Yesterday was Liberty Sunday for Erick and his fellow Alpha Company recruits. Liberty Sunday is 3 hours of free time for the almost graduates. They get to eat regular food (there are a few restaurants, a subway and a deli/convenience store), call home, talk to each other and generally hang out. Oh, and they are allowed to smile :) He called home yesterday afternoon and mom said he sounds great and upbeat and can't wait to see us all on Thursday. She said he sounded hoarse, probably from all the "YES SIR. NO SIR." shouting. She asked if he is uber skinny and he said he's actually gained weight, all muscle of course and he has a new haircut, I can't remember the name of it, but only people who have finished The Crucible can get it and he remembered seeing guys with this particular haircut when he got there and couldn't wait to be "that guy" and now he is!
He also said that all of the mail he received is what got him through. He loved getting letters and cards. He said he reads and re-reads his mail. He said without all of the mail and support he wouldn't have been able to do it. So thank you all SOOO much for all of your support and for writing to him. It really means a lot. Our family and friends are amazing and we are so blessed to have all of you in our lives. THANK YOU!
