Sitting here tonight networking (Facebooking) and Cody's picture pops up on my phone then goes off. My heart flips and then I wonder what happened. I thought that he was trying to call me and his phone battery died. As I said in my previous post, his battery was almost gone and no charger available. I took a chance and called back. Then, I heard that beautiful voice that I so longed to hear. We did the casual small talk and he really sounded good. He hasn't started the basic training yet. He said it looks like it may be next Wednesday before they would be moved to their basic location. They are still having more people arrive and having to be processed. He had all his shots and lots of bloodwork done yesterday and said that he handled that very well. In the past, he has gotten pale and lightheaded when he has had to have blood drawn. On Thursday, he had Fire Watch at 3 am and thought that was kinda cool...but early. The day begins at 4 am and lights out at 8 pm.
Remember the guy that I told about in my first Post? His name is 'Tate' and he is at Fort Sill with Cody. Now, Tate left alone with his transporter and was headed to Memphis for MEPS, where Cody, Corey, and the 2 other guys were taken to Jackson. Cody said that he was walking around the base and low and behold, there was Tate! He said that Tate was a little jumpy and seemed kinda scared but looked like he was relieved to see a familiar face.
In one of their meetings, they were going over what to expect and what they were told when they signed, and many of them raised their hands when asked if the recruiter lied to them to get them to sign. Cody said that it was so many that actually raised their hand, that he raised his too so that he wouldn't be singled out for anything. But, he said that Sgt Moore had been straight up with him and had told him exactly like it would be. I can't imagine getting somewhere like that and finding out that everything that I had believed had been a lie.
I am so thankful for each and every call that I have gotten because all of them were not expected. Cody sounds so good and positive. We just talked for at least 30 minutes and this is really a first. Usually when we talk, it is just what needs to be said and nothing more but, this time, it was really different. I know there will be lots of changes in him when he gets back and look forward to seeing the man he is to become. I just hope he doesn't loose the Cody that he truly is...
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Unexpected contacts
Well, since Cody left on Monday, I've actually gotten to hear from him a few times which has been an unexpected pleasure. He had not intended to take his cell phone with him since he would have to turn it in at the base. At the last minute, he decided to take it. He didn't have a charger so, he said he would use it sparingly. He called before he went to bed on Monday and told me that he felt like he had turned into his Daddy. It was 8:00 and he was tired and going to bed...WOW...that is a first! His roomate for the night was actually an older guy that was married with four kids. I bet that goodbye was hard! When I woke up the next morning, I had a 'good morning. I love you!' message that truly made my day.
They went through their physicals and 'stuff' and were taken to the airport in Jackson around 11:30 and were left to wait on the flight out to Dallas at 3:55. A whole day sitting in an airport! So...after, I recieved update texts until he got to the base around 10:00 Tuesday. I didn't expect to get another call until later in the week but, was suprised to get one on Wednesday night. He really sounded up and ready to get started. Complained that everything was just taking so long...just like him to want to jump right in and get going.
I have really handled all of this well. I have suprised myself. I truly believe that it has been due to the prayers and kind words from friends and family that I have. I thank all of you that have been there for us. I know that this is just a stepping stone that people go through everyday, it's not something that I thought I would ever be facing. I have had contact from other parents that have kids in basic training right now that have been a big help. Hopefully, it will get easier everyday.
They went through their physicals and 'stuff' and were taken to the airport in Jackson around 11:30 and were left to wait on the flight out to Dallas at 3:55. A whole day sitting in an airport! So...after, I recieved update texts until he got to the base around 10:00 Tuesday. I didn't expect to get another call until later in the week but, was suprised to get one on Wednesday night. He really sounded up and ready to get started. Complained that everything was just taking so long...just like him to want to jump right in and get going.
I have really handled all of this well. I have suprised myself. I truly believe that it has been due to the prayers and kind words from friends and family that I have. I thank all of you that have been there for us. I know that this is just a stepping stone that people go through everyday, it's not something that I thought I would ever be facing. I have had contact from other parents that have kids in basic training right now that have been a big help. Hopefully, it will get easier everyday.
