There is nothing in this world that can replace a best friend. They are the person that you do everything with; anytime something happens they are the first person you want to tell. They know all of your secrets -- bottom line, they are your person. Therefore, having them uprooted from your life is one of the hardest things to go through. Many individuals choose to serve their country, and all of them deserve honor and praise. However, they have to leave people behind: parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, friends, and best friends. All of a sudden, the person that had your back is halfway across the country without a phone or any effective form of communication.
As a person whose best friend is currently at basic training, I can tell you that it is hard. Every day, things happen that I want to tell her about immediately, but then I remember that I can’t. My amazing friend happened to be my roommate as well, so I often roll over in the middle of the night to tell her something and she’s not there. I want to write letters every night, but I figure two letters a week is enough to keep her caught up. This situation is nothing like being separated by distance alone. At least in those situations you can text, call, Facetime, Snapchat, see what they're up to on social media, and drive to see them. But in this situation, she has no phone and I can’t go visit.
Basic training is only two months long; afterwards, she will get her phone back, but that is a long time to be without your best friend. For those who are going through similar situations, it’s important to remember that it’s not forever, even if it feels like it is. Maybe you can’t be in constant contact, but you can write letters and still feel connected to them. Mostly you just have to be supportive of your friend, just like they would support you. Being in the military will be one of their biggest adventures in life, and it is your job as a friend to be there for them. As a friend, if you are willing to be there for the small moments, you have to be there for the big ones as well, and vice versa. Yes, you are going to miss them, but it’s important to them, so it should be important to you as well, and trust me -- they miss you, too.
Additionally, it’s imperative to not be offended if you don’t receive letters back. Cadets are spending all day at drills and only have a little down time at the end of the night. Often this time is dedicated to showers, cleaning the bunk area, and studying. Very little time is left for letter writing. Keep sending the letters, because it’s going to be a highlight in your friend’s week. Just don’t get discouraged if return letters are few and far between. It doesn’t mean they aren’t thinking about you or that they don’t love you; it simply means they are busy. A helpful tip for letter writing is to keep a list of all the things you want to talk about so you don’t miss anything.
My best friend has been gone for two weeks. I’ve looked up the basic training timetable so I know exactly what she is up too, and I write to her every few days. It’s going to be hard to be without your best friend, but it is survivable. Remember to be supportive of your friend’s decision and be conscious of how busy they will be while away. Keep in mind you have other people in your life as well; you’re not going to be alone when they leave and you’re not losing them forever. Keep writing letters and before you know it, they will have a phone again and you can communicate. I am so proud of my friend and you should be just as proud of yours!
