The call

I had the phone close by my side yesterday. It was on the kitchen counter when I cooked, then it was placed on the dining table while we ate. Even when I was bent over the kitchen sink washing the dishes, the phone was within my reach. I was waiting for that call.

I held on to the phone when I walked Rusty. It didn't ring during the walk. I came back, took a quick shower to find that I didn't have any missed calls. I began to wonder if field camp was indeed over.

Then the phone rang at 9.11pm. Yes, it was from YK! I tried to sound cool, not like the anxious mother. Despite the tough exercise, he sounded cheerful and well. They had just returned to the bunk. He hadn't showered but chose to call me first.

"The training was really siong (tough)! I read your letter and I cried buckets. Did you receive mine? Sorry if my letter is all muddy and dirty, I tried my best to keep it clean."

He doesn't get to come home until this weekend. He warned me that he will bring back a huge load of muddy and stinky clothes but I'm happy to help with the washing knowing that he's safe and well.

I hurried to the letterbox and found the letter. The one-page letter was the most touching thing I've received from my son. He wrote that he's thankful for all that I've done and that he'll love me forever. He promised that he will be strong and brave and protect me should the day come.

This is one area I'm grateful to the army for. I've heard some wonderful stories of army boys gone good. A friend's nephew stopped communicating with his parents when he became a teenager. After undergoing training in the army, he has grown close to his parents and grandparents.

Another friend's son gave part of his first army pay to his grandmother to show his love and appreciation for all she had done for him.

It is heartwarming to see such transformation in our young men. Now I feel quite sorry that the girls are missing out. There must be some ways to transform them too.