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A life is lost
13 years ago
Hardship falls upon our command as the lose of one of our brothers in arms is being prepared to be flown home and laid to rest. The mortality of human life is always such a powerful, yet meek thing. How much it can endure and overcome can be so quickly dashed by tragedy. It happens by fate, by foe, by choice, and by chance. And in all times, when it comes down on those who do good and live in service to others, it can feel even more demoralizing and crushing.
One could argue I'm somewhat fortunate, being that we were not close, and shared formalities only briefly. It is however, regrettable that it's all we would have.
It's a back that I'll never have the honor of watching out for, and someone who won't be there to watch mine. It's knowing that crowds of family and friends will not greet all of my command when we return home, we will forever be lacking one more shipmate. One less pair of boots on the ground, one less set of hands on deck, and one spot within our ranks... that will be uncomfortably stood in by another.
It is within these times that we stand together, and with a heavy heart, acknowledge a loss to our service, our country, more notably... the loved ones left behind.
I hope this brings extra light to my previous journal of when we question life. Life is such an amazing and wonderful thing. It's the most important thing that you can NOT afford to lose, let alone just give up on. A life lost does not bring release. It does not leave you with freedom. It brings horrible horrible pain. It leaves misery and regret. A loss like that, a loss of life, brings a domino affect in all directions of pain and hardship. I ask here humbly and honestly, with great earnest... to please PLEASE value your life and to cherish those who are around you. If ever there was anything worth fighting for, it is life itself and the pursuit of its betterment. I beseech you, if ever in doubt to seek help. There are toll free numbers to dial, groups for support, clinics to help, and comforting hands to assist you that can be found in friends, family, and various community services.
In the past 30 days I've encountered at least three individuals with either attempted or contemplated suicides. Two I've talked with personally about, both of which are in more stable situations no, or at least I hope. But the third... the third is one that I was oblivious to and have since been separated from due to reasons shall remain unspoken so as to keep anonymity (but to be clear, it's not someone on here). Now sadly, I know I've encountered others with problems that feel so big they don't think they can handle them. There are those without the tell tail signs of sitting on the edge. Those among us who where a pretty mask everyday to hide their pain, and thus go without the much needed help and support they need. With that in mind, take some extra kind and effort to show kindness to strangers. Engage those who are just an acquaintance with the kind of pleasant nature that would make them think there are reasons to be glad to be alive. It doesn't take much to have a powerful affect. It can be very easy to mean a lot with very little effort.
I'm sorry that I'm not able to share more positive stories or random thoughts, but I thought this was more worthy of attention.
My very best to you all.
Blaits
One could argue I'm somewhat fortunate, being that we were not close, and shared formalities only briefly. It is however, regrettable that it's all we would have.
It's a back that I'll never have the honor of watching out for, and someone who won't be there to watch mine. It's knowing that crowds of family and friends will not greet all of my command when we return home, we will forever be lacking one more shipmate. One less pair of boots on the ground, one less set of hands on deck, and one spot within our ranks... that will be uncomfortably stood in by another.
It is within these times that we stand together, and with a heavy heart, acknowledge a loss to our service, our country, more notably... the loved ones left behind.
I hope this brings extra light to my previous journal of when we question life. Life is such an amazing and wonderful thing. It's the most important thing that you can NOT afford to lose, let alone just give up on. A life lost does not bring release. It does not leave you with freedom. It brings horrible horrible pain. It leaves misery and regret. A loss like that, a loss of life, brings a domino affect in all directions of pain and hardship. I ask here humbly and honestly, with great earnest... to please PLEASE value your life and to cherish those who are around you. If ever there was anything worth fighting for, it is life itself and the pursuit of its betterment. I beseech you, if ever in doubt to seek help. There are toll free numbers to dial, groups for support, clinics to help, and comforting hands to assist you that can be found in friends, family, and various community services.
In the past 30 days I've encountered at least three individuals with either attempted or contemplated suicides. Two I've talked with personally about, both of which are in more stable situations no, or at least I hope. But the third... the third is one that I was oblivious to and have since been separated from due to reasons shall remain unspoken so as to keep anonymity (but to be clear, it's not someone on here). Now sadly, I know I've encountered others with problems that feel so big they don't think they can handle them. There are those without the tell tail signs of sitting on the edge. Those among us who where a pretty mask everyday to hide their pain, and thus go without the much needed help and support they need. With that in mind, take some extra kind and effort to show kindness to strangers. Engage those who are just an acquaintance with the kind of pleasant nature that would make them think there are reasons to be glad to be alive. It doesn't take much to have a powerful affect. It can be very easy to mean a lot with very little effort.
I'm sorry that I'm not able to share more positive stories or random thoughts, but I thought this was more worthy of attention.
My very best to you all.
Blaits
You can only touch so many lives, guy... we cannot hope to help and save all of them out there that we DO touch. We can only try to be the best people we can; nurturing and helpful by example if nothing else.
I'm sorry for your loss of people... and I, as always, wish you well.