When I left for basic at 17 years of age, my father took me to the airport. He retired 26 years in the military, and although he was a wonderful Dad, he was never for being too sentimental.
When it was time to get on the plane, he shook my hand and said "See you later". And that was it. Not that there wasn't a bond between my father and I, but I later understood that he knew that I'd be taken care of, and that I was no longer a boy needing reassurances. And he was right.
When I was in basic, I received one letter, and that was from my mother. I can't say that I wasn't disappointed at each mailcall, but I was just fine.
When things got bad, I turned to those around me (and that built the TEAM), and to the man that I was becoming. Because of this, when I did graduate, the sense of accomplishment that I felt was beyond words.
My parents built the base, and they trusted the man in me to get the job done.
Basic training is a time that you need to be 110% focused. Even though you have the best of intent by trying to keep close contact, know too that you can very easily put alot of pressure on [u]him[/u] at a time when he doesn't need it.
Know that HE WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF by the most professional Marines that the Corps has.
Remember that hardship builds character, and will make his accomplishments that much more rewarding to him.
Chris