Talk to me now I’m older July 4, 2009
Posted by imfb in Deployment.trackback
This week, along with the shipment of fresh fruits (finally), came the mail that has been a month in coming. As my birthday fell during the earlier part of the month without mail there were quite a few birthday gifts and cards mixed in with the batch (I’m actually impressed by people who managed to get cards to me before the mail was turned off because it evidences some real forward thinking, I’m looking at you, by the way).
And my birthday? Was a lot of fun. I spent it with some great friends, saw some amazing sites, and generally enjoyed myself. It was a relaxed day on the ship, which gave free time to take in the scenery, wander around, and generally enjoy myself.
It struck me the other day though, that as I spent this birthday deployed, I’ll be spending my next one deployed too. The years will mirror each other in odd ways. I’ll spend 6-7 months of this year and 6-7 months of next year deployed, far from home, off enjoying new places.
I miss things about home though. I miss decent food, a comfortable bed, beer, watching the Red Sox, and spending time with MD and MG (misfit dog and misfit girl, respectively). A good friend mentioned the other day that it feels like it should still be April at home, as if things should have paused when we pulled away from the pier. This is certainly true. It seems like I should be able to return home and have nothing changed.
This is really a competing impulse though. The other night I stood out on the side of the ship and watched a magnificent thunderstorm light up the skies over a gorgeous tropical landscape. Right then, watching the spectacular site unfold in front of me, I realized how much I love what I do, despite any sacrifices involved.
I hope everyone enjoys the holiday!
Ah! Happy birthday!! If I had known, I would have mailed you PB!
Thunderstorms always amaze me. I love them, especially from a warm cozy place inside. I bet it would have been amazing with your view!
You should have seen this thunderstorm! I’ve never seen lightning like this. You would have enjoyed it.
aw, Happy Belated Birthday!! i hope it was wonderful!
do you guys celebrate The 4th in the middle of wherever you are?
… oh and the password business was because i was sloppy and didn’t edit a vital piece of information on something i posted… i tried to save face quickly
Killing me Jenny, haha.
We didn’t celebrate too much, it was a working day but we had an ice cream social.
Those moments of pure happiness with life, contentment with circumstances, and acknowledgment that where we are is exactly where we’re meant to be … they’re rare, but they’re wonderful. Hold onto that.
And I’m so glad your birthday was a good one!
MD and MG have certainly had their experiences over the last months, but I’d wager that once you’re back home, you’ll realize that not so much has changed after all.