<p>I’d like to second Ann’s words and add that the letter you get probably doesn’t match the feelings of your new cadet at the time you read it. They experience extreme highs and lows (everyone) and vacillate between the two quickly. So if you get a letter (or even phone call) that has your son or daughter in the deepest darkest place, that can change completely by the time you have digested it. Likewise if they wrote how much they love it, a phone call even later the day you read the letter may have them telling you they hate the place and don’t think they can take it much longer. Just roll with it and remember to keep that seat belt firmly fastened!! 
There are parts of this that seem harder for us as parents than it is for them. There are some kids that dump everything on you, and some that choose to not give voice those feelings, but they ALL feel them at some point. It is part of what brings them so close to one another.</p>