Jeanne PhillipsDEAR ABBY: My son and I are very close. He joined the Marine Corps (a decision I fully support) and shipped out recently.
I had read on a Marine family site that frequent letters from home are encouraged, so I had letters written even before I got his mailing address. I sent off three letters the day I got his address and another one three days later.
They always start off with a supportive declaration (“I’m proud of you. You can do this.”) before moving on to what I hope are amusing anecdotes about what’s going on at home. I avoid topics that would make him homesick. I sign the letter with the initials of my son’s nickname for me.
Last night, another family member told me I’m writing too often (that person has written one letter so far and plans to wait at least a week before sending another). That family member said that the drill instructors and other recruits will notice and label my son a “mama’s boy.”
This has caused me significant distress. Please tell me which is right: the website that recommends frequent letters or my family member who advocates cutting back drastically? – MOM OF A MARINE