First Letter

Dear Mom,

I hope you’re doing well. We finally got to start writing letters, thank God. I miss you, and hope that you’re doing well, along with everyone else back home. It’s been a rough few weeks, I won’t lie. They made us crawl in the mud, and run in the rain. And, that’s only the beginning of it. I still have another month to go, until I graduate. But, on the brighter side of things, I’ve made a few friends here from all over the country! It’s interesting how different yet similar we are. There’s this one guy named Fisher who helped me learn how to condition in combat and environmental training as well. I’m sorry that I can’t write for long, due to us continuing our training. But, I promise I’ll write more!

Love, your son, Juanito.

Second Letter

Dear Juanito,

I’m happy to hear that you’re okay! I’ve been worried that something might have happened to you during your training. Everyone is proud of you, and proud of your decision for doing this. I’m very proud of you too. I’m just worried about it all. You’re my baby boy after all. I’m doing well. Just been cleaning the house and watching my shows. I don’t know if you want me to pack a few of your things, so that they’ll be ready for you to take after you graduate? So, let me know in your next letter. I also found an old picture of the family together while you were in high school. I’ll send it to you soon, along with this letter. Some of your friends are asking about you, and hope you are getting through training. They can’t wait for you to come home, so that they can celebrate. Erick, from down the street asked me personally about you, and when you’d be back. What a sweet boy, he even helped me carry my heavy groceries. I love you dearly my son, and no matter what, please take care of yourself. ¡Dios te bendiga siempre, mijo!

Love,

Mom.

Third Letter

Dear Juanito,

I hope you’re doing well. The last couple of letters you’ve sent me have really worried me. I wish I could talk to you and help you. I feel helpless. Have you talked to a doctor or your Chaplain, about how you’ve been feeling? It’s not right for you to feel this way, and have it go untreated. It could be something more than just fatigue, mijo. I’m sorry for being so worrying. But, it’s a mother’s job to worry about her child, and you’re my only child.

I’ve been trying to “stay positive” as you said though, and have had some of my friends over to help me. Do you remember Isabella? She introduced me to this new show she loves called, “One Tree Hill.” We talk about it every week, when the new episode comes on. She’s helped me a lot, since you’ve been gone, and I feel blessed to have her. Her hijo, Erick, asks about you as well. So, make sure you try to get a hold of him, when you get back! I hope you have a chance to call me soon. I miss you, and love you with all of my heart. Please, stay safe and make a lot of friends in your platoon. It could help you cheer up a little bit.

Con abrazos y besos,

Mom.

Letter to Erick

Dear Erick,

Hey bud, how has everything been for you? I know we haven’t talked in a minute, but I miss you man. It’s been pretty rough over here with how tense everyone has gotten. Enough about the bad though, and on to the good! I’ve made a few friends while being out here and get this, some of them even went to the same school as us! Isn’t that crazy? I’ve been to places I’ve NEVER thought I’d visit. I wish you could see it man. Maybe, someday when I’m done with this bullshit we can go on a trip or two. Well, I have to go for now, but I’ll wait for you to write back to me brother. Can’t wait to see you soon. The first thing I’m going to do when I get back is eat a giant carne asada burrito, the size of my head!

From, your brother, Juan

Letter to Juan

Dear Juan,

What’s up fool? I’m proud of you for serving your country, and for learning to stand on your own feet. I’m making some real money moves myself. I can’t really write or talk about it. But, you’ll see what’s up when you get here. I’m working with some old school players from around the way. I wish I could have joined you. But, the Marine recruiter said that my GED wasn’t a real high school diploma. He said that it “proved that I had already given up on something in my life.” I can’t disagree with him, either. But, I’m ready to be a man, and to make some life changes that will change me and mom’s life forever. I promise you, that we will get as many burritos as you want! Besides, your mom showed me your Boot Camp photo, and you looked too damn skinny! For real, I couldn’t even believe that it was you at first. Alright homie, stay clean and stay safe, and I’ll see you soon enough. Peace

Your brother from another mother,

Erick.