten sunburn and that was not so good a thing during the week.
From looking at the schedule there seems to be a lot of “weapon-things” coming up during the third week and then T-16 they are going to have to do one more hike. This next one will be 15K. Oh Lordy, they know how to push Marines. I’m amazed that after the next hike for the first 4 ½ hours, the other half the day is going to be used picking-up battle skills and that continues for 3 days. Lucky thing this next week coming up there will be plenty of PT and MCMAP to get them in better shape. Our guys are going to be tough as nails! I know he's being pushed, but if he's going to go into battle, I want to know he's ready in endurance. Keep going guys - you're pulling through!
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VPM PFC Thom's Mom - Ann
MCT-SD - Fox Company expected graduation 7/15/08
1st RTBN, Alpha Co., Plt 1002, MCRD-SD, 6/6/08
It's about "all" of us
Annandall
Posted - 06/29/2008 : 17:27:00
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There was a little drama last night that seemed to be cleared up this morning. But, it had looked troublesome. I think most trouble can be avoided if your just doing "what's right" by most people's standards - and, especially by Marine standards. Why do some people tempt fate?
Thom called again just a few moments ago ... he said that time was eaten up by getting back and forth from the main side, getting haircuts, eating, etc., and then having to come back for laundry. He says there wasn't a lot of time for rejuvenation. Well, that's at least the Mom version. They should be leaving pretty soon to be taking that bus down range. Really impressed with what all the Marines have in store this week. Let's pray they gain good strength to get their work done right!
Thom says they learn about new things and then they apply their knowledge it seems pretty direct to me. Lot's to learn before they come back on Saturday. Chances are they're not getting "play-time" 4th of July. Maybe the Marines will do some fireworks out in the field? At the least they could set off a cannon! Obviously toward the other direction.
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VPM PFC Thom's Mom - Ann
MCT-SD - Fox Company expected graduation 7/15/08
1st RTBN, Alpha Co., Plt 1002, MCRD-SD, 6/6/08
It's about "all" of us
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Edited by - ~Lazyk on 06/29/2008 23:12:54
Annandall
Posted - 07/01/2008 : 06:22:52
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Thom has got some kind of accommodations over at his father’s place, so I don’t have to worry per-se of room cleaning, but that wouldn’t be to say, I don’t have a spare bedroom, that SHOULD be cleaned. Rich says that when he gets over all this fishing for a few weeks that he’s going to get some kind of exercise equipment and a cable TV and we’re BOTH going to work there. *Sigh* Oh … Joy. Maybe he’ll get two bikes and we can race! Hehehe
For Platoon 2 and 4 today it seems to be grenade and rocket launchers and something “CM?” that’s going to keep them up until 1:30 … yeegads! What’s 3 ½ hours of sleep? He’s a Marine and going to be tough, right?
I just noticed there is a Marine video for MCT for $12.50 … has anyone ordered it yet? Maybe we’ll try that today after 9 am. There’s a trailer here ….
http://www.whatsafterboot.com/video.asp
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VPM PFC Thom's Mom - Ann
MCT-SD - Fox Company expected graduation 7/15/08
1st RTBN, Alpha Co., Plt 1002, MCRD-SD, 6/6/08
It's about "all" of us
Annandall
Posted - 07/04/2008 : 08:55:45
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Wow a large range of topics here to respond to this morning. I think the snakes, lizards, and mice are truly capturing our imagination. God Bless you Mel! You’ve got our sympathy on that one! Maybe you could rent them out? Surely someone wouldn’t mind taking care of a snake? Hehehe maybe a good time to “adopt” someone else’s son who wants to practice good snake caring habits. Maybe put an ad out amongst your son’s friends saying something like, “Be a part of a Marine’s life – house his snake today! Free correspondence with Marine included!” Ok, maybe I’m not so clever, but I think I could get there if I had a snake on my hands – Pshwoo!
I’m still trying to get a hold of myself on the Patriotism. I’ve never owned a flag. I’m remembering I think it was Sandy who had the three flags on poles. I think that is so cool. I live in an apartment so I don’t think we’re going there any time soon. But, maybe this would be a good time to invest in something. I’m not sure how our landlord would feel about a sign from the balcony – I have to admit I’ve looked at them and agree with you Carolyn – I really like the statement to sleep well because our Marine has your back.
I’m continuing the reading and I’ve watched a few videos from a site called military.com. I don’t think I’ve bridged yet the gap that believes this is all real yet – but, I’m really trying hard. I found myself thinking all week – Thom is learning to use grenade launchers and rocket launchers. It helps to think that this seems a little more distant than hand-to-hand combat or with the knives at the end of his rifle.
I’m sort of afraid of putting it out here, because I don’t know where you are with it, but I’ve been having nightmares of “killing.” I'm not sure if this is somethign that will be ok with the moderators. I don’t think my mind is grappling well, or maybe the nightmares are a way of dealing with what our sons are being trained to do. I think Thom’s strongest point has been all along if it is a choice between them or me, he wants to be alive, or he would do whatever it takes to protect his fellow Marines. I agree whole-heartedly, but still feel conflicted. Is it a bad thing that I am thinking of these sorts of issues? I’m afraid I don’t understand the nature of war or taking another mother’s son. Just that would seem to generate even more hatred. I’m trying though … I’d appreciate anyone’s help they could send this way.
