Monday
Matthew shipped out yesterday on a greyhound bus at 1310 headed to Sacramento California. When he left he kept himself quite well composed, though it was still easy to see the reluctance in his eyes. After a few goodbye hugs and kisses to his little sister, his mother, his girlfriend, and myself, Matthew boarded the bus. Determined to keep everybody in good spirits Matthew jokingly pinned a sign to his window which read "Bomb on bus! Can't go blow 50 MPH!" After a few nervous giggles and then some real laughter we all waved and the bus began to back out. Moments before the bus left our view he pinned another sign to the window; this one read "Help Me" This time there was no laughter and a few of us were on the verge of tears. As the bus rounded the corner we all saw the miserable look that had donned his face, and he offered a final meek goodbye wave.
Once the bus arrived in Sacramento Matthew took a taxi to a Holiday Inn where he spent a little bit of time. Once at the hotel Matthew also called home (thank goodness for phone cards). He didn't sound as miserable or melancholy over the phone but it was still evident that he was still nervous and not enjoying himself. He asked that I tell all of you "Hello," and to remind you that "It's only 17 weeks."
Tuesday
Today Matthew arrived in Kentucky. It is to the best of my knowledge that he spent most of the day in Reception and received a series of briefings about what to expect the coming weeks. Following that the recruits should have made a quick trip to th Amnesty Rooms and then get their sheets and head to bed for their first night in Ft. Knox barracks. I expect Matthew to write either tonight or tomorrow night, and I will post the letters the day I receive them. However, it may be a while until he has a return address so that I may write him back.
Monday
First and foremost I would like to appologize for the long delay and for the change in the webpage address. I experienced plenty of difficulty from the AOL webpage service (go figure, its AOL) and on top of that my personal computer decided this would be a great time to stop sending e-mails. Despise those problems, everything should be smooth sailing here out. I would also like to thank Greg Chisholm for his help on getting this new page going.
Now that that is taken care of it is time for the updates that you all wanted to hear about. Still no letter or phone call from Matthew. To be honest I am getting a bit worried, though as his father I think it is in my job description. Most likely he hasn't had much free time, and is beyond doubt very fatigued, both mentally and physically. As soon as I receive a letter or any word from him I will post it. While it may not be much consolation I have added a new page to the site which tells the Basic Training Schedule, and also added a countdown clock until the latest possible day he would be home.
Friday
The first letter from Matthew arrived yesterday. Another letter should arrive next week; though I will not be able to post it until I get back from a trip I am taking. I appologize in advance for this, but I ensure you that as soon as I am back in town I will update the page. If do not wish to receive updates via e-mail please contact me and I will remove your name from the list.