On The Home Front - A weekly summary for when Jon gets home from the Marines!

Today I begin a new entry to my family journal. This entry is for Jon. As may know already that Jon has left for the Marines - boot camp. He has enlisted as a reservist and will spend the next thirteen weeks in training. He will wake up before dawn, eat double rash-ins, exercise, run, climb and jump (much like what he did all during his childhood) and be commanded to breath, talk, "drop and give up 50" as well as learn how to repeat every other commanding instruction. Well Jon, you will certainly appreciate family chores once again...they are a whole lot easier!

This week we said farewell. Sunday we had lunch with the family and recited our favorite childhood memory. You showed us your childhood impressions like Smart Guy and Steve Urcle. You showed us how you will march and stand at attention. Later we took you out for dinner in Indianapolis. I think your were nervous but you covered it up well. We tried to hide our fear and concerns as well. How did we do? We spent the drive home that night with tears in our eyes. Not because we were sad but the pride we have for you just seeped out in our tears.

Occasionally we would tear up during the week but whenever we had a chance to tell people what you were doing, we showed our pride. We did the dishes and took out the trash and picked up socks; Josslyn took your turn. We watched LOST without you but I will save it on the DVR for when you return. Jeremiah has already taken over the van and wants to start driving it; he will get his license with weekend. The house is actually really quiet - hmmm, I wonder why?

Well, I gotta go. I will keep you informed of what you are missing. We are counting the days that we get your first letter. Oh, by the way, several people have commented on mom's facebook with remarks about you. Others are missing you too!