West Point

My first day at West Point. This is crazy! I have been waiting for this moment for 4 years. Breathe it all in. Wow there is a lot going on. Glad I have my parents here. Basic training starts in two days and tomorrow will be the last time I get to see or talk to them for seven weeks. No problem. I can handle this. The campus is beautiful, that's definitely a plus. If I ever get homesick I will just let the scenery distract me. The school is on the Hudson river for Christ's sake. This place is sick. We're in line now to get...well I actually don't know what this line is for, but oh well. Dang my mind is everywhere today. Okay breathe Mark, just breathe. OK now I am a little nervous. What if I don't get through basic. No don't psyche yourself out Mark. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe...Oh front of the line (that was quick). It's just filling out forms...boring. I feel like I am about to jump out of my skin. I need to do something active. Calm. Breathe some more. Dang it, not working. Next line. Something dealing with uniforms or hair...oh whatever I can't focus. Wait there's a sign. "No Parent(s) or Guardian(s) past this point". Well I guess this is it. My mom's already crying...go figure. Just please don't make me cry mom. Dad trying to hold back any tears that may have built up...again, go figure, guys always seem to be that way. OK now hugs. Mom don't let me go just yet. Dad, you too. I'm gonna miss them. They are the solid and steady rocks in my life. This would be so much easier if I could talk to them over the next six weeks, but no, letters only. My mom promised to send me a letter a day so that'll keep me going. Everything will be fine. I just have to keep repeating that to myself. I will just just take things one day at a time. Now next line. This one I am in by myself. This line leads into the gym. First hair cut, then uniform, then learning all how to act. I walk into the gym to see rows of men and women learning to march. What the hell have I gotten myself into?