Page 31 of Running Risk

CLAYTON: THEN

Dear Mom,

I’ve met some pretty great people at Camp Pendleton.

They have my back, and I know that will give you a little relief while I’m here.

Our drill instructor is strict, but I’m learning a lot from him.

I can see how much he wants us to learn and be the best we can be.

I’ve told a few of my friends here about you, and they’re always ragging on me that I’m a momma’s boy.

The food isn’t bad. They want to make sure we bulk up, but I miss your cooking every day.

I hope you understand why I had to do this. I know it hurts you, and I’m sorry for that. I can’t be anything like him, and it feels like this is where I need to be.

I still have ten more weeks of infantry training. Running has been a big part of our training, so it’s nice to still have that consistency in my daily life. I’m sending a few pictures so you can see my life here. The weather in California is nicer than I expected.

Make sure to show the twins because I don’t want them to forget me while I’m gone.

Please write and tell me . . . how is she?

Love you,

Clay