Monday, February 23, 2009
He's on his way
So, we left for Starkville this morning. He has an account at BankFirst where he has a debit card that he has to take with him. A couple weeks ago, we got a notice that there was an issue that warranted sending a new card. The new card came in and after he opened the envelope, he placed the card in his wallet (along with his old card and his dad's card). When he got to the bank to change his PIN, the card was gone. This was a week ago Wednesday. So, he got them to cancel the new card and reorder one with a rush on it... As of last Wednesday, the new card has still not come in...we called and checked Thursday and Friday. It finally came Saturday...whew! Long story short...we had to go by the bank to change the PIN since the following mail with the PIN had not arrived and boy did I loose it!! Ms Ethel Kinard came over and asked Cody when he was leaving. He told her that he was on his way now. I started the waterfalls and could not stop! Thank you Carol Reynolds...I needed your words of encouragement! Shelby was there patting me on the arm (probably embarrassed that her mom was acting a nut). I finally composed myself and boo hooed all the way to Starkville! Bless you Cody for putting up with your crybaby mom!
Once we got the the Army drop off site, we went inside and Cody knocked on the door. They let him in (sorta like they used to do at Mac's Supper Club). All I heard was "Boykin you're 14 minutes....". That scared me! I thought "oh no...now he's in trouble because I got the time wrong". They then opened the door and let us in and told me that he was actually 14 minutes early. Again whew! The guy and his family in front of us was getting all the info about basic and what to expect. They told this mother that her son would be going to basic, then AIT, then directly to Iraq...that made my heart flip. This mother did not know her son would be going! I thought "Oh NO!! Somebody just lied to us!" But, this guy did not sign up for College First. Another whew!!
Sargent Winters calmed a lot of my fears and seeing the interaction between Cody and the upperclassmen (whatever they are called) made me proud. They all told me that he and Hunter Brown were their favorites!!! Go guys! They were two of the best that they had had enlisted in a while. This came from several guys at different times throughout the day. All fears went away and I truly felt God's presence in this place! WOW!! I felt like I had just gotten a big ole hug and was wrapped in His love. I realize that there is a reason for this and Cody is being sent for something or someone. I can't wait to see what God has in store for him.
Thank you Hunter H and Taryn for coming and seeing him off. That truly kept my tears at bay. Just knowing the support he has from friends and family is awesome. He was constantly on the phone with people texting and calling wishing him well. He and I both had facebook posts as well as texts saying the same thing. I do appreciate all the care and concern.
Once we got the the Army drop off site, we went inside and Cody knocked on the door. They let him in (sorta like they used to do at Mac's Supper Club). All I heard was "Boykin you're 14 minutes....". That scared me! I thought "oh no...now he's in trouble because I got the time wrong". They then opened the door and let us in and told me that he was actually 14 minutes early. Again whew! The guy and his family in front of us was getting all the info about basic and what to expect. They told this mother that her son would be going to basic, then AIT, then directly to Iraq...that made my heart flip. This mother did not know her son would be going! I thought "Oh NO!! Somebody just lied to us!" But, this guy did not sign up for College First. Another whew!!
Sargent Winters calmed a lot of my fears and seeing the interaction between Cody and the upperclassmen (whatever they are called) made me proud. They all told me that he and Hunter Brown were their favorites!!! Go guys! They were two of the best that they had had enlisted in a while. This came from several guys at different times throughout the day. All fears went away and I truly felt God's presence in this place! WOW!! I felt like I had just gotten a big ole hug and was wrapped in His love. I realize that there is a reason for this and Cody is being sent for something or someone. I can't wait to see what God has in store for him.
Thank you Hunter H and Taryn for coming and seeing him off. That truly kept my tears at bay. Just knowing the support he has from friends and family is awesome. He was constantly on the phone with people texting and calling wishing him well. He and I both had facebook posts as well as texts saying the same thing. I do appreciate all the care and concern.
