...Lex.
Since he's been coping with that whole "hanging up the spurs" thing. I will add a caveat - there are civilians, like AFSis, Princess Crabby, Brab, Bad Cat Robot, Ry, Boquisucio, MaryAnn to name a few, who will act like veterans will act. And people like Cassandra, HF6, Carrie and others, who, if they hang with us warriors long enough, are just as much a veteran as we are. Yes, there are some walls and fences created by experiences and an unwillingness to share certain of them, but we all live in the same neighborhood....
Since he's been coping with that whole "hanging up the spurs" thing. I will add a caveat - there are civilians, like AFSis, Princess Crabby, Brab, Bad Cat Robot, Ry, Boquisucio, MaryAnn to name a few, who will act like veterans will act. And people like Cassandra, HF6, Carrie and others, who, if they hang with us warriors long enough, are just as much a veteran as we are. Yes, there are some walls and fences created by experiences and an unwillingness to share certain of them, but we all live in the same neighborhood....
Blogging veterans will spare your email server and just post it. H/t, Dr. Bob, via Mike L.When a good Veteran leaves the "job" and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder.
We wonder if he knows what they are leaving behind, because we already know.
We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.
We know in the Military life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet.
We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life.
We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.
These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the Military world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing.
Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the "job" and merely being allowed to leave "active" duty.
So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that "Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called children of God," and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.
Civilian Friends vs. Veteran Friends
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will kick the crowds' ass that left you behind.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Are for life.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences...
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences No citizen could ever dream of...
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, "You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!!" Then carry you home safely and put you to bed...
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will knock the hell out OF THEM..... For using your name in vain.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will forward this.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Ask you if you want a refill, since they're heading for the coffee machine anyway...
VETERAN FRIENDS: Know why you'll have a set of dress blues hanging in the closet LONG afetr you do retire.
I'm glad you know I'll act like the veterans.... because the "Veteran Friends" responses are the ones I connected with.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will be in the same cell with you, arrange for both of your bails, AND get the charges "MYSTERIOUSLY" dropped.
I thought civilian friends would be asking how much is the pay for a Soldier of Fortune tm.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.
That may be dangerous if you do it with BillT's stuff.
Btw, Bill, you are poking around the garden. The Garden of Eden and the Cradle of Civilization.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Absolutely refuse to simply STFU! They fear silence
VETERAN FRIENDS: Don't ask, because they'd go too, given the chance, just to make sure you are surrounded by folks who know what they're doing. Instead, they shake your hand with a whistful look, and say "Good hunting... See you when you get back."
VETERAN FRIENDS: Know exactly what you didn't say.
You are so right. And that "Veteran Friend" answer is the hardest one for those of us who have never been there/done that to give. I'm not saying I don't understand it, because I do... it's just damn hard to see the ones you love go to war. You encourage them with a deep pang in your heart, and secretly hope that it's just as hard for them to leave you as it is to watch them go.
Thanks for confusing me with the first group, I however think of myself on the latter group, Massa John
And then there are those of us civilians who understand why you go, love you for wanting to go (among other reasons), and are happy to see you settle into the role you have understaken with confidence and satisfaction. And in the part of our hearts we never talk to you about... we hope you break your leg the day before you're supposed to deploy. ;)
In all seriousness, stay safe--both before AND after.
See you in Vegas, maybe.