Yesterday, I saw something on video of little kids 4-6 year olds being trained to hate and being used as suicide bombers. I don’t know how to process this. Help? Where does all this anger come from?
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VPM PFC Thom's Mom - Ann
MCT-SD - Fox Company expected graduation 7/15/08
1st RTBN, Alpha Co., Plt 1002, MCRD-SD, 6/6/08
It's about "all" of us
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Edited by - ~Lazyk on 07/04/2008 09:48:47
Annandall
Posted - 07/05/2008 : 09:53:08
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Thanks Carolyn and Sandy for the responses. This is tough stuff for me … I’m in the stage where I’m thinking … ok, this is a howitzer, this is an EFV (expeditionary fighting vehicle), or so we’ve gotten up to aviation as this – Ospreys. You say it does what?
I’ve figured out that the Marines are the smallest force and they have the least prodigious funding, but it seems for being little guys they are getting some stuff that makes them pretty potent. I feel happy that Marines are so revered. The thinking is that I would want the best for my son. I think that everyone affects everyone, but that military who do the nature of war might feel a chip on their shoulder being misunderstood, or slighted in the budget, but that they are too elite to be of much concern to them. They’d do with what they got.
I read something last night about them protecting us with a blanket of freedom so that we shouldn’t question their morality. I agree with that generically – I’d want to see them doing their jobs, and no I would not want to cast doubt on my son. But then he grew up with me and likely already knows I’m a pacifist. He’d consider that, but not allow me to affect his independent choices. I know he’s always been headed toward doing great things. Throughout his childhood I would tell people that he has always stood for justice. I suppose this is part of a bigger picture I'm not seeing through.
Ok, I’ll stop ... now I’m romanticizing how much I miss him … about time they get those phones back, right?
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VPM PFC Thom's Mom - Ann
MCT-SD - Fox Company expected graduation 7/15/08
1st RTBN, Alpha Co., Plt 1002, MCRD-SD, 6/6/08
It's about "all" of us
Annandall
Posted - 07/06/2008 : 12:01:09
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I want to say thank to all that responded to the post on war, especially as a protection of freedom at given cost. Sandy – I know that I have tendencies to ruminate. My labels are multiple, depressive, and obsessive. Most often things are pretty ok, but then there are other times like with the thoughts of war things can feel overwhelmed. There’s a trick to keeping it in balance – with which help I can appreciate from a very good psychiatrist. He can’t take away the hard stuff, but he allows me a space to talk about it.
The reasoning in doing it here isn’t to stir controversy … more that this is a place where perhaps we can talk about things – and get others’ perspective. I’m in need of hearing a broader reality – figuring out how other people dealing with it, specially from the perspective of having loved ones so close. I can see that some handle the concerns by not focusing on it too much. I can appreciate that. I apologize in advance if I’m speaking more loudly here than I should. Thank you though for the allowance of space.
I’ve thought before how my life would be different if I’d been born into a different country. Whichever country I could have found myself, would most likely be the country that be most special. I think there is something healthy to be found in nationalism.
It’s like having a good social self-esteem. Now we’re thinking of countries being in severe need like parts of Africa where starvation and ill-health sometimes take over large populations of people. I’m glad to have food and health. Other countries are being torn by war and fighting threatening day to day survival. I’m glad to have relative safety in living day by day.
It seems that taken by this light freedom of health and movement bring home the point that we as a country are blessed. Not all our countrymen, but many. If we weren’t well protected maybe any tyrant could manipulate the system on his or her behalf. I’m glad for the protections offered, and I’m glad that other countries sustain more rights on behalf of our part in the global balance. I do much better at looking at the term of “peace-keepers.” I know times call sometimes for sacrifice of life to gain peace and freedom and I feel honored that such people exist. People in the service give of themselves such as do our sons.
I appreciate your service Brian both from the perspective of having been to war and then bringing up a son who would also take a place at the table. Maybe it helps to know that there is fear involved. It seems to humanize the experience of life and death. There is a certain respect of God for allowing me to “be here.” I worry about my strength in losing family members. I worry about the “take-aways.” It feels at this moment selfish. I can be made to see the valor in honor, service and duty. And, I’d hope in the case of a fatality to hold my head high because my loved one gave his best – it would have to be expected that in that case … I gave my best. Yes Brian, some things are worth fighting for and these responsibilities aren’t for the coward. I understand … thanks.
Purpose of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – I’ve got to study that more. I know we as a country have our ideals. Not sure I've seen a solution yet in working them all through either home or abroad. There are so many unmet needs. Seems like we're just holding ground. Is it getting better? Are people everywhere safer than before? Will the Earth be ok while we're looking forward to our other lofty ambition that preocupy priorities?
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VPM PFC Thom's Mom - Ann
MCT-SD - Fox Company expected graduation 7/15/08
1st RTBN, Alpha Co., Plt 1002, MCRD-SD, 6/6/08
It's about "all" of us
posted by Ann Marie @ 7/06/2008 12:20:00 PM
Comments: 0
