The United States Military Academy requires its cadets to send a letter out to parents within the first few days of Beast (Cadet Basic Training).
Today we were overjoyed to get a coveted letter from our son.
We haven’t been able to talk to Nate since our farewells. Apparently next week we will get a 10 minute call from him. I will be sitting by the phone on the specified days and potential times until I get to hear his voice.
In the meantime, a one-page handwritten letter will suffice. In the letter, Nate indicated he had a tough day and received a lot of “personal attention.” One thing you don’t want at West Point is “personal attention.” The mom in me wants to make the 12 hour trek in my mini-van and just pick up my boy but that’s not what he wants or needs. He will prove it to himself that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him.
What Nathan needs is prayer.
Specifically for his big toe.
He smashed it a few days ago and it has turned purple. This might seem like a strange prayer request but for a new cadet going through Beast (Basic Cadet Training), it’s a huge deal.
I cut my big toe on my honeymoon in Portugal, and trust me, big toes are very useful.
For the remainder of my honeymoon in Portugal and Spain, I walked around with stitches on the bottom of my big toe. That’s when I learned the value of phalanges.
My son is learning the truth behind God’s Word found in Psalm 139:14 “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” He needs his big toes and probably will never take them for granted again.
If you read this post, please lift my boy, head to toe, inside and out, body and spirit up to the Lord along with all the other cadets.
My Awesome Olive Shoots 
I understand the pain involved in big toe injuries! I will be praying.
We’re praying for Nate and his big toe! Ouch! Love you my dear sister and am praying for you and that nothing stands between you and that phone call. God will be faithful…he always is.
Poor guy! Yes, we are praying for him – head to big toes! I just wrote him another letter. I hope it cheers him!
We are praying for Nate and his toe!
Hello! My husband (class of ’93) got the e-mail from AGOC today with a link to your blog. We have had fun looking through it. I feel for your aching heart, but I also know your God and He is absolutely more than able in all circumstances! I pray he will continue to hold you close, and know that your son (yes, even at Beast – I’ve heard it’s a beast!) is most safe in the palm of HIS hand. 🙂 God bless you!