Getting Ready
Well, this is the day that I am supposed to be taking Cody to leave for Basic Training. Was having a little trouble sleeping so, I decided to create a blog for everyone to keep up with his progress. I plan on updating after every phone call or letter that I get.
Almost one year ago, Cody met me at Zaxby's and told me that he was thinking about joining the military. Although he has 'joked' about it in the past, I knew in my heart that he was serious this time. He explained that he was not doing this for the 'money' they were offering but, he truly wanted to have this experience. After many talks and getting him to check out different military divisions, he chose the Army National Guard. His dream was to fly helicopters but, this was not meant to be. While he was gone for his physical, I got a phone call one day at work. I was in North MS Medical Center ICU and recieved a call from Sgt Moore. This was kinda disturbing, so I stepped out and took it. He told me that Cody had just gone through his physical and they had found that he was color-blind. We had never known this and this scared me due to what would be told to me next. Sgt Moore went on to explain that Cody would not be able to do many things in the military due to this problem. Medic was one of the things that was now available (this is not available in any other military branch). He said that being colorblind would knock him out of being on the front lines or flying. After this sunk in, I asked him "Now what's bad about that?". He laughed and told me that this was probably good news for me but, Cody was upset because of his dream to fly.
So, here we are today.I'm getting ready to take him for a 7 month 'trip' and am having a hard time letting him go. I'm trying to be strong and not let him see the tears (tough at times). He will be going to Starkville today and be taken to Jackson tonight. There, he will be put up in the Marriott for the night, have a great meal, and have a mini-physical done tomorrow. From there, he will be taken to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He will be in Oklahoma for about 10 weeks. I will be making the trip to OK to see him graduate!! Woo Hoo!! He will then go to Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX for a 16 week Advanced Training for Medic. He is supposed to be home around the first week of September. I am also planning to go get him and BRING HIM HOME!!!
There WILL BE a party!!
Thanks for all the prayers that have been prayed so far. I have felt each and every one. When I have been on the verge of 'loosing it', there has been this strength that I cannot explain except that I am being lifted up! Thank God that Cody is your child and walks in your faith!
Almost one year ago, Cody met me at Zaxby's and told me that he was thinking about joining the military. Although he has 'joked' about it in the past, I knew in my heart that he was serious this time. He explained that he was not doing this for the 'money' they were offering but, he truly wanted to have this experience. After many talks and getting him to check out different military divisions, he chose the Army National Guard. His dream was to fly helicopters but, this was not meant to be. While he was gone for his physical, I got a phone call one day at work. I was in North MS Medical Center ICU and recieved a call from Sgt Moore. This was kinda disturbing, so I stepped out and took it. He told me that Cody had just gone through his physical and they had found that he was color-blind. We had never known this and this scared me due to what would be told to me next. Sgt Moore went on to explain that Cody would not be able to do many things in the military due to this problem. Medic was one of the things that was now available (this is not available in any other military branch). He said that being colorblind would knock him out of being on the front lines or flying. After this sunk in, I asked him "Now what's bad about that?". He laughed and told me that this was probably good news for me but, Cody was upset because of his dream to fly.
So, here we are today.I'm getting ready to take him for a 7 month 'trip' and am having a hard time letting him go. I'm trying to be strong and not let him see the tears (tough at times). He will be going to Starkville today and be taken to Jackson tonight. There, he will be put up in the Marriott for the night, have a great meal, and have a mini-physical done tomorrow. From there, he will be taken to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He will be in Oklahoma for about 10 weeks. I will be making the trip to OK to see him graduate!! Woo Hoo!! He will then go to Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX for a 16 week Advanced Training for Medic. He is supposed to be home around the first week of September. I am also planning to go get him and BRING HIM HOME!!!
There WILL BE a party!!
Thanks for all the prayers that have been prayed so far. I have felt each and every one. When I have been on the verge of 'loosing it', there has been this strength that I cannot explain except that I am being lifted up! Thank God that Cody is your child and walks in your faith!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
