So I've come to realize that the man I reunite with on April 29th will be a new man. The same man, but a new one. One filled with loyalty, respect and devotion to duty to the United States Coast Guard. An even better man than the one I had to walk away from Monday night, leaving him in a dank Sacramento hotel to wait bravely for the unknown. As if this woman could get any luckier.
Neil shipped out to boot camp in Cape May, NJ at 3am Tuesday, March 8th. He'll graduate the day before his 29th birthday. I couldn't be prouder of all he's accomplished to get to this point, the hurdles he's overcome and handled with grace and dignity. He's amazing now, and I can't wait to meet Neil 2.0.
Just to give you an idea of what will happen over the next eight weeks. (All photos are copyright of the US Coast Guard. I'm borrowing them from their Flickr photostream).
Since I can't be there to photograph Neil myself, I can only assume his experiences will be similar to those of other recruits:
His bus ride to base probably looked a lot like this:
His first night probably looked something like this, waiting to do paperwork and be issued his gear.
My mom was worried about him not having a jacket, so I had to show her that he'll be issued winter gear should the weather require it. "Issued" means "deducted from his paycheck."
He'll be learning a lot in a classroom similar to this. Bootcamp isn't all about physical exhaustion ... it's a mental workout too.
He'll have to learn to climb a rope and ring a bell. I'm worried for him with this challenge. :)
He'll also learn how to be a fireman, and to put out fires on boats. I find it ironic that boats catch on fire.
I'm hoping he'll be asked to volunteer for the Recruit Honor Guard or Drill Team while he's there. They do a demo during the graduation ceremony and wouldn't that be an awesome surprise.
Anyway, the lack of contact is slowly killing me, but I've come to realize that writing about my day to him just as if I were talking about it has become very therapeutic. I carry a notebook around with me everywhere in case I think of something throughout the day to revisit in a letter. He told me to write to him about mundane tasks so that he can get a sense of normalcy in his crazy new environment. Tomorrow's update will pertain to the newest episode of Jersey Shore. I told him to wave at Pauly D and Vinny for me. I really wish I could send him videos too because the new Charlie Sheen updates are amazing.
Anyway, Neil, I love you more and miss you every second.
49 days and a wake up left.
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