My Son The Alien

Hi Molly and Colonel Wierman!

Wow, it’s been 2 weeks since you sent my son back (or an alien can’t quite figure out if it’s him or not). I’ve been wanting to write every day to thank you and each day I hear, see, experience one more thing with Sammy that has to do with his camp experience! Everything you said happened! He came home a new young man and it was a life changing experience for him. He said he will never complain about his life again. Colonel he talks about you all the time, he has the highest respect for you. He’s told me your story, he told me about church on Sunday’s and how much he enjoyed the singing and what you had to say. “If things arent going your way, change what you are doing”. Everything you instilled in him are things I’ve been trying to teach him (of course coming from your mom isn’t always as effective). He’s had some fair male influences at school, but nothing like you. His teachers are much too liberal. This is just what we all needed. I still can’t get over it. He’s so proud to be sporting his high and tight (just like the colonel) for his first day of high school tomorrow. He shared with us that when he wants to date he needs to ask the parents first. Believe me everything stuck. We are even having bacon day once a week. I feel like I know some of the fellow campers, he tells so many stories about them.

He has so much self control now and respect. He has been able to walk away from confrontations with his siblings. He used to be a chronic complainer and I haven’t heard any complaining until yesterday and it was extremely minor.

I tried to prepare him for what camp was like and it still wasn’t enough, because he said the first few days was not what he expected, but he said he ended up really liking it and would like to go back next year. He said he wanted to go back to do some of the things that he didn’t get a chance to experience due to non-compliance of others. I told him he could be in the same boat next year. Have you ever thought about having a camp for returners? Even if it’s for a shorter period of time? Or over holiday break? Or maybe we can rent the colonel for a long weekend or 2? J I’m serious about some type of return. Sammy was a good kid I knew he had so much more in him – You’ve made this single mom of 4 children so happy and proud.

Sammy finally understands my situation and what I’ve been trying to show/tell him for a number of years.

Like I said before, I left the orientation and had a huge weight taken off me once I realized the colonel really had the boys best interest at heart. It was so great to know that he understands what us mothers go through and how hard it is leaving our boys in someone else’s hands. My friends and family were surprised at how well I handled my 3 weeks.

Once again, I can’t thank you and your staff enough. It’s almost hard to believe how happy my son is. Totally different outlook on life.

Let me know about any additional camps!!

Prayers for you and your family tonight!



Jodie Sullivan