More care package info

There is a web site, marineparents.com, that gives very specific information. It is vital information. Too much to write here. Hope this helps.
Julie

mailing address

For security reasons I have deleted Steven's mailing address. Call me if you want it.

Thanks
Julie

Ideas for care packages

Hi everyone,
I started talking to a Marine in Target,(I know, wierd), anyway, he gave me some good ideas for care packages. The following list contains some of his "top picks":
Baby wipes - lota and lots
Foot powder
body powder
beef jerky - lots and lots
trident gum
floss
Irish Spring soap
razors
powder shaving creme (they have such a thing and I found it at Target)

I am sending a package in the next day or so.
I am also trying to stay busy because I feel the sadness wellning up. It's more like irritable for now.
Thanks for all your thoughts
THE mom

He's off

Hi All. As far as I know Steven left this morning at 5am. He had 2 delays which really made things even more difficult for all of us. I don't want him to go but I didn't like the push-me pull-you thing the Marines had going on. I know his motomail address is up and running. Keep him in your thoughts!
with love,
THE mom

the send off

Well, we went up to Pendleton for family day. We got to check out his "ride" aka Light Armored Vehicle. We ate lunch. Then we ALL came home. It turns out, Steven gets to sleep in his own bed for one more night. So he just stopped by before 7pm, dropped off his truck for safe keeping and I held my son and tried really hard not to cry. I failed. He is such a strong and amazing person. He told ME I could do it! Sheesh! I wrote him a letter last night saying all the things I wanted him to know because I knew I would cry today! Finally, I told him to play nice with the other Marines in the Sandbox. We laughed and hugged some more. It is very surreal.
Julie

Camp Leatherneck

Hi everyone,
this is where Steven will be stationed. I think snow and cold will be the main feature! Maybe we can send blankies and beanies! I will post his mailing address soon.
Julie

To watch or not to watch

Hi everyone. I was just watching the news about the unstable Afghan government. It made me mad and even more anxious. I am not sure if watching the news will be of any use to me. I have the feeling it will make me nuts, and yet I feel like I have to watch. Your thoughts?
Julie

Steven is home

Steven is home on leave before he deploys. I am so excited to spend time with him. I am also dreading his departure. How does a mom let her son go into harms way? I know it's his life to live. I love and support him 100% percent. I have been through many emotions since I first found out he wanted to be a Marine: sadness, anger, frustration and then finally acceptance. I decided to write this blog to share my journey as a mom through this most difficult time.