**UPDATE! Got a post card from Jude today. It was very short but he made a point to stress "Please do not send me care packages" so again I just want to stress - letters only. :) And NOT the kind that plays music! Thanks guys! (ps. His note also said that things were going "as expected" ... I'm guessing that's code for "I'm fine but this sucks.")
Well, Jude has been gone for a week and a day but it feels like an eternity!! I haven't gotten any letters yet but I won't give up hope until I check my mailbox tomorrow. If there is still no letter then, than he probably didn't have time to write this past Sunday (they are only allowed to write letters on Sunday during diving hours), and I'll just have to wait until next week. They say that week two is the worst part of boot camp because that's when the guys get yelled at the most and that's when the physical fitness and incentive training (extra physical exercise they have to do if they, or someone in their company, makes a mistake) is the worst. Jude worked really hard to be in great shape when he left, so I'm not as worried about the physical part as I am about the mental part. I'm sure he can handle it, I just don't like the idea of him being yelled at for no reason.
I did get to text him briefly when he as on the bus from the airport in Philly. He was with the rest of his company at that point, and he told me that is indeed the oldest guy in his company. The next youngest is 27, and then there was one guy who was 25, and then him. I'm not surprised- we all knew he'd be the old man. Lol! But he seemed in good spirits when he was texting so I was happy to hear that. I am sure he will make some lifelong friends out of this experience.
I have been writing to him every day since the day he left Montgomery. I also take a picture a day, mostly of Solomon, and I print it out at Walgreens and stick it in his letter. They pretty much know me and Sol by now since we go in there every day and pick up one photo. Lol! I just don't want Jude to feel like he is missing out on everything, so I write him about our day and any highlights. It has actually been cathartic for me too, as writing to him gives me a way to connect with him every day.
Some people were asking about if it was possible to write to Jude. It definitely is! Actually, it's recommended, especially in the beginning of training when things are so difficult for the recruits. If you would like to write, just keep in mind that it shouldn't be very long because he won't have a lot of time to read it. You are allowed to send pictures, but keep them small or print them right on the paper that you are writing on. Also do not send any packages- just letters. And DO NOT put anything on the outside like stickers or put it in a girly envelope. Only put the address on a plain envelope. You can send cards, just not the ones that make music!! If you break any of these "rules" Jude will pay for it with teasing and possibly extra incentive training, which of course, no one wants.
The address is:
SR Judah Clark
Bravo 187 Healy Hall
USCG Tracen Cape May
One Munro Avenue
Cape May, NJ 08204-5083
If you are even considering writing, let me encourage you- please do! It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Just chit chat, update him on the Red Sox or the Olympics, or send an encouraging scripture or quote. Really, whatever. Also, for those of you who are computer savvy, go to Treat.com. You can make a personalized card on there with wording or pictures and they will print it out and mail it for you! It's genius! And it costs about the same as buying a card at Walgreens and mailing it yourself. Use the coupon code FREETREAT a check out and get your first card free. No, I am not getting anything for this shameless plug- I just really thing that this company is pretty genius. :)
Lastly, if you are curious as to what Jude is doing every day you can watch this video. Also, thanks to everyone who has shown such love and support to us during this challenging time. It really has meant more than you know. :)
